African American Genealogical Interest Group
2024-09-21 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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 the Call Meeting ID: 971 1676 5715

Fall Seminar
2024-09-28 09:25 - 15:25
Blaine BettingerAutosomal Analysis: Tools for Finding Your Ancestors

Shared Matches and Genetic Networks – Shared matches and In Common With (ICW) are the most powerful tools that DNA testing companies provide. Together we will look at some of the ways to take advantage of these tools to work with our matches and break through brick walls.

Genetic Genealogy Year in Review – New tools, techniques, and tricks for genetic genealogists are always being created and developed. This lecture examines the very latest developments in the field and helps you understand how these new tools can be incorporated into your research.

Using DNA Painter to Map Your DNA – DNA Painter is an easy-to-use third-party tool that enables you to assign segments of DNA shared with cousins to a map of your chromosomes. Together we’ll look at this powerful new tool, and how you can use it in your research.

The Helen Marley Story – A case study identifying the mother of my adopted great- grandmother, born Helen Marley Johnson. Although no single record identifies her mother, indirect evidence and DNA testing makes the case.

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Texas Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference
2024-10-04 08:00 - 2024-10-05 17:00
“Somos Tejas – We Are Texas,” Recognizing our Indigenous, Mestizo, and European Roots,

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)

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DPL: Hitting Genealogy Paydirt using Manuscript Collections
2024-10-09 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

Manuscript collections can be a goldmine of information for family history researchers. Learn about where to find collections, how they are organized, how to use a finding aid, and the variety of interesting items that can be found in the collections.

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Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society Meeting
2024-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Virtual

Speaker: Kelvin L. Meyers

Topic: I Thee Wed… or Not

Why can’t I find marriage record for my ancestor? This lecture looks at marriage customs and laws in the colonial and early days of America helping to highlight why there may not be a marriage record and other sources to circumvent the lack of marriage records.

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.

Register

A fifth generation Texan and professional forensic genealogist since 1996, Kelvin is a frequent speaker to genealogical societies and family associations throughout the United States. Kelvin works with several mineral companies in Texas researching heirs throughout the US and the world to holdings in Texas. Kelvin works with estate and probate attorneys throughout the US identifying missing and unknown heirs to estates.

He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogist, a past President of the Lone Star Chapter of APG and is the current President of the Forensic Special Interest Group.

In 2016 Kelvin published Research in Texas for NGS (National Genealogical Society) Research in the States series. Kelvin is also the cofounder and former director of the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR) sponsored by the Texas State Genealogical Society.

The Dallas Genealogical Society awarded Kelvin the Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Distinguished Service Award in December of 2018.

The Texas State Genealogical Society made Kelvin a Fellow of the society in 2023.

He recently completed the chapter, “Mineral Rights and the Forensic Genealogist” in the upcoming NGS book, Forensic Genealogy Theory and Practice, edited by Michael Ramage and Catherine Desmarais.

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2024-10-10 18:30 - 20:30
Topic: Family Naming Customs

Speaker: Bernard Meisner

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

Names are a valuable source of information. They can indicate gender, marital status, birthplace, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and position within a family or even within a society. However, naming practices vary enormously across the globe. If you know your ancestors followed a particular naming custom, you can use it to provide clues to the names of earlier generations. Naming customs can also be used to differentiate between two sets of same-name parents having children in the same town, or to the likelihood of a “missing” child in a family.

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

PresenterBernard is a genealogist and lecturer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. He began researching his family over 30 years ago and enjoys sharing lessons learned from that experience, including his mistakes. Although he knew only one grandparent (his maternal grandfather) he has successfully identified all of his great-great grandparents, many triple- and quadruple-great grandparents, and his Meisner 8th great grandparents.

Jewish Special Interest Group
2024-10-17 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

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

DPL: Family History Day at Dallas Public Library
2024-10-18 09:00 - 17:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

Celebrate Family History Month with a day of genealogy fun-filled events brought to you by the Genealogy Network of Texas (GNT), a state-wide initiative to connect libraries/genealogical societies and provide educational and research opportunities!

Six FREE programs will be live streamed from genealogy speakers in Texas and throughout the U.S. available for both in-person and online attendees. In-person attendees get a chance to win prizes, get one-on-one research help, and learn how to get started with their research and memory preservation at Dallas Public Library’s top 10 genealogy collection.

Event Schedule:

9-9:50 a.m. – U.S. Naturalization: The Records, The Laws and the Impact – Irene B. Walters, Librarian, Houston Public Library’s Family History Research Center

10-10:50 a.m. – Genealogy Resources at the Texas General Land Office – Kevin Klaus, Texas General Land Office Research Room Team Leader and Information Specialist

11-11:50 a.m. – So You Discovered You Have a Colonial Ancestor. Now What? – Craig R. Scott, MA, CG, FUGA, President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc.

11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m. – Lunch on your own! (In-person attendees will receive a list of nearby lunch venues to go to or order from)

12:50-1:50 p.m. – Genealogy Research at Dallas Public Library (an in-person only event!) – Stephanie Bennett, MLIS, Unit Manager Genealogy & History, Dallas Public Library

2-2:50 p.m. – I’ve Found My Irish Immigrant Ancestor. Now What? – Claire Bradley, MA, Director of Irish Studies of the International Institute of Genealogical Studies

3-3:50 p.m. – Writing Your Family Story: Learning to Assess and Compile Your Research – Emily Coffman Richardson, Genealogist with KinSearchers, Director-at-Large, TxSGS

4-4:50 p.m. – Proven Methods for Breaking Down Genealogical Brick Walls – Leslie Tomlinson, MFA, CG

The Genealogy Network of Texas is spearheaded by the Genealogy Center of the Waco-McLennan County Library. Co-sponsors include the Central Texas Genealogical Society, The Genealogy Center and the Texas State Genealogical Society.

REGISTER

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
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
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.

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.

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

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
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.

Register

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
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.

MORE INFO
