TxSGS Workshops Provide In-depth Learning

Register Now for TxSGS 2020 Virtual Conference!

The 2018 TxSGS Family History Conference, Journey through Generations, features dozens of excellent speakers presenting a total of 56 topics over the three-day weekend. In addition to these one-hour lectures, TxSGS is offering four add-on workshops that provide the opportunity for in-depth learning in a small-group atmosphere. Registration for each workshop is $30.00 per person. Seating is limited, so register early!

atDNA Analysis Workshop

Friday, November 2, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Debbie Parker Wayne
Researchers with a basic knowledge of DNA data, terminology, and tools to access match lists and DNA data at testing companies will learn analysis techniques beyond scanning surname lists and pedigree charts of matches. This workshop covers step-by-step analysis of autosomal DNA matches using company and third-party tools. Multiple tools illustrate analysis of a match list, matches in common, shared atDNA segments, and correlation of evidence to answer genealogical questions. (Intermediate level)

This workshop will cover intermediate analysis techniques using the latest tools and methods. Time restraints do not allow significant time for review of basics. Researchers should already be familiar with genetic genealogy concepts to be able to understand the techniques illustrated in the workshop. A basic understanding (not expert level) of concepts covered in these articles by Debbie Parker Wayne will be expected:

Using autosomal DNA for Genealogy
Logging and Analyzing atDNA Matches
Why is my cousin not on my DNA match list?
What We Don’t Know
Triangulating Autosomal DNA

Researching Your World War II Ancestors

Friday, November 2, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Michael L. Strauss
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 plunged the United States into its second global conflict of the twentieth century. On both the home front and battlefield our country started to mobilize to defeat the Axis Powers. Researching your ancestors who served during World War II can be rewarding, but not without some obstacles. With the Fire of 1973 in St. Louis, MO that destroyed tens of thousands of personnel files genealogists need to focus their research on reconstructing lost or destroyed records. Some other primary sources of research include Draft Registrations and Classifications, Morning Reports, Submarine War Patrol Reports, and Missing Air Crew Reports. This workshop/lecture uses these records along with others presented as practical exercises to find your ancestors during World War II. (All levels)

Anything I Can Do, You Can Do Meta: Metadata & Digital Archiving Your Family History Photos & Documents

Saturday, November 3, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Carl Smith
In the exciting era of 21st century genealogy, the need to stay organized has never been greater. This workshop provides a hands-on opportunity for attendees to begin to leverage the power of metadata in organizing their family history photos and documents on their personal computer. Attendees will learn the basic principles behind metadata and some common tags to use to stay organized, as well as software solutions to help organize photos and documents digitally. (All levels)

Spreadsheets 101 Workshop – An Excel-lent Hands-on Tutorial

Saturday, November 3, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Mary Kircher Roddy
This 2-hour workshop will cover setting up a worksheet and some basic commands including formatting, adding rows and columns, adjusting column widths and row heights, and setting up worksheets for printing. As participants gain skills and become more comfortable navigating the world of Excel, they can work on stepping up their game by utilizing color in worksheets, splitting columns, wrapping text, freezing panes, sorting, filtering, and more. Participants should bring their laptops loaded with Excel. (All levels)