DALLAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Grand Prairie Genealogical Society Meeting
2026-02-05 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Grand Prarie Memorial Library, 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prarie, TX, 75051, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Bernard Meisner

Program: Techniques and Strategies for More Effective Online Searching

As more genealogical records become available through the Internet it has become essential to formulate efficient searches to find the relevant information about your ancestors. One must not only know where to look for the information, but how to find it. This presentation will cover how to determine what information is available, where it is located, and how to use search tools such as filters, wildcards, relationships, complementary data sources, and tailored search engines to improve the likelihood of finding it.

Location: Inspire Room at the Grand Prairie Memorial Library

Bernard is a genealogist and lecturer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. He began researching his family over 35 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, several triple- and quadruple-great grandparents, and his Meisner 8th great grandparents. He is a co-leader of the Dallas Genealogical Society’s German SIG, and a member of the Nation, Texas State, and Germanic Genealogical Societies. He has written several articles for the Texas State Genealogical Society’s quarterly magazine, Stirpes.Bernard retired from the National Weather Service Southern Region Headquarters where he was the Chief of the Science & Training Branch. He is certified as a consulting meteorologist by the American Meteorological Society. He has taught at the Universities of Texas, Oklahoma and St. Thomas (Houston). Bernard earned a B.S. in physics/German from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in meteorology from the University of Hawaii. He has completed coursework of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research, The Family History AI Show Academy’s Introductory and Advanced courses, and attended the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh multiple times, completing courses in Irish, German, and Pennsylvania Research, Digital Research Skills, and Practical Genetic Genealogy.

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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Jewish Special Interest Group
2026-02-09 10:30 - 12:00 | TX
CANCELLED – this session has been cancelled.

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.

Collin County Genealogy Meeting
2026-02-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Laurel Neuman

Topic: Texas General Land Office – Exciting New Records Available!

Register in advance for the meeting.

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2026-02-17 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Speaker: Nicka Sewell-Smith (remote)

Topic: Beginning African-American Genealogy research

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

Get to the root of your African American family tree with family history tools and essential record collections at Ancestry.com. Nicka will walk you through the steps to discovering your family’s unique history through the 20th century and back to the 1870 Census.

This event is made possible through our partnership with the Traphene Hickman Library. Admission is always free

Van Zandt County Monthly Meeting
2026-02-21 14:00 - 15:00 | TX
Speaker: Thomas MacEntee (remote)

Due to early voting at the library, the monthly meeting will be virtual only. Email vanzandtgensoc@gmail.com to get setup to attend.

Location: Virtual Only

African American Genealogical Interest Group
2026-02-21 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-04-18 14:00 - 15:30 | 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.

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Meeting ID: 971 1676 5715

Best Practices SIG
2026-02-28 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

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

“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.

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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.

Jewish Special Interest Group
2026-03-09 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Jewish Community Center of Dallas, 7900 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX, 75230, United States
In-person

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.

Collin County Genealogy Meeting
2026-03-11 18:00 - 20:30 | Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Daniel Horowitz

Topic: MyHeritage Unique Technologies for Researching Your Family

Register in advance for the meeting.

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German Genealogy Group
2026-03-14 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: Garry Finkell

Topic: Hudson Valley Palatine Loyalists in the Revolutionary War

I examine the general topic of the existence of Loyalists in the American Revolutionary War. This is a subject that very few Americans are aware of. It has only been in the last couple of decades that there has been a serious examination of the topic in academic circles.

I then discuss the Loyalists from among the Palatine Germans, whose parents and grandparents settled in the Hudson River Valley of New York beginning in 1710 and continuing up to the war itself. I examine the reasons for their taking their position, including Lutheran theology and their lived experiences.

The aftermath of the war saw the exile of all Hudson Valley Loyalists, including the Palatines to Ontario, Canada. These exiles became the founders of English-speaking Canada, and I discuss their prominent position in Canadian history.

Throughout the presentation I include references to my Finckel ancestors who were among the Palatine Loyalists. I finish with a description of a trip that I took with my 3rd cousin, Donald Finkell to explore our part of Canada and to meet a 5th cousin, Paula Finkle who lives in Canada.

Garry Finkell Bio

Garry is from Albany, New York and joined Palatines to America (PalAm) in 2009. He is currently Vice-President of Palatines to America (PalAm), and he is a past president of the New York Chapter of PalAm. He maintained the YouTube channel for PalAm and the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP), as well as the Facebook page for the New York Chapter.

Garry is one of the representatives of PalAm to the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP). In addition, Garry is a member of the Board of Directors of the IGGP.

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

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

DNA Special Interest Group
2026-03-19 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.

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)

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

Best Practices SIG
2026-03-21 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

Special DateFor March, we will meet on the third Saturday to avoid conflicting with the Spring Seminar.

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

“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.

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DPL: 250 Years of Us Book Club: The Frozen River
2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:00 | TX
Virtual Only

In the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, this book club explores history through both fiction and non-fiction that challenge familiar narratives and invite fresh perspectives on the American past. Each selection encourages readers to look beyond the textbook version of history and consider the people, choices, and hidden stories that shaped the nation.

March Selection: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

March’s selection blends historical fiction and true events to spotlight Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife whose diary offers a rare, detailed view of life in early America. The Frozen River follows a murder investigation in post-Revolutionary Maine, using Ballard’s observations to reveal the legal, social, and gender dynamics of the time. Through the lens of one woman’s meticulous records, the novel challenges traditional historical narratives and brings overlooked voices and everyday experiences to the forefront of America’s past.

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Spring Seminar
2026-03-28 09:30 - 15:30 | 1st Floor – Auditorium, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Presenters: Michael D. Lacopo, D.V.M.

Topic: Mastering the Search: German Genealogical Research Strategies

Sessions:

Overcoming the Language Barrier in German Genealogy

German Genealogy on the Internet: Beyond the Basics

Finding and Using German Church Records

Telling Their Story: Adding Character to Your German-American Genealogical Narrative

MORE INFO

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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.

DPL: Google My Maps: Visualizing Your Ancestors’ Lives
2026-04-08 13:00 - 14:30 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual and In-person

Genealogy wiz Linda Debe, the Sleepless Genealogist, shows how to turn your family history into a rich, interactive visual adventure. Instead of just reading about where your ancestors lived, worked, and wandered, you’ll learn to plot their stories across time and place using Google My Maps—making discoveries easier to spot and family history more exciting than ever. Let the map-making magic begin!

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Collin County Genealogy Meeting
2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Hannah Kubacak

Topic: Creating Custom Genealogy Maps with Google

Register in advance for the meeting.

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DPL: Better Together: A Wellness Gathering
2026-04-09 09:30 - 13:30 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Join us for a day designed to help you live well, stay sharp, and connect with others! Enjoy short, engaging sessions led by experts on topics like sleep and stress, brain and memory, caregiving and self-care, technology, and community connection. Free lunch is provided along with a genealogy collection tour.

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Caprock Genealogy Conference
2026-04-11 09:00 - 16:00 | TX
Speaker: Bernard Meisner

Genealogy can feel solitary. Conferences remind us we’re not researching alone.

The Beginner: You’ve started your family tree. You’ve searched a few census records. You’re excited — but also unsure.

The Brick Wall Researcher: There’s one ancestor you just can’t figure out.

The Tech-Curious Genealogist: You’ve heard about AI tools or heard others mention digital workflows.

The Story Preserver: You’ve gathered research — but now what?

The Community Learner: Or maybe you simply enjoy being around others who love family history.

If you see yourself in any of these, this conference is for you!

Sessions

Create an Interactive Book to Share Your Research with Your Family

Genealogical Timelines: Valuable Research Tools

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence Into Your Genealogical Toolkit

Lost in Your Genealogical Research? Perhaps You Need a Map to Find Your Way!

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Speaker: Kim Richardson (remote)

Topic: A New Strategy for Brick Walls

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

Feeling buried in genealogy research? Get organized—and start solving mysteries.Learn a powerful new approach that helps you:

See connections and relationships instantly

View all your research at a glance

Automatically organize your work

Spot gaps, errors, and conflicts

Build a clear narrative (no more writer’s block)

Plan and brainstorm your way to success

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This event is made possible through our partnership with the Traphene Hickman Library. Admission is always free

DPL: Incorporating Oral History into Your Research
2026-04-22 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual and In-person

Family stories can dramatically enhance your genealogical research. In this program with Dallas Public Library’s own Ari Wilkins, learn how memories passed down through generations can help uncover names, dates, and places, while also revealing the reasons behind migrations, the stories behind marriages, and the personalities of those who came before us. Family stories and personal recollections often preserve details that traditional records leave out, making them a powerful tool for anyone exploring their roots.

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Best Practices SIG
2026-04-25 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: Write a Research Plan and Open a Research Report.

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

“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.

JOIN CALL

Van Zandt County Monthly Meeting
2026-04-25 14:00 - 16:00 | TX
Topic: Techniques to Locate your Native American Ancestors

Join the Van Zandt County Genealogy Society at Van Zandt County Sarah Norman Library, located at 317 First Monday Lane (Hwy 859), Canton. You do not have to be a member to attend. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Email vanzandtgensoc@gmail.com to get setup to attend.

Location: Sarah Norman Library

DPL: 250 Years of Us Book Club: Crooked by Austin Grossman
2026-04-30 19:00 - 20:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual and In-person

In the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, this book club explores history through both fiction and non-fiction that challenge familiar narratives and invite fresh perspectives on the American past. Each selection encourages readers to look beyond the textbook version of history and consider the people, choices, and hidden stories that shaped the nation.

April Selection: Crooked by Austin Grossman

April’s selection takes a darkly imaginative turn, blending alternative history, political satire, and supernatural thriller. Crooked reimagines Richard Nixon as an unlikely defender of America, secretly battling occult forces and ancient cosmic threats lurking behind Cold War politics. Drawing on real historical figures and events, the novel plays with conspiracy, power, and paranoia to explore the anxieties that shaped modern America. Through this strange and inventive lens, Grossman offers a wildly original perspective on leadership, secrecy, and the hidden stories that might exist beneath the surface of the nation’s past.

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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
