Family History Day – Friday, October 16, 2026
Suzan Younger
Celebrate Family History Month with a Full Day of Free Genealogy Programs!
The Genealogy and History Division of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas will host the Genealogy Network of Texas’s 2026 Family History Day on Friday October 16th.
Choose to attend in person or participate online as genealogy experts from Texas and across the country present seven programs throughout the day. Discover new research strategies and resources, learn how to preserve family stories, and connect with fellow family historians.
Programs Throughout the Day
- 9 a.m. — Building Your Digital Family History Archive — EvaAnne Johnson
- 10 a.m. — Researching Your Scottish Ancestors — Erika A. Ward
- 11 a.m. — Cluster Research, or Discovering You’re Related to the Whole Block — Jessica M. Trotter
- Noon — Lunch & Learn — In-person attendees only
- 1 p.m. — Texas & Southern Genealogy Resources at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History — Margaret Schlankey
- 2 p.m. — Beyond the Family Tree: An Introduction to Oral History for Genealogy — Adrienne Cain Darough
- 3 p.m. — Researching Your Revolutionary War Soldier: A Case Study — Craig R. Scott
- 4 p.m. — Gen Z + Genealogy: Getting the Younger Generation Interested in Genealogy Research — Carl Smith
In-Person Attendees Will Enjoy
- Free parking in the library’s underground garage
- Expert assistance from the Central Library’s genealogy staff
- A help desk staffed by the Dallas Genealogical Society
- Morning hospitality and lunch
- Door prizes
- Opportunities to make new genealogy friends
Morning hospitality and lunch are provided by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the Levi Casey Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Spend the day discovering new ways to uncover, preserve, and share your family history—and enjoy visiting with old and new members of your genealogy FAN Club.*
Choose Your Experience: In Person or Online
Participation is free, but advance registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Register through the Central Library’s events calendar.
Family History Day is presented by the Genealogy Network of Texas, a statewide initiative connecting libraries and genealogical societies to expand genealogy education and research opportunities.
Co-sponsors: Dallas Genealogical Society • Central Texas Genealogical Society • The Genealogy Center • Texas State Genealogical Society
Make the Most of Family History Day
- Organize a FAN Club trip to the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas.
- Arrive early or stay for the weekend and conduct your own research in the library’s extensive genealogy collection.
- If you live outside the Dallas area, ask your local Texas library whether it will host the Genealogy Network of Texas event.
- Invite your FAN Club to a genealogy watch party and participate virtually.
- Combine your visit with the final weekend of the State Fair of Texas.
- Explore the many attractions Dallas–Fort Worth has to offer.
*In genealogy, your FAN Club consists of your ancestors’ Family and friends, Associates, and Neighbors – the people whose lives and records may provide important clues about your own family.
