DALLAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

German Genealogy Group
2024-11-09 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person and Virtual Event

Speaker: Ann Broihier

Topic: Researching Baden-Württemberg Ancestors

We will look at resources for information about our Baden-Württemberg ancestors. The discussion will include various types of records and how to access them. The presentation will mention applicable books, free websites, pay websites, and other helpful resources.

The focus of this group is Germans who emigrated to various parts of the United States from the 1700’s through the 1900’s.

The leaders of this group are Ann Broihier and Bernard Meisner. You can send them email at ggg@dallasgenealogy.org. Learn more about the German Genealogy Group

Join the Call Dial In / Meeting ID: 867 5887 1312, Passcode: [REDACTED]

Download the handout

African American Genealogical Interest Group
2024-11-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-21 14:00 - 16:00
Virtual Only Event

The group discusses use of variety of sources, including census research, reconstruction and Freedman Bureau records, NARA combined military records of the U.S. Colored Troops, Plantation Slave records, Slave schedules and other records.

Join the Call Meeting ID: 971 1676 5715

DNA Special Interest Group
2024-11-21 18:00 - 19:30 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person and Virtual Event

The DNA Special Interest Group explores the use of DNA as a genealogical tool. The goal is to help individuals understand and incorporate current DNA testing strategies and standards into their personal genealogy. Meeting are open to all.

JOIN THE CALL

Zoom Details: Meeting ID: 828 9186 6806 / Passcode: [REDACTED]

Best Practices SIG
2024-11-23 10:30 - 13:00 | 8th Floor – McDermott Room, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Topic: Mapping – be ready to discuss how you use maps in your research.

Focus: Sanborn Maps

The Best Practices SIG is for genealogists who want to learn advanced methodology skills and techniques.

You can contact Liz Kutz, the SIG leader at bestpractices@dallasgenealogy.org.

Learn more about the Best Practices SIG.

German Genealogy Group
2025-01-11 10:30 - 12:00 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual Event Only

Winter StormDue to the weather, this session will be virtual only.

Speaker: Richard Gruetzner from the German-Texas Heritage Society

Topic: The German Free School and the German-Texan Heritage Society (GTHS) 1858 – 2025

Handout: German Free School and the GTHS 1858 to 2025

The presentation will discuss the historical German Free School located in Austin and how the modern operations of the GTHS reflect the cultural heritage that created it.

The focus of this group is Germans who emigrated to various parts of the United States from the 1700’s through the 1900’s.

The leaders of this group are Ann Broihier and Bernard Meisner. You can send them email at ggg@dallasgenealogy.org. Learn more about the German Genealogy Group

Join the Call Dial In / Meeting ID: 867 5887 1312, Passcode: [REDACTED]

Jewish Special Interest Group
2025-01-16 10:30 - 12:00 | 8th Floor – McDermott Room, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Topic: Elizabeth Shown Mill’s FAN Club

The Jewish Genealogical Interest Group’s mission is to assist anyone to research their actual (or suspected) Jewish ancestral lines. Learn about alternative genealogy research methods and records specifically geared to finding your Jewish ancestors.

JOIN CALL

Meeting ID: 947 0024 8507

DNA Special Interest Group
2025-01-16 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-15 18:00 - 19:30 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person and Virtual Event

The DNA Special Interest Group explores the use of DNA as a genealogical tool. The goal is to help individuals understand and incorporate current DNA testing strategies and standards into their personal genealogy. Meeting are open to all.

JOIN CALL

Zoom Details: Meeting ID: 828 9186 6806 / Passcode: [REDACTED]

African American Genealogical Interest Group
2025-01-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-20 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | 6th Floor – Classroom Brno (formerly Classroom B), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-Person and Virtual Event

The group discusses use of variety of sources, including census research, reconstruction and Freedman Bureau records, NARA combined military records of the U.S. Colored Troops, Plantation Slave records, Slave schedules and other records.

JOIN CALL

Meeting ID: 971 1676 5715

Best Practices SIG
2025-01-25 10:30 - 13:00 | 8th Floor – McDermott Room, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Topic: Elizabeth Shown Mill’s FAN Club

The Best Practices SIG is for genealogists who want to learn advanced methodology skills and techniques.

You can contact Liz Kutz, the SIG leader at bestpractices@dallasgenealogy.org.

Learn more about the Best Practices SIG.

Best Practices SIG
2025-02-22 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-03-22 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-04-26 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-05-24 10:30 - 13:00 | 8th Floor – McDermott Room, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Topic: Elizabeth Shown Mill’s FAN Club

The Best Practices SIG is for genealogists who want to learn advanced methodology skills and techniques.

You can contact Liz Kutz, the SIG leader at bestpractices@dallasgenealogy.org.

Learn more about the Best Practices SIG.

JOIN CALL

Meeting ID: 882 7359 7058

German Genealogy Group
2025-03-08 10:30 - 12:00 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person and Virtual Event

Speaker: Bernard Meisner

Topic: Researching Bavarian Ancestors

The focus of this group is Germans who emigrated to various parts of the United States from the 1700’s through the 1900’s.

The leaders of this group are Ann Broihier and Bernard Meisner. Contact: ggg@dallasgenealogy.org. Learn more about the German Genealogy Group

JOIN CALL

Handout

Meeting ID: 867 5887 1312, Passcode: [REDACTED]

German Genealogy Group
2025-05-10 10:30 - 12:00 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person and Virtual Event

Speaker: Bernard Meisner

Topic: Incorporating Artificial Intelligence Into Your German Genealogical Toolkit

While the major genealogical websites have been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for many years, it is only in the last few years that genealogists have been able to directly use AI tools in their research. Learn which tools are worth including in your genealogical toolkit and how to craft effective prompts to ensure you receive credible results. Key topics include:

Understanding various AI tools relevant to genealogical research

Using AI to transcribe, analyze and, if needed, translate historical documents and handwritten records

AI-powered tools for photo restoration, colorization, and facial recognition

How to write effective AI prompts

Ethical considerations when applying AI to family history research

Practical demonstration of selected AI tools and techniques

Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just beginning your family history journey, this presentation will provide valuable insights into how AI can become an essential component of your German research toolkit.

The leaders of this group are Ann Broihier and Bernard Meisner. Contact: ggg@dallasgenealogy.org. Learn more about the German Genealogy Group

JOIN CALL

HANDOUT

Meeting ID: 867 5887 1312, Passcode: [REDACTED]

Best Practices SIG
2025-06-28 10:30 - 13:00 | 8th Floor – McDermott Room, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Topic: TBD

The Best Practices SIG is for genealogists who want to learn advanced methodology skills and techniques.

You can contact Liz Kutz, the SIG leader at bestpractices@dallasgenealogy.org.

Learn more about the Best Practices SIG.

Meeting ID: 882 7359 7058

Best Practices SIG
2025-07-19 10:30 - 13:00 | 6th Floor – Classroom A, J. Erik Johnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, Texas, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Topic: FAN Club Methodology

The Best Practices SIG is for genealogists who want to learn advanced methodology skills and techniques. We’ll continue studying applying FAN Club methodology to our own research. Please come ready to share your progress, or bring a challenge you’re facing. Whether you’re moving forward or feeling stuck, there’s always something to learn together.

“The only voice that documents have is the voice we give them.With every document we find, and every story we tell, we have a choice:We can take what we see at face value, report it devoid of context, and run the risk of misrepresenting the circumstances.Or we can seek the context we need to understand the record, the event, and the person.”

– Elizabeth Shown Mills

You can contact Liz Kutz, the SIG leader at bestpractices@dallasgenealogy.org.

Learn more about the Best Practices SIG.

Jewish Special Interest Group
2025-09-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Jewish Community Center of Dallas, 7900 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX, 75230, United States
In-person

Topic: Elizabeth Shown Mill’s FAN Club

The Jewish Genealogical Interest Group’s mission is to assist anyone to research their actual (or suspected) Jewish ancestral lines. Learn about alternative genealogy research methods and records specifically geared to finding your Jewish ancestors.

The group will meet in the Boardroom.

German Genealogy Group
2025-09-13 10:30 - 12:00 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person and Virtual Event

Speaker: Dr. Sabine Akabayoy

Topic: Bridging the Atlantic: German DNA for American Genealogists

The prevalence of DNA testing in Germany is much lower than in the US and data privacy is much stricter making it much more difficult to research DNA matches. In this presentation we will address differences in DNA genealogy between US and German researchers. This session will provide insights on which platform to find German DNA matches and how to increase our chances receiving an answer when contacting them.

We will also talk about migration within Europe and the impact on the ethnicity estimate and how we can utilize the ethnicity estimate to determine the location of our German ancestors. It is crucial to combine DNA results with traditional genealogical research so we will touch slightly on how to find records pointing to the place of origin prior to immigration that will also help filtering DNA matches.

Sabine was born in Germany. Her ancestors are from Hesse, Westphalia, East Prussia, Thuringia, Mecklenburg and Brandenburg. She immigrated to Israel and has a PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science and was a researcher at Harvard Medical School before she returned to Israel. Now she uses her research skills as a professional genealogist and translator, specializing on DNA genealogy, German genealogy, immigrants from Germany to the US and Israel, and Jewish genealogy.

The leaders of this group are Ann Broihier and Bernard Meisner. Contact: ggg@dallasgenealogy.org. Learn more about the German Genealogy Group

JOIN CALL

Meeting ID: 867 5887 1312, Passcode: [REDACTED]

DNA Special Interest Group
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person and Virtual Event

The DNA Special Interest Group explores the use of DNA as a genealogical tool. The goal is to help individuals understand and incorporate current DNA testing strategies and standards into their personal genealogy. Meeting are open to all.

This months meeting will be a presentation by Dave Vance, General Manager of Family Tree DNA: Three Tests- One Tree! Integrating Autosomal, Y DNA and MT-DNA Results Together

Those interested in the DNA SIG may sign up for email meeting notification:

By requesting to be added to the SIG Mailing List at DNA@dallasgenealogy.org

By joining the “DGS DNA Interest Group” Project through their personal page on Family Tree DNA (the person must have tested and be in the Family Tree DNA database)

JOIN CALL

Zoom Details: Meeting ID: 828 9186 6806 / Passcode: [REDACTED]

Best Practices SIG
2025-09-27 10:30 - 13:00 | 8th Floor – McDermott Room, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Topic: Book Discussion: Your Stripped Bare Guide to Citing and Using History Sources

Liz will be leading the group on the study of Elizabeth Shown Mills newest book, Your Stripped Bare Guide to Citing and Using History Sources. Please be sure to bring your copy. I found this extremely helpful in being a quick reference, easy to use and understand. We will also be discussing the course of study for the upcoming months..so be sure to join!

You can contact Liz Kutz, the SIG leader at bestpractices@dallasgenealogy.org.

Learn more about the Best Practices SIG.
