DALLAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Collin County Genealogy Meeting
2023-11-08 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Patti Huff Smith, Director of Marketing, Dallas Genealogical Society

Topic: Using Social Media to Find & Attract Descendants of our Ancestors

Learn how to use social media for genealogy research and connect with livingdescendants of your ancestors.

Register in advance for the meeting.

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Patti Huff Smith is the Director of Marketing at the Dallas Genealogical Society and holds her membership there. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogical Society, Texas State Genealogical Society, and counties in Texas where her roots run deep: Bosque, Hill, Johnson, Navarro, and Central Texas Genealogical Society in Waco, Texas. Patti uses traditional genealogy research skills and the latest tools in genetic genealogy technology. She manages 62 DNA kits for her immediate and extended family. Using DNA, she has solved some of her own family’s mysteries. She has also located biological families for clients using their DNA combined with research and DNA matching tools from Ancestry.com and GEDmatch.com.

Patti has developed 12 genealogy and DNA-related programs to inspire audiences in their genealogy journey and help others understand and make sense of their DNA results.

Patti received the “Volunteer of the Year” award from Dallas Genealogical Society in 2019.

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2023-11-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Zula B. Wylie Public Library, 225 Cedar Street, Cedar Hill, TX, 75104, United States
Speaker: Jim Thornhill

Topic: Take a Deep Dive in the U.S. Census

This is a thorough look at all 16 censuses and what you can learn from them. Includes the non-population schedules, enumeration district maps and real-life examples.

About the Speaker: Jim Thornhill has been researching his family’s history for 15 years, three of those as a professional genealogist.

Our Meeting begins at 7:00pm Thursday, November 9th but please join us at 6:30 PM for socializing, free genealogy help, and snacks. Admission is free and guests are always welcome.

2023 TxSGS Family History Conference
2023-11-10 08:00 - 2023-11-11 17:00 | TX
Join us virtually for the 2023 TxSGS Family History Conference, where we focus on Roots and Branches: Climbing Your Family Tree. On Friday and Saturday, November 10-11, 2023, TxSGS Live! features ten presentations by some of the top speakers in genealogy on research techniques, records, DNA, and more.

DPL: Veterans Oral History Project at Dallas Public Library
2023-11-14 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

The Dallas Public Library Genealogy & History Division is proud to launch a regional Veterans Oral History Project for the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. U.S. military veterans, support staff and veteran family members are invited to share their firsthand experiences in order to preserve their stories for future generations. Learn about this new project and how military service experiences can add depth to your family history research.

Participants will receive their video interview on a DVD or USB and have the option of adding their interview to the Dallas Public Library’s Oral History Collection and the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.

The Veterans Oral History Project at Dallas Public Library is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the General Levi Casey Chapter, NSDAR.

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DPL: Tell Your Family Stories
2023-11-28 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

In partnership with Vivid-Pix Education, the Genealogy & History Division presents Tell your Stories with Laura Hedgecock, President of GeneaBloggers. In this abbreviated course, learn how to choose family photos to help tell a story, use guided reminiscence to elicit stories from loved ones, and hone your storytelling skills. Learn how to recall, retell, and share the moments that matter and tell your family stories in a way that will engage future generations.

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DPL: Researching Holiday Traditions
2023-12-12 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Opening presents the night before Christmas, eating grapes on New Year’s Eve…what can your family’s holiday traditions tell you about your heritage? The way a family gives gifts and celebrates the winter holiday season holds important stories written in between the lines of our genealogy. Learn more about documenting your family’s holiday traditions and where to hunt for clues on their meaning.

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DPL: Printed Photo Organization Made Easy
2024-01-09 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

In partnership with Vivid-Pix Education, Genealogy & History staff presents Printed Photo Organization Made Easy with Cathi Nelson, author and founder of The Photo Managers. In this abbreviated course, learn step-by-step how to organize your family photo collection using techniques developed by the 1000-member professional Photo Managers and get introduced to the best tools to simplify the process.

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2024-01-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Speaker: Barbara Coakley, Dallas Genealogy Seminar Administrator

Topic: Introduction to DNA

Our Meeting begins at 7:00pm Thursday, November 9th but please join us at 6:30 PM for socializing. Admission is free and guests are always welcome.

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DPL: Free and Open Access Genealogy Resources
2024-01-24 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Genealogy can be an expensive habit. Between subscription costs, DNA tests, and all of those miscellaneous costs like costs of copies and printouts and potential travel costs, it can be unsustainable for most of us at an individual level. Harness the power of free and open access resources to stretch your dollar, while doing your genealogy and family history research!

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DPL: Get Started with Your Genealogy
2024-01-27 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

If you’ve never taken the plunge to look into your family’s history, this program will help you know how to get started! Genealogy & History staff take you back to the beginning with step-by-step instructions on how to get started researching YOUR family’s history. Learn how to set reasonable goals for your research, how to create an online tree and how to navigate popular genealogical websites.

After the program, staff are available to assist beginning researchers on library computers.

No registration required!

DPL: Utilizing Marriage Records in Genealogy Research
2024-02-07 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Marriage records — the most romantic of the vital records — can be difficult to locate, but once found, can provide important clues for your family history research. Learn about the different types of marriage records, where to search for them, and what to do if you can’t find one!

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2024-02-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Speaker: Dr. Terry M Turner, Dallas Genealogy Secretary

Topic: Finding Your African American Ancestors

Our Meeting begins at 7:00pm Thursday, November 9th but please join us on Zoom at 6:30 PM for socializing. Admission is free and guests are always welcome.

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DPL: Preserving Family Memories: Scanning
2024-02-11 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Do you have photos, scrapbooks or slides that you want to digitize? Join Genealogy & History Manager Stephanie Bennett to learn about the ins and outs of family history scanning and digitization and how the Heritage Lab located on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library can help you achieve your family history preservation goals!

The Creative Spaces: Heritage Lab is a place to digitize irreplaceable family memories and create new ways to celebrate them. It is generously supported by the Dallas Genealogical Society, the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the General Levi Casey Chapter, NSDAR.

DPL: Meals & Memories: a Community Tasting for Black History Month
2024-02-17 16:00 - 18:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Years of history and tradition are contained in the food we eat every day. Celebrate Black History Month with food, community, and conversation. Enjoy a selection of small plates created by Chef Tish Crear of Recipe Oak Cliff.

Bring your family photos and recipes and get a chance to use Dallas Public Library’s mobile Vivid-Pix Memory Station – a place to scan, restore and record your family memories. Participants will get a free USB of their digitized memories.

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Meals and Memories is a series of FREE programs designed to the honor family history & genealogy preserved in our ancestral foodways through food, conversation, and preservation. This series is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the General Levi Casey Chapter, NSDAR.

Mid Cities Genealogical Society
2024-02-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Meeting, Dallas, TX, United States
Virtual Event

Speaker: Patti Huff Smith

Topic: Introduction to DNA

If you are a member of MCGS, you will receive an email including details of the link to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend Patti Huff Smith’s presentation “Introduction to DNA,” email webmaster@txmcgs.org for details on how you can participate.

Patti Huff Smith is the Director of Marketing for the Dallas Genealogical Society and holds her membership there. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogical Society, Texas State Genealogical Society, AR-TX-LA Genealogical Society, Central Texas Genealogical Society in Waco, Texas, and the counties in Texas where her roots run deep.

Along with her genealogy research skills, Patti manages 62 DNA kits for her immediate and extended family. Using DNA, she has solved some of her own family’s mysteries. She has also located biological families for clients using their DNA combined with research, DNA matching tools from Ancestry.com, and GEDmatch.

DPL: Scaling the 1870 Brick Wall in African American Genealogy Research
2024-02-21 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Are you stuck trying to trace your African American ancestors back through history? For many African Americans, genealogy research before 1870 can be a tough hurdle to overcome. Join Dallas Public Library Genealogy Specialist Ari Wilkins to learn about sources and strategies to trace your ancestors back into the Antebellum Era.

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Newton County Genealogy Conference
2024-02-24 10:00 - 16:00 | TX
Newton County Genealogy SocietySponsored by Newton County Historical Commission

Location

First United Methodist Church308 High StreetNewton, TX 75966

Registration: $20Includes Lunch and refreshments

RSVP: Terry Woods before February 14 at 4:00 p..m.409-379-2109 or terri.woods@co.newton.tx.us

Schedule

10:00 a.m. – Nolen, Nelta – “Two Forgotten Sources of Genealogy: Amazon and eBay”

11:00 a.m. – Leach, Sherrie – “An Indirect Answer: The Direct Line Mistake”

12:00 p.m. – Lunch and Keynote Hopkins, Dr. Jerry – “How to Write a Church History”

1:00 p.m. – Patti Huff – “DNA Triangulation – Making the Most of your DNA Matches”

2:00 p.m. – Thomas, Cindy – “Making Family Photos More Useful for You”

3:00 p.m. – Vaughn, Owen – “Updates on Changes and Additions to FamilySearch.org”

DPL: Early Texans DNA Project
2024-03-06 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

As we celebrate Texas Independence Day, you may be curious about whether you have early Texas ancestors. Find out about how DNA and early Texas family history research can help you learn more about your family’s past. Dallas Public Library Genealogy Specialist Mic Barnette will talk about the Texas State Genealogical Society’s Early Texans DNA Project, how you can get involved, and how Dallas Public Library can help you with your early Texas research.

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2024-03-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Speaker: Kim Richardson

Topic: Relatively Cheap Genealogy: Research and Education for the Frugal at Heart

Frugality and practicality are habits and lifestyle choices that can translate easily into genealogy research and education. This presentation explores methods of garnering all you can out of lesser expensive genealogy resources. Plus, we will discuss how you know it’s time to spend money and how to make sure you’re getting quality service.

Our Meeting begins at 7:00pm Thursday, November 9th but please join us on Zoom at 6:30 PM for socializing. Admission is free and guests are always welcome.

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Kim Richardson began her genealogy journey out of her love of family history. She is passionate about her work as a professional genealogist and enjoys serving the genealogy community by teaching and enabling others to do their own research successfully. She speaks often to genealogists across the country. In her role as a genealogist, she not only helps her clients achieve their own genealogy goals, but she has also researched for various authors and for Finding Your Roots and Who Do You Think You Are?

DPL: Finding your Ancestor's Maiden Name
2024-03-20 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

Are you stumped trying to find your great great grandmother’s family? Learn about the different types of record collections that can help locate your ancestor’s maiden name. Join Genealogy Manager Stephanie Bennett as we delve into finding more information about our female ancestors!

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Arlington Family History Seminar
2024-03-23 09:00 - 15:00 | TX
Lite snacks will be provided, however, we encourage you to please bring your lunch.Here are a few of the topics that will be discussed about at this year’s seminar:

How Can the Family Search Wiki Help Me?

Basic Family Search- logon, navigation, etc.

An Introduction to DNA for Genealogists

Closing Death Records is Dead Wrong

15 Things You Can Do to Save Your Family’s Stories

Class-Schedule-2024Download

We now have an online registration form so please click on the link below to register, and further information can be found on our website

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DPL: Preserving Family Memories: Digitizing Video & Film
2024-03-30 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only!

Camcorder tapes, VHS, VHS-C, 8 mm film – the opportunities to make home movies in the 20th century seem endless. Now, it ends up being hard to find the equipment to view your forgotten treasures and harder still to digitize it for free. Join Genealogy & History Manager Stephanie Bennett to learn about the ins and outs of family movie digitization and how the Heritage Lab located on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library can help you make your precious family memories easier to share with loved ones.

No Registration Required!

DPL: Finding your Disabled Ancestor
2024-04-10 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

Disability is an essential part of being human. Our ancestors and relatives faced temporary and permanent disabilities just like we do now, though how they lived and in what conditions differed. Learn about types of institutions, practices, and potential records to learn more about your disabled ancestors.

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2024-04-11 18:30 - 20:30 | TX
Speaker: Emily Coffman Richardson

Topic: Using Documentation – Identifying Documentation as found in Genealogical Records with an Eye on Proof and Citations

This program is for the beginner and the seasoned genealogist alike. It will help us better understand the sources we have found, with a grasp of information and evidence.

Data without documentation are just stories, not facts. Documentation shows the quality of sources used for our research and making our conclusions. Proper documentation avoids repetitive research and plagiarism. This will help us understand what needs to be documented and why documentation is a critical skill for all genealogists.

Download Handout

Our Meeting begins at 7:00pm but please join us on Zoom at 6:30 PM for socializing. Admission is free and guests are always welcome.

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DPL: Genealogy Research: Using Library Databases
2024-04-24 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

Your Dallas Public Library card can take your family history search to new places! Learn how to get started online with your family history search and receive a brief overview of how each genealogy database will help you in your search. For those with more research experience, learn about non-traditional databases that might benefit your family history search.

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Van Zandt Genealogical Society Spring Workshop
2024-04-27 01:30 - 16:00 | TX
Instead of our usual beginner-focused event, this year’s workshop will be about learning to get the most out of DNA data by using GEDmatch. DNA is becoming the most exciting tool ever for genealogy discoveries, and using GEDmatch helps you compare your DNA data to more sources. Also, it’s easy! More information will be provided on this website in the coming days. The speaker will be Patti Huff Smith, a celebrated genealogist and family history lecturer.

And we are not ignoring the need for a yearly beginner genealogy event: The July 27 monthly meeting will feature our own Lee Dickson, genealogist and librarian VZ Genealogy Library. He will give a much-anticipated program on getting started in family research.

GET PREPARED

Patti Huff Smith is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogical Society, Texas State Genealogical Society, and counties in Texas where her roots run deep: Bosque, Hill, Johnson, Navarro, and Central Texas Genealogical Society in Waco, Texas. Patti uses traditional genealogy research skills and the latest tools in genetic genealogy technology. She manages 62 DNA kits for her immediate and extended family. Using DNA, she has solved some of her own family’s mysteries. She has also located biological families for clients using their DNA combined with research and DNA matching tools from Ancestry.com and GEDmatch.com.

DPL: Evaluating Online Sources for Genealogy Research
2024-05-08 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

When researching your family history online, how do you figure out if what you are finding is accurate? Genealogy & History Manager Stephanie Bennett will walk through step-by-step how to evaluate the accuracy of your online source and provide tips for locating the original record.

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2024 Virtual Family History Conference
2024-05-16 08:00 - 2024-05-18 17:00 | TX

DPL: Meals & Memories: a Community Tasting for Asian American & Pacific Islander Month
2024-05-18 16:00 - 18:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Years of history and tradition are contained in the food we eat every day. Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with food, community, and conversation. Enjoy a selection of small plates created by Daisy Chuskul, chef and owner of Bangkok Inn, a family-owned restaurant serving Dallas since 1982.

Bring your family photos and recipes and get a chance to use Dallas Public Library’s mobile Vivid-Pix Memory Station – a place to scan, restore and record your family memories. Participants will get a free USB of their digitized memories.

REGISTER

Meals and Memories is a series of FREE programs designed to the honor family history & genealogy preserved in our ancestral foodways through food, conversation, and preservation. This after-hours series is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the General Levi Casey Chapter, NSDAR.

DPL: Basic Genealogy Research using Fold3
2024-05-22 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

With Memorial Day fast approaching, it’s time to research your ancestors who served in the military. Fold3 is a database specializing in historical military records and is available to use from home with your Dallas Public Library card. During this program, our genealogy specialist will show you how to effectively navigate the database (including how to find all the amazing non-military sources), how to use the search tools, and how to memorialize your military veteran ancestor.

Additionally, learn about how to record your or a family member’s military service through Dallas Public Library’s Veterans Oral History Project.

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