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Levels: B = Beginner; I = Intermediate; A = Advanced; All = All levels
Preview speakers and topics below and make plans now to join us! Learn more about the speakers.
Researching a Texas Confederate Unit
Military
Level: All
Follow the sources as they reveal the narrative of Company D, 3rd Tennessee Cavalry of Red River County, Texas, from organization of the unit, to 1862 when many of its men experienced the horrors of Northern prisons, and on through their reorganization in Texas as the 23rd Texas Cavalry.
Jim Brewster
Finding the Right DNA Test for You
DNA
Level: B
How can DNA help your genealogy? We will discuss the three basic types of DNA for genetic genealogy and how they can aid your genealogical research.
The ABC’s of Y DNA
DNA
Level: I
Learn about the wonderful world of the Y chromosome and how it can enhance your paternal genealogy.
Evan Christensen, AG®
Mexican Civil Registration: Reading Between the Lines
Hispanic
Level: B, I
A review of traditions and relevant historical events that shaped the Mexican civil registry into what it is today and how you can leverage that knowledge to research more effectively.
Tracing Mexican Immigrant Ancestors Across the Rio Grande
Hispanic
Level: B, I
How to use immigration records from the U.S., Texas, and Mexico to trace your Mexican-American ancestors across the Rio Grande back to their town of origin in Mexico.
Integrating DNA and Family History at MyHeritage.com
DNA
Level: All
Learn how MyHeritage integrated its DNA service into its family history offerings and also about its ethnicities project — the largest study of its kind ever conducted. This session will also discuss MyHeritage’s DNA Matching technology and take a look at a few exciting case studies.
The Other Side of Jewish Genealogy: Sephardic Resources
Ethnic
Level: All
In recent years, interest in Sephardic genealogy—those whose roots are in Spain and Portugal—has experienced a remarkable proliferation. Learn about Sephardic geography, customs, traditions, history, immigration languages, documents, online and archival resources, as well as Hispanic research as it intersects with Jewish genealogy.
I Have My Ancestor’s WWI Record! Now What?
Military
Level: All
You’ve received your ancestor’s WWI service file! What do you do next? This presentation will take you through the resources and search strategies available to you online and in archives and show how to plot your ancestors’ wartime experiences.
Sorting through Sordid Southern Divorce Records
Records and Repositories
Level: All
The practice of divorce in the southern United States can vary by location and time period. Get an overview of divorce laws and practices from 1780s-1860s.
Finding and Placing my Ancestors in History
Hispanic
Level: B, I
Learn strategies for obtaining information about people who left few documents. Along with techniques for locating documents, this presentation will cover events in Mexico that impacted the decision to leave home and come to a foreign country, the United States.
Brickwall Busting Sources and Strategies
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: B, I
Discover strategies, sources and a variety of documents that might hammer down that brick wall. Examples using vital records, military records, census, prison, land records, newspapers, passenger manifests, and divorce records are presented along with a complicated story tracking a woman who changed her name three times in public records.
Forgotten Treasures in the Texas Courthouse: Discovering the Miscellaneous Books
Records and Repositories
Level: All
Are you looking for context and documentation? Do you have an ancestor that seems to have slipped between the cracks? These Texas gems hidden away in our county courthouses may hold an answer for you. Along with abundant examples of assorted documents, three fun Texas stories come to life with information found in a “Miscellaneous Book.”
Sharon Gillins
Who Is the Slave Bacchus? A Life Revealed in Manuscripts
African American
Level: All
Private and hidden manuscript collections are of immense value to slave-era African American family history research. This presentation prepares researchers to undertake the difficult task of seeking out private manuscripts as demonstrated in the case study of Bacchus, a native of Essex County, Virginia. Born into slavery in 1796, Bacchus lived a long life under unique, perplexing, and sometimes difficult circumstances.
Freedmen in the Southern Claims Commission— Filing, Testifying, Being
African American
Level: I
After the Civil War ended, the Federal Government formed the Southern Claims Commission to provide a mechanism of redress for those who gave or lost property to the Union during the war. More than 220,000 people provided testimony in the claims, including former slaves and free people of color. Discover this vast amount of historical and genealogical information, often in first-person narratives.
What Shall I Do with Grandma’s Papers?
Publishing and Preservation
Level: All
It’s not uncommon for family history researchers to “inherit” an eclectic collection of personal, business, or organizational records; the often-unwitting recipient of the collection is left to decide what should be done with the items. This session will explore options to help genealogists make reasoned decisions about the final disposition of a family or organizational manuscript collection.
After the DNA Test: What Next?
DNA
Level: B, I
Through beginning guidance of the how and why of DNA testing, learn ways to utilize all types of DNA results in your genealogy. Focusing primarily on autosomal DNA, the presentation utilizes multiple case studies to show the ins-and-outs of using DNA for genealogical research.
The GPS, Document Analysis, and Citations, Oh My!
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: B, I
Learn about the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), document analysis and evaluation, citation standards, and how to make the GPS second nature in genealogical research.
An Overview of Researching Hispanic Ancestry
Hispanic
Level: I, A
This overview explains Hispanic genealogy concepts, immigration to and migration within the U.S., researching the homeland, and key reference tools for anyone doing Hispanic research.
Using a Common U.S. Source to Build an Immigrant Story
Hispanic
Level: All
Immigrant Aurelia Compean’s 1963 obituary reads, “Matriarch Dies at 105; 21 Children.” Extended family knew little about the family history when asked in 2003. This case study demonstrates how to dissect an obituary to investigate each clue, the records and strategies used, and an analysis of the evidence discovered.
Getting the Most Out of Evernote for Genealogy Research
Technology
Level: All
Colleen Greene has a horrible memory and an obsession with staying organized—Evernote helps with both. This session covers the basics to get you up and running, but also includes features, tips, and use cases from which experienced users will benefit.
Using Your Smartphone To Digitize Documents
Technology
Level: B
Learn simple but effective techniques to maximize the quality of images when using a smartphone to digitize images in situations where a flatbed scanner is not available or appropriate.
Personal Security and Privacy
Technology
Level: B
Hackers and scammers are actively trying to gain access to your computer and to your personal and financial information. Your family history records and your finances are at risk! This presentation will help you understand what they are doing, how they are doing it, and the steps you can take to minimize the possibility that you will become a victim.
German-Texan Research at the GLO
Ethnic
Level: B, I
An overview of the history of the Adelsverein in Texas provides background for German-Texan research. Learn techniques for tracing your ancestor using GLO land grant files. A case study of the early German immigrant Adolf Fuchs will illustrate methods for discovering your ancestors in Germany.
5 Steps for Successfully Starting in Genealogy
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: B
Want to climb your family tree further, faster, and with more fun? Then don’t start in the wrong place in genealogy. Come learn the best place to find your family history and then how to build your family tree.
Synergizing Seven reSources to Solve Family Mysteries
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: I
Having trouble solving your family mysteries? When you combine five record sets and two research skills, you can crack the case on your challenging research questions.
Segregated in Death – Black Cemeteries in the South
African American
Level: I
Segregation extended into death for African Americans. What led to the development of separate funeral homes and burial grounds, especially in the southern U.S.? This presentation looks at examples of different death practices into the twentieth century.
African Americans in the Military – 18th to 20th Century
African American
Level: B, I
African Americans served in every war starting with the Revolutionary War in the 18th century although segregation impacted their roles. What was it like to be an African American soldier before the Executive Order of 1948 integrating the military? What part did African American women play in the military?
Building A Research Plan
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: B, I
Do you have a plan or goal before you start researching? Careful planning can lead to greater success. Learn steps to build a plan to answer a specific question.
How a Non-German Speaking Texan Can Trace Their German Ancestors
Ethnic
Level: B, I
Discover how to identify your German ancestor’s home town and religion in U.S. records by using finding aids to determine where civil and church records might be located in Germany. Examples of online resources for correspondence and reading/interpreting German printing and handwriting assist in this search.
Tracing a Woman Named Smith by Researching a Collateral Line
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: B, I
Collateral research can reveal information not discovered through direct lineage, add to the overall historical story of your family, lead you to others researching the family, and break down brick walls. Research techniques are illustrated in a search for Margaret Smith Meisner through her niece Agnes Joyce, then Agnes’ parents Sarah and Thomas Hogan.
State and Territorial Censuses – Underused Genealogical Tools
Records and Repositories
Level: B, I
State and territorial censuses can fill in the gaps between the federal census years, providing information about your families, their occupations, and the places they lived. This presentation will demonstrate how to find these censuses online and/or through state archives or historical societies.
Are Your Ancestors in the Draper Manuscripts?
Records and Repositories
Level: I, A
Lyman Draper began working on his manuscripts in order to write a book on western history and tentatively titled Sketches of the Lives of the Pioneers. He never published his work. Like many genealogists and historians, Draper always had one more person to interview, or a new piece of the puzzle to find. This lecture will give an overview of the collection, its finding aids, and how to use them.
Land Lots of Land, Using Land Records to Find an Ancestor
Land
Level: I
Because Americans were so “land minded,” well into the 19th century over ¾ of all males who lived to maturity owned land. Consequently, land records exist from the beginning of the first permanent settlements in America. Frequently one of the few identifying records from this early period, the older these records are, the more genealogical data there may be to obtain.
Territorial Records
Land
Level: I, A
Learn about the Territorial Records of the United States, what records are available, how to access them, and what can be found for ancestors in these areas during the territorial period. Also discussed are the three major collections: The Territorial Papers of United States, The American State Papers, and The Draper Manuscripts.
Old Photographs: Identifying, Preserving and Sharing
Publishing and Preservation
Level: All
Old photographs provide a window to our ancestors’ lives. Learn how to analyze them by identifying the type of photograph, the people in the photograph, the styles in the photograph, and other often-missed clues. Preserve those photographs by scanning and sharing them! This interactive session engages the audience and inspires them to go home and work on their own unidentified photographs.
Mapping Your Ancestors – Using GLO Maps and GIS Viewer for Genealogical Research
Land
Level: B, I
Learn how to research your early Texas ancestors in the records of the Texas General Land Office, beyond the land grant records themselves. This presentation will include a brief overview of the records housed in the GLO archives, as well as an exploration of how to use the 45,000 historic maps and sketches in the GLO, along with the GLO Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping Viewer, to find your ancestors.
Using Collateral Genealogy to Find Immigrant Origins in US Records
Ethnic
Level:
Determining Russian Jewish immigrant origins can be quite challenging. This lecture will discuss the importance of incorporating collateral genealogical research in locating Eastern European roots and provide resources for researching immigrant ancestors.
Bridging the Generations
Records and Repositories
Level: B, I
Civilian Conservation Corps member F. L. Younger left behind a bridge—and genealogically useful records. Decades later, his grandson was part of a crew who built a new bridge at the same spot. Learn about using occupational, federal, and home records to bridge those generations.
Slaves + Insurance = Rich Records
African American
Level: I, A
Once upon a time slaves were insured. Though it’s hard for us to fathom the concept, these records provide detailed information about named slaves who were insured by a certain individual on a specific plantation. Insurance records provide invaluable information when seeking out hard-to-find ancestors who were slaves or wanting to learn more about your slave-holding ancestor.
The Genealogical Gems Found in Manuscript & Archival Collection Holdings
Records and Repositories
Level: All
Have you explored private and little known archival collections? They are full of ledgers and account books, membership lists, and so much more! Store, business, and physician ledgers can link family members and provide many interesting details invaluable to your family history narrative. Using Archivegrid as a resource will also be discussed
Geography, Politics, Religion & More as Found in Post Office Records
Records and Repositories
Level: All
Post offices aren’t just about mail! Post Offices defined communities. In records, people used Post Office locations to identify where they lived. Post Offices also handled newspaper subscriptions and related materials. How would you like to see great-great-grandpa’s subscription list? Talk about insight into a person—that subscription list often indicated religious and/or political leanings.
I Remember Mama – But Not Her Maiden Name
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: B, I
Women can be hard to identify. If they married, they probably changed their names. See more than 20 great strategies for finding the maiden name of “troublesome” women in your family’s past—and a few more strategies for discovering married names for those sisters, daughters, and aunts who have “disappeared.”
A Nose for News: Sniffing Out Stories in Newspapers
Records and Repositories
Level: B, I
Newspaper research can break down brickwalls. See strategies for getting the most out of them. Each suggestion is illustrated with examples from newspapers from various locations and time periods.
Lisa Toth Salinas
Baptism to Burial: In Search of Catholic Ancestors
Records and Repositories
Level: B, I
Exploring the lives of our Catholic ancestors involves researching sacramental records, additional Church records, and other Catholic sources that can provide the key to uncovering otherwise impenetrable family mysteries. An understanding of both traditional and sometimes overlooked documents plus the formation of a research strategy can illuminate the lives of Catholic ancestors.
Kin Killers : Epidemics & Diseases in Your Family Tree
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: B, I
In the era before vaccines and modern medicine, disease was a grim and ever-present reality for individuals and societies. This lecture covers some of the major epidemics in U.S. and world history, the common diseases that touched the lives of your ancestors, and how a knowledge of disease and epidemics can provide additional context and insight into the stories of your ancestors.
To Have and To Hold: Marriage Records as a Link to Your Ancestors
Records and Repositories
Level: All
Marriage records are considered the oldest of the vital records. This presentation considers the jurisdictions governing these records, the types of marriage records available, and how to locate these records.
Researching Your Urban Ancestors
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: I
Genealogical research in larger metropolitan and urban areas is not without challenges or rewards as genealogists need to familiarize themselves with a broad range of research topics. By researching urban records such as city and business directories, maps, census, tax records, and other primary sources, documenting your urban ancestors can be done more effectively.
Roosevelt’s Tree Army: Your Ancestors in the CCC
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: I
The New Deal response to the great depression focused on the “3 Rs:” Relief, Recovery, and Reform. Genealogists today can record the personal experiences of their ancestors who sought help from the Federal Government through these programs. Concentrating on the Civilian Conservation Corps, numerous genealogical resources are examined including official personnel files, discharge certificates, accident reports, camp and district reports, photographs, and motion pictures.
The Great War: Researching Your World War I Ancestors
Military
Level: A
Fought between 1914-1918, the “Great War” began with the U.S. officially neutral. As U.S. citizens got caught up with events on the world stage, thousands of Americans crossed the border to fight for Canada. Concern by citizens and uneasy tensions with Mexico led the U.S. to declare war on Germany on April 6, 2017. Discover your ancestor’s connection to WWI through genealogical sources that share the feelings and attitudes of this time.
Finding What You Need and Using What You Find
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: All
Explore twenty practical strategies for searching the internet more successfully, extracting genealogical nuggets from your documents, organizing what you’ve found, and evaluating your evidence.
Filling in the Stories of Our Female Ancestors
Methodology and Problem Solving
Level: All
For most of recorded time, women didn’t leave much of a paper trail, but they still have wonderful stories to tell. We’ll look at ways in which the context of local history, laws, politics, natural disasters, probate inventories, and other resources can help illuminate your ancestress’s life.
Organized Genetic Genealogy
DNA
Level: All
DNA analysis overwhelms researchers with many megabytes of data. This session helps researchers of all levels to organize DNA data and documentary data for efficient analysis. Learn what DNA data needs to be archived, how to choose an organizational structure for the data, and tools and tips for efficient data management and analysis.
Write, Cite, Spotlight, Excite: Documenting DNA Analysis
DNA
Level: I
The right article or report can help excite potential relatives and encourage them to test to advance genealogical research. Researchers with a basic knowledge of DNA data, terminology, and analysis will receive tips to write, cite, and use charts to properly document and share DNA analysis.
Digital Preservation
Publishing and Preservation
Level: B, I
A large part of preserving a family’s heritage is preserving the physical objects associated with times, people, places, and stories. Learn how to digitally preserve photographs, letters, and heirlooms along with the pros and cons of current digitizing techniques and options.
Looking for My Babies: Freedman Searching for Family
African Amerian
Level: B
Countless African American families experienced the traumatic displacement and loss of family members during slavery. In the wake of Emancipation, African Americans from all over the country desperately searched for their missing family members, using such resources as the Freedmen’s Bureau and newspapers.
Mysterious Relatives
Methodology
Level: B
Learn how to analyze and connect mysterious relatives to one’s family history.
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