Join us for a FULL day of Genealogy Research sessions! Eight speakers will present on a wide range of topics from libraries all around the state!

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity. Stop in for a single session or make a day of it!

11:00 - 11:50 am — Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch.org. 
John Huff, FamilySearch Experience Manager 

Learn the search skills and features of FamilySearch.org to take you to a new level of access of this 2 billion image database. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the process of how to utilize the FamilySearch catalog, unindexed image collections and more.

Carl Smith, Genealogy Librarian – Montgomery County Memorial Library System  

Budding researchers will learn the basics they need to get started researching their family tree. We’ll cover the first steps to take to begin your research, starting with home sources. We’ll also cover the types of records that are useful for genealogical research and where they can be found. We’ll also cover ways to stay organized by utilizing paper charts and forms or computer software. 

1:40 - 2:40 pm — Probate: More than a Will 
Kelvin Meyers, Ancestry ProGenealogists, Researcher 

Most persons in America, who lived to adulthood, left some type of an estate to be administered. Some left wills, some did not; either way if there was land or large amounts of personal property, their estate had to be disposed of. The records of probate can be some of the most fruitful for the genealogist. 

Curt B. Witcher, MLS, FUGA, IGSF Manager, The Genealogy Center Senior Manager, Special Collections, Allen County Public Library 

This presentation explores the growing number of consequential websites for the researcher interested in military history and military ancestors. From bibliographic databases to sites that provide copies of first-hand accounts and images of actual records, this talk provides one with key sites and strategies for locating increasing amounts of meaningful military data on the Internet. 

4:00 - 5:15 pm — Introduction to GEDmatch 

Sara Allen, Librarian, Genealogy Center, Allen County Public Library
  
Once you have taken a DNA test, you may be urged to upload your results to GEDmatch. What is GEDmatch and why should you use it? GEDmatch is a free third party website that you can use to compare your DNA results with people who have taken the autosomal DNA test from all the major testing companies. You can also use a variety of tools and utilities (some free, and some subscription only) that help analyze your DNA results. Learn more about GEDmatch at this session.  

Esther Camacho, South Texas Librarian, Genealogist, and Historical Researcher

This program will demonstrate the types of records used to trace ancestors from the United States into Mexico. There is a breadth of information available for researchers including census, border crossing records, immigration, civil records, and church records. 

David Coleman, Director, the Wittliff Collections, Texas State University

Do you possess photos that you wish you could at least date? Learn what to evaluate and the resources available to help you. Follow David’s process as he takes us through samples and learn how to apply his technique to your own photos.