Tour of the Genealogy & History Department at DPL
2025-09-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Join us in-person at the library or on Zoom for a guided tour of the Genealogy and History Department. Staff will highlight the department’s collections and resources.

The Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Genealogy Collection on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library holds one of the largest and most comprehensive collections for family history research in the Southwest. The collection encompasses resources from every U.S. state and many countries throughout the world – making it a destination for any genealogy researcher.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87530294630?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 875 3029 4630Passcode: [REDACTED]

Jewish Special Interest Group
2025-09-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Jewish Community Center of Dallas, 7900 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX, 75230, United States
In-person

Topic: Elizabeth Shown Mill’s FAN Club

The Jewish Genealogical Interest Group’s mission is to assist anyone to research their actual (or suspected) Jewish ancestral lines. Learn about alternative genealogy research methods and records specifically geared to finding your Jewish ancestors.

The group will meet in the Boardroom.

Arlington Genealogical Society
2025-09-09 18:00 - 20:00 | George W. Hawkes Arlington Public Library, 100 S. Center St., Arlington, Texas, 76010
Speaker: Shelley Gayler-Smith

Topic: Who Wore It Best, Dating Photographs from Clothing

DPL: Top Ten Websites for Genealogy
2025-09-10 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person

We all know that ONE website for genealogy (you know the one we’re talking about), but do you know ALL the other great genealogy resources out there?

Get your favorite Dallas Public Library Genealogy & History staff’s top ten websites and share your own that have helped you have a breakthrough in your research.

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2025-09-11 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Speaker: Virginia Ochoa Morrison

Topic: Finding Our Hispanic Ancestors

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

What you need to know to begin researching your Hispanic family history. For the beginner and intermediate alike.

Our presenter: Virginia Ochoa Morrison is a first generation Mexican-American who has been working on her genealogy since 1989. Previously, she taught classes on Genealogy for Beginners at local libraries. Virginia has volunteered at the FamilySearch Center in Duncanville for several years helping visitors who are looking for their ancestorse.

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

Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society September Meeting
2025-09-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Mesquite Main Library, 300 W Grubb Dr, Mesquite, TX, United States
Our meeting will be held both in person at the Mesquite Library (Main Branch) at 6:30 PM and also via Zoom.

We will first examine the status of the “Full Text Index” test environment in FamilySearch. Then Lisa Louise Cooke will (via prerecorded video) a short primer of key terms with respect to Artificial Intelligence.

Pre-register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hEPoacVpTOiIupsyVzpeaQ

German Genealogy Group
2025-09-13 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: Dr. Sabine Akabayoy

Topic: Bridging the Atlantic: German DNA for American Genealogists

The prevalence of DNA testing in Germany is much lower than in the US and data privacy is much stricter making it much more difficult to research DNA matches. In this presentation we will address differences in DNA genealogy between US and German researchers. This session will provide insights on which platform to find German DNA matches and how to increase our chances receiving an answer when contacting them.

We will also talk about migration within Europe and the impact on the ethnicity estimate and how we can utilize the ethnicity estimate to determine the location of our German ancestors. It is crucial to combine DNA results with traditional genealogical research so we will touch slightly on how to find records pointing to the place of origin prior to immigration that will also help filtering DNA matches.

Sabine was born in Germany. Her ancestors are from Hesse, Westphalia, East Prussia, Thuringia, Mecklenburg and Brandenburg. She immigrated to Israel and has a PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science and was a researcher at Harvard Medical School before she returned to Israel. Now she uses her research skills as a professional genealogist and translator, specializing on DNA genealogy, German genealogy, immigrants from Germany to the US and Israel, and Jewish genealogy.

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]

DPL: Preserving your Family Archives
2025-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Stacks of old photos. Mounds of loose paper. That one vase that belonged to your great aunt Winifred.

We all have old things that we’ve kept throughout the years that belonged to our loved ones. Yet, through those years, information has been lost, photos are crumbling and memories have faded. Get advice about caring for YOUR family archives from DPL’s Family Archives Librarian Samantha Diaz. Participate in interactive activities to rediscover your family treasures and stories. Attendees will get a take-home kit of archival materials so they can get started preserving their family collections at home.

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DNA Special Interest Group
2025-09-18 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.

This months meeting will be a presentation by Dave Vance, General Manager of Family Tree DNA: Three Tests- One Tree! Integrating Autosomal, Y DNA and MT-DNA Results Together

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]

2025 German-Texan Heritage Society Annual Conference
2025-09-19 09:30 - 2025-09-20 15:30 | St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3501 Red River Street, Austin, Texas, 78705, United States
This years’ annual conference will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Austin with a reception to follow at the German-Texan Heritage Society to celebrate the new staircase.

African American Genealogical Interest Group
2025-09-20 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | 6th Floor – Classroom Brno (formerly Classroom B), J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-Person and Virtual Event

The group discusses use of variety of sources, including census research, reconstruction and Freedman Bureau records, NARA combined military records of the U.S. Colored Troops, Plantation Slave records, Slave schedules and other records.

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Meeting ID: 971 1676 5715

DPL: Scanning Family Memories
2025-09-24 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

Do you have photos, scrapbooks, or slides that you want to digitize to share with family? Learn about the ins and outs of family history scanning and digitization with Genealogy & History staff. *In-person attendees will get a tour of the Heritage Lab – a space for DIY scanning & digitizing available for all J. Erik Jonsson Central Library visitors.

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Best Practices SIG
2025-09-27 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: Book Discussion: Your Stripped Bare Guide to Citing and Using History Sources

Liz will be leading the group on the study of Elizabeth Shown Mills newest book, Your Stripped Bare Guide to Citing and Using History Sources. Please be sure to bring your copy. I found this extremely helpful in being a quick reference, easy to use and understand. We will also be discussing the course of study for the upcoming months..so be sure to join!

You can contact Liz Kutz, the SIG leader at bestpractices@dallasgenealogy.org.

Learn more about the Best Practices SIG.

Van Zandt County Monthly Meeting
2025-09-27 13:00 - 15:00 | TX
Speaker: Patty Huff Williams

Topic: Use your DNA results to accelerate your family history discoveries

Location: Van Zandt County Sarah Norman Library, 317 First Monday Lane, Canton

The cost is $40.00 per person. Pre-register by September 18, 2025, space is limited. Contact Van Zandt County Genealogy Society at 903-567-5012. Bring your laptops and see what secrets you may have. Lunch and refreshments are provided.

DGS General Meeting
2025-10-04 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: Larry W. Thomas (remote speaker)

Topic: Unlocking Family History Researching Courthouse Records for Genealogical Discoveries

Overview of researching courthouses for estate records, land records, and other court papers in learning more about our ancestors. While judicial methods vary from state to state and community to community, they all process the same types of records. Therefore, this presentation is more about the records than the structure of the court system in any one location.

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HANDOUT

TEXAS COURT RECORDS

Larry W. Thomas

After serving 8 years in the United States Army, Larry joined the Reserves while pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Management and obtaining his FAA license as an airplane mechanic. Larry returned to the Army as a Transportation Logistics officer where he retired as a Captain after 23 years of total service. Larry received his MBA in Management Information Systems from Southern Polytechnic State University while working for the US Army Reserves as a Project Manager and earned a Certification as a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute in 2013.

Larry began his Genealogy Research almost 30 years ago beginning with his own Thomas Family who have been Georgia residents since the 1750s, then branching out to the rest of his and his late wife’s families and began researching for clients in 2008. He recently became semi-retired to pursue genealogy teaching and to conduct research for clients and his own family, operating www.AtlantaGenealogy.com. He is currently working on several projects including researching and writing on Cobb County’s own Akers Mill as the brothers who ran the mill share a common ancestor with Larry’s Mother.A graduate of ProGen 38 Larry has assisted the TV Show Finding Your Roots. Two of the episodes he assisted were the Julia Roberts and the Terry Crews episodes. He is a member of numerous Genealogical and Historical Societies, Serves on the Board of the Georgia Genealogical Society, is the current president of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and is past president of the Cobb County Genealogy Society. He is becoming a popular genealogy presenter, bringing some fun to learning how to research.

DPL: Researching in Languages You Don't Know
2025-10-08 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

Genealogy often takes us across borders—and into documents written in languages we can’t read.This program introduces powerful tools to help bridge the gap, from Google Lens for quick on-the-spot translations to platforms like Transkribus that can transcribe and interpret historical handwriting. Learn practical strategies for navigating unfamiliar scripts, deciphering records, and making sense of family history resources no matter the language.

Whether your research leads you to German church books, Spanish civil records, or handwritten letters in French, this session will equip you with accessible, user-friendly techniques to keep your discoveries moving forward.

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Collin County Genealogy Meeting
2025-10-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Kate Penney

Topic: Filling in Those Pesky Blanks: Solving Maternal Surname Mysteries

Register in advance for the meeting.

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SOCIETY WEBSITE

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2025-10-09 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Speaker: Emily Coffman Richardson, Ed.D. (Remote Speaker)

Topic: Resources for Women – Are You Using All of Them?

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

Researching the women in your ancestry tree can be challenging. They did not always leave the same type of paper trail since they often did not have the same legal rights. There are different strategies that must be used as compared to the research we do with their male counterparts. Cluster and collateral research, historical context, and family centered activities and groups need to be part of the research model. This presentation will offer you a variety of ideas.

Handout

Emily Coffman Richardson is a professional genealogist and lecturer based in Denton, Texas. She began researching her family history alongside her mother, exploring courthouses and cemeteries in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Emily specializes in lineage applications, brick-wall challenges, and complex family name conflicts. She currently oversees the TxSGS podcast Lone Star Family Trails.

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

East Texas Family History Conference
2025-10-11 09:00 - 15:00 | TX
Join the East Texas Genealogical Society for their 23rd Annual Family History Conference, Your Past Unlocked: Emerging Technology in Genealogy, at the Douglas R. Mehling II Center @ Breckenridge Village, 15062 County Rd 1145, Tyler, TX.

This free event features expert speakers from across the country, breakout sessions, beginner classes, and the latest technology and advances in DNA and AI for genealogy. Enjoy door prizes, an expo hall of vendors, and food trucks, plus a special Family History Ambassador Certificate Program for youth ages 11–18 (register by October 1st).

Keynote speaker Patti Gillespie will inspire attendees with fresh insights into family history research. Hands-on workshops are available for a nominal $20 fee—bring your laptop or mobile device for these interactive sessions. Seating is limited, so register today at www.WeLoveFamilyHistory.com.

FLYER

DPL: Letters from the Past: An Intro to Genealogy & Calligraphy
2025-10-11 14:00 - 15:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual and In-person

Before the advent of the internet, written communication was one of the only forms of keeping up with families who migrated to other parts of the world. If you are lucky, your family might have kept letters, cards or other examples of their handwriting. Reclaim the past, by learning how to start your family history research with Dallas Public Library resources. View real letters and documents from the Dallas Public Library’s family archival collections, and learn how to write your own beautiful letters, just like your ancestors might have.

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DPL: Family History Day at Dallas Public Library
2025-10-17 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!

SEVEN 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 from the Dallas Genealogical Society, and attend a special lunch and learn session***

Event Schedule:

9 a.m. From Names to Narratives: A Simple Guide to Writing (Hannah Kubacak)

10 a.m. Following a Civil Case Through Documents Filed in Court (J. Mark Lowe)

11 a.m. Jakten – Researching Your Scandinavian Ancestors (Carl Smith)

12 p.m. Lunch & Learn Session (in-person attendees only)***

1 p.m. Research Road Trips: Productive for You, Fun for Family (Jessica Horne Collins)

2 p.m. Resources for New Orleans Area Genealogical Research (Stephen Stuart)

3 p.m. Family Trees Get Smart: AI as Your Genealogy Assistant (Sherri Taggart Ahmadzadeh)

4 p.m. All in the Family: Using Collateral Research to Build Your Family Tree (Sandra Crowley)

Dallas Public Library’s Family History Day is brought to you the Genealogy Network of Texas which is spearheaded by the Genealogy Center of the Waco-McLennan County Library. Co-sponsors include the Dallas Genealogical Society, Central Texas Genealogical Society, The Genealogy Center and the Texas State Genealogical Society.

Morning hospitality for this event has been provided by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the Levi Casey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

***In person attendees – a NEW lunch option for 2025 – purchase a box lunch through the Dallas Genealogical Society and enjoy a worry-free lunchtime. Brown bag lunches from home and other snacks are also welcome!

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DPL: True Crime Through Time
2025-10-22 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

Tired of listening to podcasts about crimes that involved people you’ve never heard of? Do you know a sordid story of salacious secrets retold by relatives around the reunion tables? Tune in this week to True Crime Through Time and learn about the records, resources, and research techniques available to help you turn those twice told tales of family criminal drama into documented genealogical fact!

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Fall Seminar
2025-10-25 09:30 - 15:30 | 1st Floor – Auditorium, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Presenters: Kelli Jo Bergheimer

Topic: Strategies for DNA Breakthroughs

Topics:

Successful Sleuthing, Not Stalking, for DNA Matches

Ancestry Pro Tools: Increase Your DNA Analysis

The Power of Ancestry Clusters and Inferred Matching

The Tale of Two Grandfathers and an Adoption – Privacy and Ethical Concerns with DNA

Kelli is a writer, teacher, editor, author, and international genealogical speaker. Kelli holds a Bachelor’s in Biology, a Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s in Business Management. Kelli is the Director of Education for Your DNA Guide. Kelli runs a small business—Mess on the Desk, a genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel. Kelli is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

MORE INFO

DGS General Meeting
2025-11-01 11:00 - 12:30 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Grace Horstmann

Topic: Sketching Your Ancestor’s Surroundings: 5 Easy Steps to Sharing Their Story

Have you ever written about an ancestor and felt like something was missing—even though you had the facts? We’ll explore how to bring genealogical writing to life by finding the right words to describe time, place, and atmosphere. We’ll look at how the five senses, regional language, and simple “story-building” questions can turn dates and names into vivid, memorable scenes. Whether you’re writing a family history book or just a single story, this talk will help you make the past feel close enough to touch.

Handouts: Sketching Your Ancestors, Family Story “From Plow to Paper”

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Grace Horstmann is a graduate of the National Genealogical Society’s Certificate Course in Advanced Genealogical Skills and has further honed her expertise through multiple writing courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. A genealogist, historical researcher, writer, graphic designer, and copy editor, she has devoted the past decade to the study and documentation of family history. Her specializations include Midwestern and French genealogy, with additional research experience in the Southeastern United States.

She is particularly skilled in the demanding work of navigating unindexed records, reviewing them page by page with precision and care to identify the correct individuals among countless similar names. Beyond the analytical process, her professional passion lies in interpreting and transforming those findings into compelling, narrative histories. These works are crafted with the dual aim of captivating readers and maintaining uncompromising factual accuracy. Every story she produces is grounded in rigorous documentation, yet written to convey the texture, complexity, and humanity of the past in a way that resonates with both genealogists and general audiences.

In addition to her own research and writing, Grace is committed to mentoring fellow genealogists who wish to bring their own family histories to life. She shares techniques for weaving together documentary evidence and narrative flow, ensuring that stories remain both engaging and historically faithful. Through her work, she strives to preserve the integrity of the historical record while making the experiences of past generations vivid, memorable, and relevant for the present.

DPL: Homespun and Calico: Researching the Lives of Our Foremothers
2025-11-05 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

Renowned genealogist Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, FOGS, shines a light on the women who make up half of every pedigree chart, yet often leave behind only faint traces in the historical record. This lecture explores frequently overlooked sources and creative research strategies that can reveal the lives of our foremothers, illustrated with compelling case studies that bring their stories out of the shadows and into the heart of family history.

This program is brought to you in part by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and General Levi Casey Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

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TxSGS Family History Conference
2025-11-07 08:00 - 2025-11-08 17:00 | TX
This virtual event includes TxSGS Live! on Friday and Saturday, plus an On-Demand program of pre-recorded sessions available for up to 90 days

German Genealogy Group
2025-11-08 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: Robin McDonough, Outreach & Programming Coordinator-Emerson History & Genealogy Center, St. Louis County Library

Topic: Using Ortsfamilienbücher to Research German Ancestors

Ortsfamilienbücher contain genealogical information about families within a specific town, village, or parish, sometimes going back to the beginning of written records. Learn about the Emerson History & Genealogy Center’s large collection of these books and how to use them.

Robin has been researching her family’s history for over twenty-five years and enjoys helping others do the same. She is a former high school history teacher and has a Master’s degree in education.

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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HANDOUT

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

Collin County Genealogy Meeting
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
In-person & Virtual Event

Speaker: Thomas MacEntee

Topic: Creating an Ancestor Sketch

Register in advance for the meeting.

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SOCIETY WEBSITE

TxSGS Society Leadership Forum
2025-11-13 09:30 - 15:30 | TX
The addition of the Society Leadership Forum in 2025 encourages speakers to consider offering programming ideas, marketing, communications and leadership concepts designated for the leaders of genealogical societies.

More information and Registration…
