DALLAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

DGS General Meeting
2025-09-06 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | 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!

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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.

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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”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Jeanette Sheliga

Jeanette Sheliga of Jeanette’s Genealogy lives in Lockport, NY and has been researching her family tree since 2002 and lecturing since 2011. She has had the privilege to speak for societies, libraries, and institutes, publish articles in various genealogy magazines, and hold leadership positions in local and national societies.

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.

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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.

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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).
