Arlington Family History Seminar
2023-03-25 08:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Arlington Texas Stake Center, 3809 Curt Drive, Arlington, Texas
The Arlington Family History Center is resuming the Annual Seminar! This seminar provides several lessons and help for beginners to advanced researchers.
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Van Zandt County - 175th Birthday
2023-03-25 14:00 - 16:00 | TX
Van Zandt County will soon be 175 years old. The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, in partnership with other local history groups, will hold a birthday party for the county on Saturday, March 25, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Blackwell House Museum and the main County Library (next door) 317 First Monday Lane, in Canton. The celebration is open to the public and free. Tours of the museum will be provided, and there will be opportunities to learn about some of the early settlers of the county. Refreshments will be served.

The Texas State Legislature passed a law creating Van Zandt County on March 20, 1848. The new county was named after Isaac Van Zandt (1813-1847), a country store owner who became a legislator and diplomat for the Texas Republic; his greatest achievement was to help ensure that Texas joined the United States. Van Zandt died of yellow fever in 1847 while campaigning to be Governor. Although Van Zandt never lived in his namesake place, the creation of the county was a testament to the gratitude of legislators for his service to Texas during his short life.

The March 25 birthday celebration will honor the county and the pioneers who made East Texas succeed. A highlight will be the celebration of the life of Elvira Engledow, an early settler of Van Zandt County and a Citizen of the Republic of Texas. Many organizations, such as the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, will join with the Genealogical Society in this event. The hosts will be wearing their 1800s pioneer clothes, and the public is encouraged to do so. Come join the fun, learn some history, have some birthday cake! Remember, the party will be happening at both the Blackwell House and next door at the main county library in Canton, Texas.

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DGS General Meeting
2023-04-01 10:30 - 13:00 | 1st Floor – Auditorium, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Christopher D. Bryant

Topic: How Traditional Genealogy Meets DNA to Solve Stubborn Brick Walls

Join the meeting via Zoom anytime after 10:30 am (US Central Time).

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About Chris

Chris is an author, editor, family heirloom preservationist, graphic designer, oral historian and interviewer, reunion planner, transcriber and cemetery researcher. His research areas of focus include African American, American Indian & Native American, Hispanic heritage and DNA. Research locations include: United States, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Spain.

Chris is a member of Association of Professional Genealogists, Dallas Genealogical Society, Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, and Tennessee Genealogical Society.

Chris can be reached through his website: https://cdbryantgenealogy.com/

DPL: Finding Our Scottish Immigrant’s Home with American Documents
2023-04-04 14:00 - 16:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Genealogy Expert Patti Gillespie, owner of Family Lines and Stories, will help genealogy researchers better understand how to locate their ancestor’s Scottish origins. She will present on one of her family’s ancestors – Robert Gillespie, husband, father, and miner who emigrated to the United States in 1869; he never became a United States citizen. Without naturalization information, it becomes more difficult to find the birthplace of the émigré before 1900. This presentation concentrates on looking for other sources and sites to find Robert’s hometown.

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Grand Prairie Gen Soc Monthly Meeting
2023-04-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Grand Prarie Memorial Library, 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prarie, TX, 75051, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Patti Huff Smith

Topic: Introduction to DNA

There will be a Meet and Greet at 6:30 pm with the program beginning at 7:00 pm. Masks are optional.

If you are planning to request a link to the Virtual or Zoom Meeting, please do so as soon as possible so that the link can be given to each person in a timely manner.

To register, please send an email to info@gpgstx.org

About the Speaker: Patti is the Director of Education for the Dallas Genealogical Society and holds her membership there. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogy Society, Texas State Genealogical Society and several counties in Texas where her roots run deep.

Patti has pursued her passion for genealogy and family research since 2013.

MacGen Reunion Group
2023-04-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Do you want to know the best software and equipment to make optimum use of your Mac for genealogical research and distribution?
Would you like to learn how to use the full power of the Reunion genealogy software for the Mac?
Come join us and bring your questions, dilemmas, and suggestions to our gatherings as we discuss all things Mac, getting the most out of your genealogical research! The meetings are free and open to the public and are held in a round-table, open discussion format with a facilitator.
Leader: macs@dallasgenealogy.org

Join the Call

Meeting ID: 912 5416 3215 / Passcode: [REDACTED]

Denton County Genealogical Society Meeting
2023-04-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland Street, Denton, TX, 76201, United States
Presenter: Bill Buckner

Topic: The 1890 Census Substitutes: Bridging the Gap (created by Buckner & Hannah Kubacak)

Learn gap-busting strategies such as using census substitutes, reconstructions and other enumerations. Learn which clues from familiar records can help you gain knowledge about your ancestors and bridge the gap.

Social time begins at 6:30pm with the program beginning at 7:00pm.

http://genealogydentontexas.org

About Bill

Genealogy supervisor of the Genealogy Center of the Waco-McLennan County Library for the past 24 years, Bill is committed to furthering information access, and the pursuit and sharing of knowledge. He initiated and co-hosts with the Central Texas Genealogical Society (CTGS) the popular annual Statewide Genealogy Lock-in. He also leads the McLennan County Cemetery Interest Group (MCCIG) to identify and inventory McLennan County cemeteries.

Bill has been a valued Texas State Genealogical Society volunteer for over a decade, serving as the TxSGS District 12/District H representative since 2009; TxSGS book awards committee member since 2009, and its chair since 2010; and the TxSGS awards chair since 2014. He was named a 2021 Texas State Genealogical Society Fellow. He holds a BS from Southwestern University, and a MS in library science from UNT. Bill is a fourth-generation Texan and lives in Temple with his family.

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2023-04-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Zula B. Wylie Public Library, 225 Cedar Street, Cedar Hill, TX, 75104, United States
Topic: Finding Your Roots – Vital Records

Presenter: Dave Klauck

Vital records, or vital statistics, are the official record of dates and details of births, marriage and death — BMD. They are also loaded with other genealogical data.

Dave will show us examples of what the records look like, what’s in them, and where to find them. We’ll also see what data may be flawed and how to spot it,

Dave is a member of the Cedar Hill Genealogy Society and has been an avid genealogist for over 25 years.

Our Meeting begins at 7:00 Thursday, April 13th but please join us at 6:30 PM for socializing and snacks. Admission is free and guests are always welcome.

African American Genealogical Interest Group
2023-04-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-20 14:00 - 16:00 | 1st Floor – Community Showcase Room, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
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 that provide information for this special area of genealogy research.
This will be a Hybrid meeting: You can join us in-person at the Library or you can participate remotely using Zoom:
Join the Call. Meeting ID: 971 1676 5715

Family Research Half-day Workshop
2023-04-15 14:00 - 17:00 | TX
Learn how to discover your family’s history! Come to a free family research workshop on Saturday, April 15, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Main County Library in Canton. The class, presented by the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, features Donna Toups, researcher and librarian at the Wills Point LDS Family History Center. Beginner researchers are the focus of the class, but it will also give information of vital importance to advanced genealogists. Refreshments will be served, and attendees don’t have to be a member of the Genealogical Society to attend.

Donna Toups has taught Genealogical Society classes in the past, and has charmed and informed students by focusing on the sheer fun of family research. Bring your laptop and smartphone if you have them; the workshop will include computer research and the old-fashioned, non electronic kind. It will also offer attendees the chance to share stories with other researchers, and to get specific tips from Ms. Toups.

There has never been a better time to get involved in genealogy, or to sharpen your skills if you’ve already started. The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society hopes the April 15 workshop will help inspire researchers, both young and old, new and experienced.

Jewish Special Interest Group
2023-04-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-15 16:00 - 17:00 | TX
For anyone with actual (or suspected) Jewish ancestral lines.

Topic: TBD

Join Call

Meeting ID: 947 0024 8507, Passcode: [REDACTED]

DPL: How the Weather Affected Your Ancestor
2023-04-18 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Earthquakes! Tornadoes! Hurricanes! Droughts! Throughout history, weather has impacted the lives of our ancestors and caused disease, death, migration and property loss. Genealogy Specialist Ari Wilkins will present on how to use weather events described in newspapers to document the social history of your ancestors.

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Coppell Genealogy Special Interest Group
2023-04-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Cozby Library and Community Commons, 177 N. Heartz Drive, Coppell, TX, 75019, United States
Formed to assist Coppell residents who have an interest in researching their family history.

This is an in person meeting.

Research and the Law: Legal Knowledge Needed to Find Your Ancestors
2023-04-22 10:00 - 16:30 | 1st Floor – Auditorium, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
DGS Spring Seminar featuring Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist!
Topics:

Finding the Law Time and Time Again – We’re told as genealogists that we need to look at records in the context of the law at the time and in the place where the records were created. Easier said than done! With 50 states and the federal government all passing laws, how do we find the laws we need?
Making a Federal Case Out of It – Even genealogists who have a good background in court records often overlook the wealth of detail available in the records of the federal courts: the District Court, the Circuit Court, the modern Circuit Court of Appeals, and even the Supreme Court. From bankruptcies to copyrights to patents to cases in admiralty and more, federal court records merit a close look.
From 1619 to Juneteenth – Slavery and the Law Before the Civil War – No issue more bitterly impacted early America than slavery. Defended by some, decried by others, slavery left its mark on the laws of the nation and all the states, enslaved or free. The records created by those laws provide critical clues for genealogists, whether descended from enslaved or enslaver. [For northern states only, see “Deemed a Runaway.”]
Dower and Dowry: Women, Property, & Legal Records Bringing – Property into marriage or trying to take it out, our female ancestors were governed by laws that generated valuable records. Learn about the common law dower and the civil law dowry, how they differed, and how to find the stories the records tell.

This will be a hybrid (in-person and virtual) event. Recording will be available to registered participants following the event. More Information..

Fort Worth Genealogical Society
2023-04-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Fort Worth History Center, 501 E. Bolt St., Fort Worth, Texas, 76110, United States
Topic: ADOPTION RESEARCH

Speaker: JANICE BLAKELY

Do you have adopted relatives wanting to trace their biological parentage? Are you uncertain how to trace their lines for them. There are SEARCH ANGELS out there who help with this. Often the answer is DNA. Please come hear Janice tell you her own advice gleaned through her own experiences with adoption research and family ties.

DNA Workshop
2023-04-29 09:00 - 14:30 | TX
DNA WorkshopBetween the Lines: What your ancestors didn’t tell you!Understanding and making the most of your DNA results.

Speaker: Patti Huff Smith, Dallas Genealogical Society Vice President

Using DNA in your genealogy research

Autosomal (atDNA) & yDNA testing

Understanding DNA Match comparison

A case study from 1818

And more!

Fort Worth Botanic Garden3220 Botanic Garden BlvdFort Worth, TX 76107

Register by April 21 Cost: $30

Make checks payable to:Fort Worth Chapter NSDARChristean Jenkins, Treasurer4817 Weyland DriveHurst, TX 76053

DPL: The Garsole in 20th Century Texas Mexican Dress and Culture
2023-05-02 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Lacking many formal records about her family, Genealogy Librarian Kat started learning about her ancestors by studying the culture and customs of the places they came from — like the foods they ate, the plants they used, and what clothes they wore. In this presentation, Kat will share information on what she learned about her great great grandmother and the clothes she might have worn while working in 20th century cotton fields in Texas. Learn about what life in Texas might have been like in the mid-20th century for your female ancestor, and how you can use your ancestor’s social history to better connect with your family’s past.

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Annual DGS Awards Luncheon
2023-05-06 11:00 - 14:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-Person Only!

The Dallas Genealogical Society annually recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions towards promoting the goals of the society. The recipients of these prestigious awards are announced and presented in person at our Awards Luncheon.

FREE to DGS members! $15 for guests. Registration is required.

GUEST Speaker Dr. Mamie McCullough is an author, educator, and motivational speaker. She has entertained and encouraged audiences around the country over fifty years as a keynote speaker. Her dynamic story began in the small town of Dixie, Georgia. At three-years-old her daddy died, leaving her mother with nine children under the age of 16.

At 20, Mamie took off in a greyhound bus with a sack of fried chicken, two flour sack dresses and $25 for Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX ‘to be better.’ Mamie is living proof, “It’s not where you start in life, but where you finish that counts!”

The following awards will be presented:

The AWARD OF MERIT is presented annually to a DGS member who’s consistently contributed time, talent, expertise, and abilities to the Society over a period of years. This member’s dedication and hard work in the name of the society goes way above the norm. Their contributions stand out.

The HERITAGE PRESERVATION AWARD is presented annually to an individual, group, or organization in recognition of contributions to preserve, conserve, house, or collect family history. Past recipients in this category cover many varying types of genealogical and historical preservation endeavors.

The VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD is presented annually to a DGS member who has generously volunteered time, expertise, talents, and abilities to the Society during the previous year to the extent to make that member stand out and draw attention.

The LLOYD DeWITT BOCKSTRUCK DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the genealogical community on a national level.

The PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL AWARD honors individuals or groups whose contributions to the Society that fall outside the criteria for our other awards.

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Arlington Genealogical Society
2023-05-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Arlington Public Library, 100 South Center Street, Arlington, TX, 76010, United States
Speaker: Emily Richardson (remote speaking)

Topic: Changing Your Mindset to Breakdown Your Genealogical Wall

Collin County Genealogy Meeting
2023-05-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Speaker: Tony Hanson

Topic: Why Finding Atlantic Shipping Records Is Challenging

Zoom Only

Between 1500 and 1914 approximately 40 million people crossed the Atlantic and settled in the United States, and another 5 million settled, at least initially, in Canada. Finding records for these emigrants can be challenging and frustrating. This presentation will provide attendees with an understanding of how emigrants traveled to North America during this time-frame, an overview of the records that documented their journeys and a strategy for locating available records.

Register in advance for the meeting.

Register

Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society Meeting
2023-05-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Speaker: Patti Huff Smith

Topic: ThruLines: How to Maximize Your Ancestry DNA Results

ThruLines is a powerful tool provided by Ancestry.com that can assist you in finding common ancestors with your DNA matches. If your DNA match has a public family tree, you can explore your match’s tree. With this information, you can verify the relationship path prediction to your common ancestor.

Understanding how ThruLines can work for you will give you the confidence to use it often!

Register

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2023-05-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Zula B. Wylie Public Library, 225 Cedar Street, Cedar Hill, TX, 75104, United States
Topic: Family History Workshop Do you want to know your family’s history? Don’t know how to start your family history? Do you have an ancestor who doesn’t want to be found? Do you have confusing information about an ancestor.

German Genealogy Group
2023-05-13 10:30 - 12:00 | 6th Floor – TaiPei (Classroom D), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual and in-person!

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

Speaker: Brenda Brenda Watlington

Topic: German and Eastern European Research on FamilySearch

How to find your ancestor’s records in the war-torn countries of Germany and Eastern Europe. Tips for locating their place of birth and finding their immigration, church, and civil records on FamilySearch.

Join the Call Dial In / Meeting ID: 947 1403 5493, Passcode: [REDACTED]

Brenda Posey Watlington was born in Fort Worth, TX and grew up in Arlington. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1983 with a BS in Math/Computer Science. She went on to receive an MS in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. While working more than 30 years as a Computer Software Engineer, she has pursued genealogy as her hobby and passion. Her computer background has been a great advantage as the technology of genealogy has advanced in the last decade. She now resides in Plano, TX and is the Asst. Director of the Plano FamilySearch Center; also working there as a Consultant. She has been a speaker at the Great Family Search Conference sponsored by Richardson and Plano FamilySearch Centers from 2013 to 2022. Recently she has also been a speaker at the Denton Family History Conference and Arlington Texas Family History Seminar.

East Texas Genealogical Society
2023-05-13 14:00 - 16:00 | TX
In-person & Zoom

Speaker: Patti Huff Smith, DGS Vice Presiden

2-Hour DNA Workshop – Taking Your DNA Results to the Next Level with GEDmatch.com

Location: Tyler Public Library – Taylor auditorium at 201 S. College, Tyler, TX

There is much to learn about interpreting your DNA data from each of the Top 5 Testing Sites. In this 2-Hour DNA Workshop, Patti will review the benefits of 5 DNA Testing Sites and teach how to use the dynamic tools in GEDmatch.com. This website allows users to share their DNA information with others to accelerate genealogical research and perform many DNA match comparisons.

Handout

DPL: Create an Interactive Book to Share Your Research with Your Family
2023-05-16 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

We’ve all seen family member’s eyes glaze over when we talk about our genealogy research findings. Expert Genealogist and Guest Lecturer Bernard Meisner will show a new interactive and engaging way to share genealogical research with family members. By creating an interactive electronic book, you can share pictures, articles, maps and movies that documented the lives and experiences of your ancestors.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

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Coppell Genealogy Special Interest Group
2023-05-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Cozby Library and Community Commons, 177 N. Heartz Drive, Coppell, TX, 75019, United States
This is an in person and Zoom meeting.

Formed to assist Coppell residents who have an interest in researching their family history.

Topic: Locate Your Ancestors War Records

Learn how to find Military Records with Patti Huff Smith, Vice President of Dallas Genealogical Society.

Enlistment, Pension Files, Draft Registration Cards, Land Bounties (and more) can be found online. This exciting program will give examples of search tools, which websites to use and how to navigate your search, how to use timelines, and how to keep the memories alive.

Join the Call

DNA Special Interest Group
2023-05-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
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.

Subject: TBD

Speaker: TBD

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Zoom Details

Meeting ID: 886 0208 0729 / Passcode: [REDACTED]

Bay Area Genealogical Society Meeting
2023-05-26 19:00 - 20:30 | TX
Speaker: Patti Smith, Dallas Genealogical Society VP

Topic: Thrulines: Maximize Your Ancestry DNA Results

Understanding how to effectively use ThruLines can help individuals avoid common pitfalls such as the temptation of gathering unverified relatives to grow their family tree, contaminating the Ancestry database with unnecessary and incorrect data, and trusting the accuracy of the family tree of DNA matches. Learn how to effectively use ThruLines to make ancestral connections with your DNA matches.

Live Virtual

Register here A confirmation email with details will be sent to your inbox.

Handout – ThruLines: Maximize DNA Results (9 pages)
