17th Annual Genealogy Lock-in

The Waco-McLennan County Library Genealogy Center, in cooperation with the Central Texas Genealogical Society, will host the 17th Annual Genealogy Lock-In in celebration of Family History Month. This event takes place Friday, October 20 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. at the West Waco Library & Genealogy Center (5301 Bosque Blvd).

State-wide other libraries/societies, 26 plus to date http://bit.ly/2ukKrpU, will be celebrating with their own events and activities as part  of the Genealogy Network of Texas (GNT). This state-wide initiative to connect libraries / societies and provide educational and research opportunities for the public is spearheaded by the Genealogy Center of the Waco-McLennan County Library.  The GNT will provide a series of eight live streamed programs with up-to-date topics accessible at participating libraries and genealogical societies. See the “hours hosting” http://bit.ly/2ukKrpU.

Programming includes something for everyone.

• (11:00-11:50 am) Orphan Train Riders: Tracks to Texas & Beyond, All Aboard 1854 to 1929: One in every 25 Americans has a connection to an Orphan Train rider between  1854 & 1929. Over 200,000 children were relocated from the East to the West coat on trains. Texas was a vital part of this history. Research techniques and resources will be demonstrated. Paula Perkins  
• (Noon-1:30 pm) Beginner’s Guide to Documenting Your Family History: Researchers will learn how to use resources to create a family tree, record and organize their information, and navigate online and archival records to find their ancestors. Learn a fresh approach and up-to-date information in this first-step Beginner’s class. LaToya Devezin, Austin History Center 
• (1:40-2:40 pm) Discover Local History through a Regional Depository:  The Regional Historical Resources Depository (RHRD) Program of the Texas State Library & Archives Commission collects, preserves and makes available for public use the historical records of the local governments of Texas. The RHRDs house records with genealogical interest, in microfilm but also original paper records. The presentation will introduce you to these wonderful sources of information for your genealogical and historical work. Laura Saegert, Texas State Library & Archives 
• (2:50-3:50 pm) My Texans during the Republic: Learn how to track your generations back to your Ancestors during the Republic of Texas through birth and death certificates, census and wills. Learn ways to find where your Ancestors lived and their contributions to Texas during the Republic through land grants, military records and other documents.   Sharon Farnsworth, Registrar for the Sterling C. Robertson Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas
• (4:00-5:00 pm) Connecting Your DNA Matches: While it is possible for you to analyze your DNA matches one at a time to determine how you are related, there is much that can be accomplished by first identifying the connections between those on your match list, and then working together to determine how you are related. Learn the tips and tracks to this powerful method of match analysis.  Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide
• (5:00-6:00 pm) Dinner Break
• (6:00-7:00 pm) Researching Your Czech Immigrant Ancestor’s Background in the Old Fatherland:  This presentation will cover the strategies and sources (both online & in print) to trace your Moravian or Bohemian ancestry. Explore obstacles in identifying place of origin and tools to overcome them. Learn which documents to research first, and which are the “icing on the cake.” Czech/German/Latin forms names, places, and professions. Following up research with a visit to the ancestral area and meeting relatives? Learn what to know beforehand and what to expect on the spot. Dr. Miroslav Koudelka, Genealogy researcher and guide for the Czech Republic & TCGS charter member  
• (7:10-8:10 pm) Get the Scoop on Your Ancestors with Newspapers: Yearning to “read all about it?” Newspapers are a fantastic source of research leads, information and historical context for your family history. Learn the specialized approach and tech tools required to achieve success in locating newspapers, and uncovering the genealogical gems they contain about your family.   Lisa Louise Cooke, Family History Author, Speaker & Producer of “The Genealogy Gems” Podcast  
• (8:20-9:30 pm) Discovering Your WWI Ancestor: Sources & Resources: Do you know or suspect that you have WWI veteran in your family tree? If so, discover what resources are available to identify and provide information about your ancestor that served in the Great War. A variety of resources including draft registration records, service cards, newspapers, vital and cemetery records will be discussed. Earl Pogue, Family Historian & Author

Do you have a road block in your family research and need some special help? During the event at the Waco location, and via Skype at participating libraries http://bit.ly/2u1eoMa, the Lone Star Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) will be hosting an Ancestors Roadshow from 3:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Roadshow is an opportunity for you to enjoy a free 15-minute consultation with a professional genealogist from the Lone Star Chapter. You can ask questions about a specific genealogical problem or get general information on how to approach a research quandary. This is an excellent chance to get expert advice on that brick wall dilemma or elusive ancestor in your family history research. Roadshow appointments are limited to one-per-customer. To register, fill out a questionnaire at lonestarapg.com/roadshow_forms.htm and email the form beginning October 16^th to WMCLGenealogyCenter@wacotx.gov or bring the form and register on-site (Waco) starting at 3 pm. on October 20^th.  You must be present in Waco or at a participating library to be assigned a time slot.

Get more event details on the Waco-McLennan County Library website.