DGS General Meeting
2023-11-04 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | 1st Floor – Auditorium, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Retired Decorated Captain Catherine “Kay” Bauer US Navy

Topic: Skies over Vietnam – Oral History Project

Join the meeting via Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

JOIN THE CALL

Kay Bauer grew up with her thirteen brothers and sisters in St. Paul. She earned her four-year nursing degree from the College of St. Catherine. The Navy Nurse Corps paid for her final year of nursing school, and Kay received her commission upon graduating in 1959. After spending a number of years nursing for the Navy, Kay requested assignment to Vietnam and arrived there in January 1966. She was part of a Forward Surgical Team assigned to a Vietnamese provincial hospital in Rach Gia, in southernmost South Vietnam. She worked closely with her colleagues, both American and Vietnamese, in a hospital that had no running water or air conditioning. She remained in the Navy after she returned from Vietnam in early 1967, dedicating thirty-five years of her life to the military. Kay was instrumental in forming the nurses PTSD support group and is fondly referred to as “the Admiral” by her sister veterans.

DGS General Meeting
2023-12-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Dallas Public Library: White Rock Hills Branch, 9150 Ferguson Road, Dallas, Texas, 75228
In-person & Virtual Event

Special Meeting LocationOur December meeting will be held at the Dallas Public Library White Rock Hills Branch!

Speaker: Kevin Klaus

Topic: Genealogy Research at the Texas General Land Office

The Texas General Land Office provides a wealth of information to genealogists and family history buffs. Kevin will walk through how to use the tools on the Texas GLO website, using a number of examples from the Texas Court of Claims and other rich resources from the site.

Join the meeting via Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

JOIN THE CALL

About Kevin

Kevin Klaus developed a love of history from an early age listening to stories told by his Great Grandparents and Grandparents who grew up in East Texas. Over the past 30 years he has collected and researched his own family, using government records, letters, photographs, family Bible information, and stories. Beginning in 1990, he served eight years in the United States Army. In 1998 honorably discharged from the Army in New Mexico, and returned home to Central Texas where he grew up. Kevin has a background in Anthropology, Archaeology, and Public History from the University of New Mexico, and currently working towards becoming a certified genealogist. For the last 14 years he has served as one of the lead researchers in the Texas General Land Office Archives and Records Program Area. During his time at the Land Office he has searched the early Court of Claims files, German Collection and archival collection to learn more about the history of Texas and discover the amazing collection of personal letters of early soldiers and pioneers who helped settle our great state.

Over the last few years he has focused his attention and research on the German Collection and the early German settlers that came to Texas under the Adelsverein in the 1840’s. In the process he has honed his research skills by tracing his own family line that came to America in the late 1800’s. This research is ongoing as he is still sleuthing records in Germany to discover the history of past lives.

DGS General Meeting
2024-01-06 11:00 - 13:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Spring Meeting LocationWe will be meeting in the O'Hara Hall on the 7th floor. #nostairs

Speaker: Jen Baldwin (presenting remotely)

Topic: Pledging Brotherhood: An Introduction to Fraternal, Benevolent, and Secret Societies

Handout: Pledging Brotherhood Syllabus

Websites that may be of interest:

https://search.worldcat.org/ – society periodicals, published histories, etc.

https://txarchives.org/home – specific to Texas archival resources and includes DPL’s manuscript finding guides.

https://researchworks.oclc.org/archivegrid/ – 7 million records describing archival materials, bringing together information about historical documents, personal papers, family histories, and more.

About Jen

Jen Baldwin has been working in the realm of professional genealogy since 2010 but has been pursuing her family history since she was ten years old, enjoying her grandmother’s stories – and her cookies. She is currently the Research Specialist and North American Content Manager for Findmypast. Jen lectures, writes, and consults on a variety of genealogy related topics, and was part of the research team for Genealogy Roadshow, season two on PBS. She is excited to discover unique resources that allow for a different perspective in genealogical research. Jen currently serves as a Trustee for the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History and has previously volunteered for her local society as well as the Federation of Genealogical Societies (US).

Join the meeting via Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

JOIN THE CALL

DGS General Meeting
2024-02-03 11:00 - 13:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Spring Meeting LocationWe will be meeting in the O'Hara Hall on the 7th floor. #nostairs

Speaker: LaDonna Garner (presenting remotely)

Topic: Surfing for African American Records

Handout

Join the meeting via Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

JOIN THE CALL

LaDonna Garner, M.A. is a Historic Consultant — Professional Genealogist & Historic Preservationist— focused on historical preservation and genealogical research in and outside Southeast Missouri. She often lectures on both subjects at conferences, society events, and colleges. She also offers in-person/online courses and one-on-one consultations. Garner is an active member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and assists numerous organizations in volunteer and leadership capacities.

Researching her family history for over 30 years, she is passionate about recording historic minority communities and cemeteries, genealogy education, client assistance, and consultations in archival documents, protecting our history and natural landscapes through historic preservation, and cemetery restoration. She is also a Licensed Veterinary Technician with a devotion to heritage animals.

Her ventures in cemetery preservation were inspired by an interest in family lineage and Founder & first Secretary of the Mt. Zion Cemetery Board to preserve Mount Zion Cemetery in Festus, Missouri. The cemetery was established by African American settlers, including her ancestors, in circa 1880s, and closed in circa 1973.

DGS General Meeting
2024-03-02 11:00 - 13:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Ari Wilkins

Topic: Let Your Fingers Do the Walking: Exploring City Directories, Telephone Books and Criss-Cross Directories

Research Opportunity! After the meeting DGS members will help you locate and use these new resources on the 7th floor!

Join the meeting via Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

JOIN THE CALL

A graduate of Louisiana State University, Ms. Wilkins has been actively researching family history since 1998, specializing in African American research.

Ms. Wilkins speaks nationally and locally. She has had the honor to speak at the National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies, Texas State Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogical Society, Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, American Library Association, RootsTech, and a multitude of local societies.

https://www.blackgenesis.com/

DGS General Meeting
2024-04-06 11:00 - 13:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Barbara Coakley

Topic: Search vs. Research

Searching is just one step in the research process. A case study based on a family story from Chicago in the 1920s demonstrates the research process from beginning to end – how to develop a research goal, plan the research, document results, and preserve your findings.

Download the handout.

Join the meeting via Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

JOIN THE CALL

DGS General Meeting
2024-05-04 11:00 - 13:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Beri Kaplan Schwitzer

Topic: The History of the Jewish Community in Dallas

Beri, a native Las Vegan who didn’t have the aspirations to be a showgirl, Beri Kaplan Schwitzer put her time, energy, and enthusiasm into education. A graduate of the University of Nevada with a degree in Journalism, her true passion remains in Jewish education where she has served in a variety of capacities over the last twenty-five years. Beri is a nationally recognized Jewish educator honored by Jewish Education Service of North America (JESNA) and by the former National Association of Temple Educators (NATE). She received her Certificate of Jewish Education from the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and studied at the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem as a Senior Educator Leadership Fellow.

She is currently the Executive Director of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society. For over 40 years, Beri’s hobby has been trying to solve her own family history’s mysteries and is currently pursuing her certification in Genealogical Research with Boston University.

Join the meeting via Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

JOIN THE CALL

DGS General Meeting
2024-09-07 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Chris Bryant

Topic: Back to Basics: A Deeper Look Into Genealogical Resources

This presentation will focus on when and how to apply certain genealogical resources to your research. There will be an emphasis on the necessity to gather details from all available resources, to ensure that your research is as accurate as possible.

Join us Your Way:

Chris will be presenting live at the library

Join us on Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

Watch the recording (available September 8th)

JOIN THE CALL

Chris is an author, editor, family heirloom preservationist, graphic designer, oral historian and interviewer, reunion planner, transcriber and cemetery researcher. His research areas of focus include African American, American Indian & Native American, Hispanic heritage and DNA. Research locations include: United States, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Spain.

Chris is a member of Association of Professional Genealogists, Dallas Genealogical Society, Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, and Tennessee Genealogical Society.

Chris can be reached through his website: https://cdbryantgenealogy.com/

DGS General Meeting
2024-10-05 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Kim RIchardson

Topic: Turn Your Brick Wall into a Yellow Brick Road

Handout: Turn Your Brick Wall into a Yellow Brick Road

A brick wall is not the end of the line for research. Let’s explore ways to determine if more research can be done to solve your problem, and let’s analyze the documents you have to make sure you’ve followed every lead to the fullest. This presentation will discuss the most common oversights in genealogy research and how to avoid being stuck behind a brick wall, giving you a yellow brick road to follow instead.

Join us Your Way:

Kim will be presenting live at the library

Join us on Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

Watch the recording (available September 8th)

JOIN THE CALL

DGS General Meeting
2024-11-02 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Janice Lovelace

Topic: Lunacy and Asylums: Mental Health in the 19th Century

Was an ancestor committed to an asylum? Was someone enumerated as ‘lunatic, imbecile or incompetent” on a census? Who was committed and why? Are there records you can access? Learn about mental health treatment in the 1800s.

Handout

JOIN THE CALL

Janice Lovelace, Ph.D., a genealogical researcher and lecturer, is an instructor at the Midwest African American Genealogical Institute (MAAGI) and author of the National Genealogical Society’s online continuing education course African American Roots: A Historical Perspective. She presents on DNA, ethnic minority genealogy, and research methodology.

DGS General Meeting
2024-12-07 11:00 - 12:30 | Dallas Public Library – Lakewood Branch, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas, TX, 75214
In-person & Virtual Event

Special VenueLakewood Branch, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas

Speaker: John Slate

Topic: Genealogy Resources at the Dallas Municipal Archives

Handout: Using the Dallas Municipal Archives for Genealogy Research

Lakewood Branch, 6121 Worth Street

While it is not the first stop for a genealogist, the Dallas Municipal Archives has a number of resources that can be helpful in your search for family. Please join John Slate, City Archivist, for a brief review of what is and what isn’t in the Municipal Archives and learn about its place in city government.

JOIN THE CALL

DGS General Meeting
2025-01-04 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Sarah Cochran

Topic: Locating Records in Archives from Your Couch

Handout

The digital age has brought billions of records to genealogists’ living rooms. However, there is much more only available in hard copy. Learn how to track down these valuable resources, wherever they are in the world, without leaving the comfort of your own home.

JOIN THE CALL

DGS General Meeting
2025-02-01 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Judy Russell

Topic: NARA Mythbusters: Your Family IS in the Archives

Handout

All the military records were burned in the fire.” “There isn’t any birth, marriage or death information in federal records.” “There aren’t any details about ordinary families at the National Archives.” These kinds of myth-statements stop genealogists from breaking down all kinds of brick walls using the wealth of information in NARA records. Join the mythbusters with the treasures the National Archives holds for your family.

JOIN THE CALL

The Legal Genealogist Judy G. Russell is a genealogist with a law degree. She writes, teaches and lectures on a wide variety of genealogical topics, ranging from using court records in family history to understanding DNA testing. A Colorado native with roots deep in the American south on her mother’s side and entirely in Germany on her father’s side, she holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a political science minor from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, trade association writer, legal investigator, defense attorney, federal prosecutor, law editor and, for more than 20 years before her retirement in 2014, was an adjunct member of the faculty at Rutgers Law School.

DGS General Meeting
2025-03-01 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Kathleen Murray

Topic: Irish Research: Discovering a Family Left Behind

Using a case study of an 1857 Irish immigrant to America, selected Irish resources will be introduced. Both text and web-based resources will illustrate a range of records and tools readily available for your research.

JOIN THE CALL

Handout

Kathleen Murray holds a Certificate in Genealogical Studies from the University of Strathclyde and a PhD in Information Science from the University of North Texas. Before retiring in 2013, she conducted user studies for state and national digital library and Web archiving projects.She began researching her family history in 2003 and joined the Dallas Genealogical Society in 2009. She served as DGS vice-president in 2015-2016.Kathleen has presented research findings and educational programs at several local, regional, national, and international library and genealogy conferences.

DGS General Meeting
2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:30 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson

Topic: Immigration & Naturalization, Texas Style

The presentation will cover the extent to which Immigration and naturalization records in the geographic area that became Texas varied over time–due to changes in governments and the influx of American settlers–including the U.S. rules that came into play after Texas was admitted as a state.

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

DGS General Meeting
2025-05-03 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Thomas MacEntee

Topic: Translating, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using Al

Board ElectionWe are electing our next board and need members to attend (in-person or virtual) to cast your vote!

Translating, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using AI: Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. We’ll cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

Who is Thomas MacEntee?

So, what if I told you that a Baby Boomer guy with a love of punk rock music but also Renaissance Art, somehow “fell” into the technology industry almost 40 years ago, and then left a lucrative career in information technology to pursue his love of family history and genealogy?

And that his passion for tracing his roots began over 45 years ago when he was watching the mini-series Roots on ABC Television at his great-grandparents’ house in February 1977?

While some might think these two elements – technology and historical research – are opposites. The truth is, “tech people” like Thomas are needed to guide today’s genealogists through the maze of options so they can deploy the best apps and devices as they break down those research brick walls.

Thomas MacEntee: author, educator, student, advocate, marketer, storyteller, entrepreneur, and that “genealogy guy” who helps you accomplish your family history goals.

DGS General Meeting
2025-09-06 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Robyn N. Smith

Topic: Putting It All Together: Making Sense of All the Research You’ve Done

This lecture illustrates tables and tools you can use to organize, analyze, and properly cite all those records you have. Get better organized. Get rid of all those papers. Finally – put it all together!

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

Tour of the Genealogy & History Department at DPL
2025-09-06 13:00 - 14:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Join us in-person at the library or on Zoom for a guided tour of the Genealogy and History Department. Staff will highlight the department’s collections and resources.

The Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Genealogy Collection on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library holds one of the largest and most comprehensive collections for family history research in the Southwest. The collection encompasses resources from every U.S. state and many countries throughout the world – making it a destination for any genealogy researcher.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87530294630?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 875 3029 4630Passcode: [REDACTED]

DGS General Meeting
2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Larry W. Thomas (remote speaker)

Topic: Unlocking Family History Researching Courthouse Records for Genealogical Discoveries

Overview of researching courthouses for estate records, land records, and other court papers in learning more about our ancestors. While judicial methods vary from state to state and community to community, they all process the same types of records. Therefore, this presentation is more about the records than the structure of the court system in any one location.

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

TEXAS COURT RECORDS

Larry W. Thomas

After serving 8 years in the United States Army, Larry joined the Reserves while pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Management and obtaining his FAA license as an airplane mechanic. Larry returned to the Army as a Transportation Logistics officer where he retired as a Captain after 23 years of total service. Larry received his MBA in Management Information Systems from Southern Polytechnic State University while working for the US Army Reserves as a Project Manager and earned a Certification as a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute in 2013.

Larry began his Genealogy Research almost 30 years ago beginning with his own Thomas Family who have been Georgia residents since the 1750s, then branching out to the rest of his and his late wife’s families and began researching for clients in 2008. He recently became semi-retired to pursue genealogy teaching and to conduct research for clients and his own family, operating www.AtlantaGenealogy.com. He is currently working on several projects including researching and writing on Cobb County’s own Akers Mill as the brothers who ran the mill share a common ancestor with Larry’s Mother.A graduate of ProGen 38 Larry has assisted the TV Show Finding Your Roots. Two of the episodes he assisted were the Julia Roberts and the Terry Crews episodes. He is a member of numerous Genealogical and Historical Societies, Serves on the Board of the Georgia Genealogical Society, is the current president of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and is past president of the Cobb County Genealogy Society. He is becoming a popular genealogy presenter, bringing some fun to learning how to research.

DGS General Meeting
2025-11-01 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Grace Horstmann

Topic: Sketching Your Ancestor’s Surroundings: 5 Easy Steps to Sharing Their Story

Have you ever written about an ancestor and felt like something was missing—even though you had the facts? We’ll explore how to bring genealogical writing to life by finding the right words to describe time, place, and atmosphere. We’ll look at how the five senses, regional language, and simple “story-building” questions can turn dates and names into vivid, memorable scenes. Whether you’re writing a family history book or just a single story, this talk will help you make the past feel close enough to touch.

Handouts: Sketching Your Ancestors, Family Story “From Plow to Paper”

JOIN THE CALL

Grace Horstmann is a graduate of the National Genealogical Society’s Certificate Course in Advanced Genealogical Skills and has further honed her expertise through multiple writing courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. A genealogist, historical researcher, writer, graphic designer, and copy editor, she has devoted the past decade to the study and documentation of family history. Her specializations include Midwestern and French genealogy, with additional research experience in the Southeastern United States.

She is particularly skilled in the demanding work of navigating unindexed records, reviewing them page by page with precision and care to identify the correct individuals among countless similar names. Beyond the analytical process, her professional passion lies in interpreting and transforming those findings into compelling, narrative histories. These works are crafted with the dual aim of captivating readers and maintaining uncompromising factual accuracy. Every story she produces is grounded in rigorous documentation, yet written to convey the texture, complexity, and humanity of the past in a way that resonates with both genealogists and general audiences.

In addition to her own research and writing, Grace is committed to mentoring fellow genealogists who wish to bring their own family histories to life. She shares techniques for weaving together documentary evidence and narrative flow, ensuring that stories remain both engaging and historically faithful. Through her work, she strives to preserve the integrity of the historical record while making the experiences of past generations vivid, memorable, and relevant for the present.

DGS General Meeting / 70th Anniversary
2025-12-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Auditorium, Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75229, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

LocationContinuing our December tradition, we will meet at a branch library. This year, that will be at the Preston Royal branch.

Speaker: Sue Kaufman (remote speaker)

Topic: Then and Now: How Family History Research has Changed Over the Years

The Dallas Genealogical Society marks its 70th anniversary with “Then and Now: How Family History Has Changed Since 1955.” Guest speaker Sue Kaufman, Genealogy & Local History Librarian at the Peoria Public Library and former Manager of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, will trace the evolution of genealogy over the past seven decades. Centered on the themes of Society, Education, and Technology, the program highlights how DGS has supported researchers, embraced innovation, and fostered community while connecting people to their past.

JOIN THE CALL

DGS General Meeting
2026-01-03 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: EvaAnne Johnson (Virtual)

Topic: Organizing Your Digital Genealogy Files

This presentation is about digital preservation for genealogists. EvaAnne talks about how digital archiving is different from backing up your digital files, and the essential steps for digital archiving.

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

EvaAnne Johnson is a Genealogy and Local History Librarian with a passion for connecting people with their roots. She has been researching her own family history since 1998.

EvaAnne earned a Master of Library and Information Science (MS/LIS) degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Bachelor of Arts from Illinois College. She is on the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board, and a Consultant at the Wilmette FamilySearch Center.

EvaAnne has presented at Wilmette Public Library, DeKalb County History Center, Glidden Homestead, Allen County Public Library, and at other organizations.

She also contributes to DeKalb County’s Cornsilk magazine and has written two locality guides.

DGS General Meeting
2026-02-07 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Mark Thompson

Topic: Photo Research with Artificial Intelligence

AI is revolutionizing genealogical research, offering powerful new tools for both hobbyists and professionals. In this workshop, discover how AI can transform your approach to family history, particularly in the realm of photo research and analysis. Learn to leverage AI technologies to assist you with photo identification, improve image organization, and simplify photo restoration.

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

DGS General Meeting
2026-03-07 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Ari Wilkins

Topic: Sources for Researching Rural Ancestors

“If you blink, you’ll miss it!” Did your ancestor come from a one-horse town or an unincorporated community? Learn about researching country ancestors! This lecture will discuss a variety of census records; land records; maps (including census enumeration, postal route and cadastral maps); rural directories; newspapers and other sources. It will also discuss methodology and state of the art tools for mapping and researching our rural ancestors.

JOIN THE CALL

Ari Wilkins, FTxSGS is a genealogist, lecturer and instructor who has been actively researching family history for over twenty-five years. Ms. Wilkins is a graduate of Louisiana State University. She speaks on a variety of genealogical subjects and specializes in African American research and Southern research.

As a lecturer, Ms. Wilkins has spoken nationally at the National Genealogical Society, the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, RootsTech, and a multitude of state and local societies. She has also led the African American course for the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research for the past three years.

Ari is active in the genealogical community. Previously, she served as a board member of the Dallas Genealogical Society and the Texas State Genealogical Society. She has been active with the National Genealogical Society and served on numerous committees.

DGS General Meeting
2026-04-04 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Sara Cochran (remote)

Topic: Suddenly Scotland

An Introduction to Scottish research just in time for Scottish American Month. In this general overview of Scottish research, learn about the history of Scotland and what resources are available for finding the story of your family.

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

Sara is a full-time professional genealogist with thirty years of research experience. Her research has taken her to nearly every state in the USA and Ireland.

She especially enjoys breaking down brick walls, discovering the stories of black sheep ancestors, and helping individuals preserve their photographic legacy.

Sara holds a Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate, a bachelor’s degree in library science, and is an alum of the ProGen Study Group. She is a member of DAR and other lineage societies, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the Genealogical Speakers Guild.

You can find her online at TheSkeletonWhisperer.com.

DGS General Meeting
2026-05-02 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Patricia Coleman

Topic: DNA Painter Overview

This presentation will start with creating an account. From there it shows how to add and organize data from MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, LivingDNA, and GEDMatch.

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

Patricia Coleman is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA analysis and Irish research. She is the owner of Patricia Coleman Genealogy LLC and writes a blog at patriciacolemangenealogy.com. Much of her recent work focuses on analyzing Irish records, building DNA match family trees, and identifying shared ancestors through evidence-based methods.

Patricia holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, Davis, and her analytical background enhances her genealogical problem-solving. She incorporates AI tools into her research to improve data analysis, automate pattern detection, and deepen genealogical evidence evaluation.

She is a moderator for the DNA Painter and Genetic Affairs Facebook user groups and frequently presents on genetic genealogy, Irish research, and practical applications of AI in genealogy. Patricia accepts client work through Patricia Coleman Genealogy LLC, assisting with DNA analysis and traditional research. For questions or assistance, contact her at info@patriciacolemangenealogy.com

DGS General Meeting
2026-09-05 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Laura Cubbage-Draper

Topic: Cluster and Collateral Research (FAN Principle) for Genealogical Problem Solving

Expanding our research beyond our direct ancestors can be the key that opens doors to unknown family. This lecture will cover strategies for researching our ancestor’s collateral relatives and community to help reconstruct families and solve genealogical problems.

JOIN THE CALL

HANDOUT

Laura Cubbage-Draper, CG®, is a genealogical researcher and lecturer based in Metuchen, New Jersey. A Garden State native with deep Pennsylvania and German roots, she began researching her family in 1999 and earned the Certified Genealogist credential in 2024. Laura holds a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, is a graduate of ProGen 40, and has completed many courses at genealogical research institutes. She has spoken for local, state and national organizations, societies and libraries where she enjoys teaching about genealogical methodology and resources.

DGS General Meeting
2026-10-03 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Jeanette Sheliga

Topic: My Ancestor was a Postmaster

The Post Office Department is one of the largest non-military federal employers which employed many of our ancestors. Learn how to help tell their stories by researching postmaster appointments, salaries in The Official Register, postal maps, and more!

JOIN THE CALL

Jeanette Sheliga

DGS General Meeting
2026-11-07 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Annette Burke Lyttle

Topic: Finding and Using Digitized Manuscript Collections for Genealogical Research

Manuscript collections can contain genealogical gems. Letters, diaries, photographs, histories, and many more information-packed wonders reside in repositories around the world. Many repositories are digitizing parts of their collections and making them available online, so we don’t have to visit the repository to access the information we’re looking for, but finding these collections can still be a challenge. Learn how to search for online collections, use finding aids to determine their usefulness for our research, and locate amazing records.

JOIN THE CALL

Annette Burke Lyttle, CG® owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette is a course coordinator for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. She is a published writer whose research interests include Quaker ancestors and ancestral migrations in the United States. She is past president of the Association of Professional Genealogists and editor of The Florida Genealogist.

DGS General Meeting
2026-12-05 11:00 - 12:30 | Lochwood Branch Library, 11221 Lochwood Blvd, Dallas, Texas, 75218
In-person & Virtual Event

LocationContinuing our December tradition, we will meet at a branch library. This year we will be at the Lochwood branch.

Speaker: Sylvia Tracy Doolos

Topic: Tracing Female Ancestors Through Everyday Records

American women in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries left records, none unique to women. However, these records can provide unique insights when looked at through a historical lens as American women’s lives changed.

JOIN THE CALL

Sylvia Tracy Doolos has pursued genealogy for more than forty-five years and has worked professionally for fifteen as the owner of New Leaf Genealogy. She serves as President of the Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England Family History Society (WISE) and is Past President of both the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH) and the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (CAPG).

A graduate of ProGen 48, Sylvia holds a B.A. in History with a minor in English focusing on linguistics and the ways language change affects historical records. She was recently honored with the Birdie Monk Holsclaw Award from the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies (CCGS).
