DALLAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

African American Genealogical Interest Group
2024-10-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-21 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
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

DPL: Gravestone Symbols and Burial Societies
2024-10-23 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

There’s more to our ancestors and relatives’ final resting places than just the words on the headstone. Headstone symbols, cemetery location, and the section of the cemetery can all tell us more about the life of an ancestor or relative. Burial societies existed to support communities through the death and burial process; fraternal organizations also often provided support after a death. Learn more about the clues lurking beneath the surface.

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Best Practices SIG
2024-10-26 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

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 the Call Meeting ID: 882 7359 7058

DPL Exhibit - The American Revolution Experience
2024-11-01 00:00 - 2024-11-30 23:59 | Dallas Public Library – J Eric Jonsson, 1515 Young Street, DALLAS, TX, 75218, United States
In-person

Open now! The General Levi Casey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting a new traveling exhibit in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust. Come see it now at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. The exhibit will be on display through the month of November. Don’t miss it!

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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

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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.

DPL: A History of the U.S. Marine Corps
2024-11-06 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

Just in time for Veterans’ Day, we follow the history of the USMC and its veterans through 249 years of service. Learn about how the U.S. Marine Corps started, key battles that the Marine Corps participated in, and more! Explore how to trace a Marine Corps unit’s military history to better understand the life and service of the USMC veteran in your family. Librarian Samantha Diaz will also spotlight DPL’s Veterans Oral History Project interviews recorded at the Dallas Public Library.

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German Genealogy Group
2024-11-09 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: 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

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 | TX
Topic: FamilySearch.org Overview

Speaker: Kris & Karl Rencher & Virginia Ochoa Morrison

Location: New Library: 450 Pioneer Trail in Cedar Hill (lower-level event room)

Most of us are familiar with FamilySearch.org. It is free and enables the user to search, perhaps, the most extensive collection of historical records available to genealogists. These records create a paper trail for your ancestors and can lead you to important details about their life. Enter a name, and they’ll look for it in birth certificates, marriage registrations, census records, and other official documents. Our program will get the beginner started exploring this incredible family history resource. Us old hands we’ll see what’s new since their last visit.

HANDOUT

The program begins at 7:00pm and socializing starts at 6:30 PM for free genealogy help, and snacks. Admission is free and guests are always welcome. Learn More

DPL: Resources for Native American Research
2024-11-20 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 there rumors of Native American ancestry in your family tree? Are you uncertain as to where to start your Native American heritage research? Learn about different resources (both online and in-print) that can help you get started.

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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.

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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.

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.

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DPL: Sharing Family Stories & Holiday Traditions
2024-12-11 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

In our last Wednesday genealogy program of the year, we invite you to share a family history story or holiday tradition! Don’t feel like being in the spotlight? Don’t worry, there will be fun, interactive holiday activities to participate in with a genealogy twist. And as an added bonus, if you join us in-person, make sure to grab a cup of complimentary hot chocolate to get in the holiday spirit!

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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.

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DPL: FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search – An AI Innovation
2025-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

FamilySearch is using AI (artificial intelligence) to help genealogy researchers find records more easily! Over 100 million searchable records are available, including U.S. land and probate records and Mexican notarial records. Learn strategies for using FamilySearch’s experimental text-search feature to find records that you might spend hours trying to find otherwise.

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Root Seekers Monthly Meeting
2025-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Tri-County Library, 132 E Market St, Mabank, Texas, 75147
Topic: The Battle of New Orleans and the Veterans Who Came to Texas

Major General Andrew Jackson owed Britian a debt of retaliatory vengeance fromhis imprisonment during the Revolutionary War. He vowed that should our forcesmeet, he would pay the debt. On 8 January 1815, Jackson’s army regulars, frontiermilitiamen, free blacks, New Orleans aristocrats, Choctaw tribesmen and the piratesled by Jean Lafitte numbered 4500. They presented the British with an unexpectedonslaught which was the fruit of an honorable union and defeated the invaders in aspan of 30 minutes with a glorious victory. Many of the heroes of the Battle ofNew Orleans made their way to the Tri-County Area here in Texas.

We will remember them!

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Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society Meeting
2025-01-09 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Virtual

Speaker: Sara Cochran

Topic: Using State and Federal Deed Records

Our speaker, Sara Cochran, will speak to us on the value of using State and Federal deed records ingenealogical research. Land records can be genealogical goldmines, even if your ancestor wasn’tthe deed holder. We start with an overview of how land transferred from the government to privatehands and between individuals. Then consider the power of land records to answer genealogicalquestions, and look at tips for finding and using these records. Includes a live look at Full-TextSearch.

Meet and greet at 6:00 pm with short business meeting at 6:30 pm then the program. The meeting is free to all but you must register in advance.

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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]

TxSGS Genealogy Essentials
2025-01-13 00:00 - 2025-02-25 23:59 | TX
The Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) is pleased to announce the launch of its new online education program, “Genealogy Essentials,” designed specifically for individuals interested in beginning or expanding their family history research skills and dedicated to “Building a Strong Foundation for Family History.”

This first offering in this program is a comprehensive, eight-session curriculum that will be released over four weeks starting January 13, 2025, with two sessions made available each week. Participants can access the video-based lessons at their convenience, complete practical homework assignments, and engage in guided Zoom discussions with expert instructors each Saturday. For those who are unable to attend live Zoom sessions, recordings will be provided.

“In designing ‘Genealogy Essentials,’ we aimed to create an accessible, flexible program that helps participants build a strong foundation in genealogy,” said Emily Richardson, incoming TxSGS president and course coordinator. “From understanding basic research concepts to evaluating sources and organizing family documents, this course empowers learners to discover their heritage with confidence.”

All participants will enjoy access to the course materials—including detailed handouts and Zoom session recordings—through February 25, 2025, allowing ample time for review and reinforcement. No prior experience is required; all you need is a computer with audio.

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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.

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Meeting ID: 947 0024 8507

DNA Special Interest Group
2025-01-16 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 | 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

All in the Family: Using Collateral Research to Build Your Family Tree
2025-01-20 03:00 - 03:30 | Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, Texas, 76021, United States
Speaker: Sandra Crawley

DPL: Connecting to Cousins using FamilySearch's App
2025-01-22 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

You have the power to connect to family in your fingertips! Uncover hidden family connections using FamilySearch’s free Family Tree app available for both Apple and Android devices. Learn how to get started building a shared family tree, how to add special pictures & audio, and find your degree of cousinship with famous people throughout history OR even the person standing next to you!

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DPL: Get Started with Your Genealogy
2025-01-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Auditorium, Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75229, 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, create an online tree, and navigate popular genealogical websites.

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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.

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.

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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.

DPL: Tracing Enslaved and Formerly Enslaved in Newspapers
2025-02-05 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person

Newspapers are such treasure troves of important family information – you can even glean information from historical advertisements! DPL Genealogy Specialist II Ari Wilkins will discuss strategies for finding the enslaved and formerly enslaved in newspapers. She will present a case study on how newspapers can lead you to other sources & different types of newspapers, and talk about how to discern the political slant of historical newspapers.

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