DALLAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

DNA Special Interest Group
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:30 (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

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)

JOIN CALL

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

DPL Exhibit: The Mexican American Museum of Texas presents "Spanish Texas during the American Revolution: Life and Legacy, 1775 – 1783"
2026-05-22 00:00 - 2026-07-31 23:59 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Discover a lesser-known story of the American Revolution at Spanish Texas during the American Revolution: Life and Legacy, 1775 – 1783,” a compelling new exhibit on the 8th floor of the Dallas Public Library. Designed and produced by The Mexican American Museum of Texas, this display highlights how Tejanos and Spanish settlers contributed to the American Revolution while navigating the challenges of daily life on the Texas frontier.

Through bilingual panels, descendant collaboration and interactive replicas, visitors will gain an authentic look at, among many other things, the food, medicine, work, leisure, and resilience of Tejano communities in a region dominated by Native peoples. Significantly, this exhibit expands the narrative of the American Revolution beyond the thirteen colonies, ensuring that the contributions of Texas Hispanos are properly recognized.

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Best Practices SIG
2026-05-23 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.

JOIN CALL

DPL: 250 Years of Us Book Club: The Only Good Indians
2026-05-28 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.

May Selection: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

In May’s selection, we pivot to a gripping and unsettling novel that blends horror with contemporary Native American experience. Centered on four Blackfeet men haunted by a past hunting trip gone wrong, the story examines themes of cultural identity, tradition, guilt, and survival. Through suspense and sharp social insight, this selection invites readers to confront the lingering consequences of history and consider whose stories have too often been marginalized in the American narrative.

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DPL: Digitizing Family Videos and Film
2026-06-03 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

Camcorder tapes, VHS, VHS-C, 8 mm film – the opportunities to make home movies in the 20th century seem endless. Now, it ends up being hard to find the equipment to view your forgotten treasures and harder still to digitize it for free. Join Genealogy & History Manager Stephanie Bennett to learn about the ins and outs of family movie digitization and how the Heritage Lab located on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library can help you make your precious family memories easier to share with loved ones.

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DPL: Oral History Pop-Up
2026-06-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Auditorium, Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75229, United States
In-person Only

Oral history is essential to preserving and interpreting the voices and memories of individuals and communities involved in past events. They can be as simple as sharing stories from everyday life, to as complex to how you remember important events. All help us understand how the world used to be by those who experienced it. We will have the Vivid-Pix Memory Sation on loan from the Central Library to record participants rich history through storytelling. Bring records, photos and other items to scan in tandem with your story. Sign-ups are for 5-to-15-minute recording sessions.

To request an oral history session outside of this program or for more information please contact the Genealogy & History Division at 214-670-1433 or genealogy@dallas.gov

DPL: Hitting the Genealogy Bullseye with Chronology and Location
2026-06-17 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

Join genealogist James M. Beidler for an engaging session on how chronology and geography can sharpen your family history research. Learn how building accurate timelines and understanding the places your ancestors lived can help separate individuals with similar names, uncover missing records, and solve stubborn research problems. Using practical examples and proven strategies, this program will demonstrate how “hitting the bullseye” with chronology and location can lead to more accurate and meaningful genealogical discoveries.

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HCGS Summer Seminar
2026-06-20 08:30 - 15:30 | TX
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Ari Wilkins

Sessions

– Black and White Families in Southern Plantation Records – Mysterious Relatives – Reconstructing Communities Using Sanborn Maps, Census Records, and City Directories – Sources for Researching Rural Ancestor

MORE INFO

Location:

Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Center301 Oak AveSulphur Springs, TX 75482

A graduate of Louisiana State University, Ms. Wilkins has been actively researching family history since 1998, specializing in African American research.Ms. Wilkins speaks nationally and locally. She has had the honor to speak at the National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies, Texas State Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogical Society, Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, American Library Association, RootsTech, and a multitude of local societies.

DPL: Transcribe-a-Thon
2026-06-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Auditorium, Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75229, United States
In-person Only

Advance historical research by transcribing past documents!

This program will introduce attendees to the transcription process and support those interested in starting to assist with local transcribing with Dallas Public Library projects or on a broader level with Smithsonian documents. It is recommended for attendees to bring their own laptops to get started with projects during the free working time; however, we will have a limited number of public computers available as well.

To learn more about each project click the links below:

DPL & DGS Joint Projects | Smithsonian Transcription Center

DPL: 250 Years of Us Book Club: Kindred
2026-06-25 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.

June Selection: Kindred by Octavia Butler

In June’s selection, we turn to a powerful and thought-provoking novel that blends historical fiction with speculative elements to confront the realities of slavery in America. When a modern Black woman is repeatedly pulled back in time to a Maryland plantation, Kindred forces readers to reckon with the human impact of the nation’s founding era. Through its intimate, unflinching portrayal of survival, power, and ancestry, this selection deepens our understanding of the complex and often painful histories that underpin America’s story—an essential reflection as we approach the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.

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Best Practices SIG
2026-06-27 10:30 - 13:00 | 6th Floor – Classroom Brno (formerly Classroom B), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

DPL: Liberty and Lace Ball: A Celebration of Independence
2026-06-27 18:00 - 21:00 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Step back into the vibrant world of Revolutionary-era America—where powdered wigs meet pounding drums, minuets mingle with hip-hop remixes and history is for everyone.

The Liberty & Lace Ball honors the first bold steps toward independence—personal, cultural and national—while recognizing that freedom in 1776 was not yet a reality for all. In the grand tradition of Revolutionary-era gatherings, guests are invited to celebrate progress, express their unique heritage and dance in the enduring pursuit of liberty for everyone.

Throughout the evening, enjoy live music and dance, hands-on creative experiences and opportunities to connect with the past in ways that feel fresh, social and fun. Try your hand at period-inspired crafts, browse artisan goods, strike a pose at our photo backdrop or add your voice to our interactive “Declare Your Liberty” installation—where modern reflections meet the enduring words of the Declaration of Independence.

Whether you come in full costume or just as you are, no experience is needed!

Because while the ideals of liberty were revolutionary, their promise was incomplete. This evening invites you to celebrate those ideals—and reflect on how they continue to evolve today.

This event is 18+ only. A Government-issued ID is needed for a drink ticket; IDs will be checked at the door. Please register for a reminder email and to help our event organizers plan.

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Itinerary

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. “Declare your Liberty” interactive installation

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Fashioning Liberty: 18th Century Fan Making

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Garden Gatherings: 18th Century Bouquet Making with Monica Deavila

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. “Survive 1776” games

6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Revolutionary America country dance class, Set 1 with North Texas Traditional Dance Society

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Elegant Paperwork: 18th Century Quilling with Teri Huff

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pressing Liberty: Revolutionary Letterpress Printing with Jacob Taylor Gibson

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. My Shot: Hamilton Karaoke

7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Portraits of the Revolution: Fashion & Identity in Early America with Camille Davis

7:30 – 8:15 p.m. Revolutionary America country dance class, Set 2 with North Texas Traditional Dance Society

8:15 – 8:45 p.m. Threads of Revolution: Community Quilt Reveal & 1776 and Me with Craig Scott Raffle Drawing

Vendor booths and dancing will be available throughout the evening.

Participating Vendors & Organizations

Dallas Genealogical Society

Dallas Lace Society

Daughters of the American Revolution

Dearly Imparted

Sons of the American Revolution

Food and Beverage

Meals & mead will be available from our partner vendors for a fee. Limited free drinks will be available.

Food & Beverage provided by:

Amor & Queso

Bakes & Boules

Fox and Raven Mead

Parking: Event parking is free in our library parking garage. The entrance is located behind the library, on Wood. St. (Put 1541 Wood St. into your GPS.). The library parking garage has limited spaces and will be first-come, first-served. Street parking and paid lots are available all around the downtown Dallas area.

Cost: All activities are free, but vendors will charge for items they are selling.

Costumes: Just like at any ball, costumes are encouraged!

DPL: Digitizing the Voices in Your Family Tree
2026-07-08 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

The sound of a loved one’s voice = irreplaceable family memories. Learn how to digitize and preserve your audio recordings stored on cassette tapes, microcassette tapes and LPs. Hear from one of Dallas Public Library’s librarians on how to edit your audio and share your precious family memories using the Heritage Lab located on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

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DPL: The American Revolution and the Rebellion in Texas with Dr. Sam Haynes
2026-07-09 18:00 - 19:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Revolution remembered. Revolution reimagined. Revolution reborn.

Dr. Sam W. Haynes, professor at University of Texas at Arlington, brings the story of the American Revolution forward into the 19th century, revealing how its ideals echoed far beyond 1776. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this program explores how the language, memory and myth of the “Spirit of ’76” shaped the rebellion in Texas and the movement that ultimately led to independence from Mexico.

Often overlooked in discussions of the Texas Revolution is the extent to which Anglo-Texans consciously looked backward—drawing on revolutionary rhetoric, symbols, and strategies from the founding era to interpret their conflict with Mexico City. By tracing these connections, Dr. Haynes reveals how the legacy of 1776 was not just remembered, but actively repurposed—offering a powerful lens on how Americans have continually reimagined the meaning of revolution, liberty and independence across generations.

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DPL: What You Can Learn from Lineage Societies (..without being a member!)
2026-07-22 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

Join genealogist Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal of The Family Heart for an exploration of the free genealogy resources available through lineage societies that have spent more than 125 years preserving family histories, records, and research. From the online databases and digitized applications of the Daughters of the American Revolution to pioneer rolls, military ancestor lists, and other valuable records, this presentation will highlight the surprising tools available to every researcher — no membership required. Learn where to find these resources, how to use them effectively and how they can help you uncover new clues about your own family history.

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Genealogy 101: Where to Start?
2026-07-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Opal Lawrence Historical Park Barn, 711 E. Kearney St., Mesquite, Texas, 75149, United States
A moderated panel discussion hosted by Historic Mesquite featuring Molly Allison, Paula Perkins, Barbara Coakley and Debbie Stuart.

Summer Seminar featuring Craig R Scott
2026-07-25 09:30 - 15:30 | Dallas Public Library – J Eric Jonsson, 1515 Young Street, DALLAS, TX, 75218, United States
Our Speaker: Craig R Scott, MA, CG, FUGA

In recognition of our country’s 250th anniversary, we have invited Revolutionary War expert genealogist Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA to come to Dallas and walk us down the paths we need to follow to find the details of our patriot ancestors’ service. Discover the impact the fight for American independence had on our forebears’ lives.

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Sessions

A Revolutionary War Case Study – The case study will follow the course of one revolutionary soldier, that captures the experiences of most of our ancestors who served in the various American Revolution military units. The subsequent lectures in the seminar will each focus in depth on one aspect of the American Fight for Independence.

Records created by the War – This lecture will examine types of service, compiled military service records, and where other documents can be found using a step-by-step methodology in a case study.

Records created after the War: Pensions – This lecture will explain the types of pensions, pension law, pension application files, pension ledgers, pension payment vouchers, last and final payments.

Records created after the War: Bounty Land – This lecture will cover the history of state and federal bounty land, French and Indian War bounty land during the Revolutionary War, bounty land acts, and the bounty land process. It will reveal the information to be found in Bureau of Land Management website relating to military bounty land.

Craig is an expert in Military Research and other National Archive records. He has been a professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than thirty-nine years. He is an entertaining and dynamic speaker and has often coordinated Military track programs for the premiere U.S. conferences, including IGHR, SLIG, and GRIP.

He has written seventeen books, and several articles in the NGSQ and other genealogical publications. He is the owner of Heritage Books Inc., a genealogical publishing firm with a catalog of more than 10,000 titles.

DPL: 250 Years of Us Book Club: Revolutionary Summer
2026-07-30 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.

July Selection: Revolutionary Summer: the Birth of American Independence by Joseph J. Ellis

In July’s selection, we turn to a vivid work of narrative history that brings the turbulent summer of 1776 into sharp focus. Moving between Philadelphia, New York City, and London, the book traces the precarious path toward independence through the perspectives of political leaders, soldiers, and ordinary citizens. By weaving together battlefield realities with the high-stakes debates of the Continental Congress, this selection highlights the uncertainty, risk, and contingency at the nation’s founding—inviting readers to reconsider the Revolution not as an inevitable triumph, but as a fragile and deeply human moment in history.

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German Genealogy Group
2026-09-12 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: Bob Greiner

Topic: Germans Found in U.S. Federal Records on the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society Website

Bob Greiner will discuss the many resources available on the website of the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society (MAGS). He will describe various genealogical collections that MAGS has indexed and that are searchable by name on the website. These collections include unique records from churches and institutions, U.S. Department of State consulates in Germany, U.S. government Pension Bureau, and emigration notices from German legal newspapers. He will highlight specific examples of records that reference people from Texas.

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]

Bob Greiner is an expert genealogist who focuses on German family research, for his own family as well as to help others find their German ancestors. He has attained an exceptional proficiency in the interpretation of the old German Gothic or Kurrent script.

Bob has published books about several family lines, in print and online. He transcribed and published extractions of German church books from several locations. He also created and maintains a project that links hundreds of immigrant German families from the Pfalz region of Bavaria.

Bob is a regular contributor to the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society (MAGS) publication Der Kurier, describing research methods for German immigrants in a column titled “Immigrant Connections.” He has also published research articles in the Maryland Genealogical Society Journal, the National Archives magazine Prologue, and the German Genealogical Group newsletter Der Ahnenforscher.

In addition to serving as the MAGS treasurer, Bob is a member of the Howard County (MD) Genealogical Society, the German Genealogy Group (NY), and volunteers at the Columbia (MD) FamilySearch Center. He also volunteers as a transcriber with the FamilySearch Germany Research Community.
