2024 TxSGS Live!

TxSGS president Susan Ball kicks off the first day of the 2024 TxSGS Family History Conference with a brief introduction that will set the stage for the exciting sessions ahead, highlighting key themes of the event and offering insights into what attendees can expect throughout the day.

The most difficult part of genealogical research for African Americans is finding and correctly identifying slave ancestors and their owners. Researching during the slave era can present significant challenges, but as difficult as this might be, it IS possible. There is no one way to conduct slave research, but there are many strategies and resources that will guide you to success. Researching the slavery era requires time, patience, determination, and perseverance.

Category: TxSGS Live! | Level: All Levels | Track: Ethnic – African American

The Revolutionary War was fought in part over tensions between England and her colonies that escalated over time into violence, with the opening shots fired in Massachusetts in April 1775. Some of the historical records to be examined will include compiled military service records, pensions, state and federal bounty land, and local militia records, along with records from the Continental Navy and Marine Corps. We’ll explore historical context including some of the national emergencies after the end of the war in 1783, such as Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion.

Category: On-Demand | Level: All Levels | Track: Military

Though a trip across the pond would be fun and rewarding, we can explore resources to fill in details of British Colonial Era ancestors without leaving home. Some platforms for doing so are U.S.-created, while others come to us from the U.K. (free and subscription). There has been an explosion in our access to U.K. databases, which is priceless. Let’s discuss several of these Colonial-Era gems as we explore our pre-Revolutionary War era ancestors.

Category: TxSGS Live! | Level: Advanced | Track: Records

Did your ancestors immigrate to the U.S. in the 20th century? You have worked with border crossing records, ship manifest lists, and naturalization documents commonly found online. Now learn how to move on to three types of genealogically rich immigration record collections not available online: Alien- Files, C-Files, and Registry Files. Which, if any, of these applied to your ancestors? This presentation showcases Mexican examples but is relevant to all 20th century immigrants.

Category: TxSGS Live! | Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Track: Records

Discover how AI is transforming the way genealogists research, document, preserve and share family histories. Based on Andrew’s own insights and experiences, learn more about the intersection of family history and artificial intelligence and how this technology can revolutionize the way we understand and appreciate our family heritage. This session is highly practical with live demonstrations used to showcase the various tools available, while also addressing privacy and ethical concerns with regards to AI.

Category: TxSGS Live! | Level: All Levels | Track: Artificial Intelligence

TxSGS president Susan Ball returns to welcome attendees to the second day of TxSGS Live! and the remainder of the conference. After a quick recap, she will offer a preview of the upcoming sessions and recognize speakers, sponsors, and exhibits for their contribution to this year’s event. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect and prepare for another day of valuable genealogical insights and discoveries for Navigating Your Family Tree.

Often our previous paths are discovered by the stories of our earlier lives. Court records can include the stories and locations of a previous event or home. Discover multiple ways to find the cases and stories to help you find the trails that brought folks to a new home.

Category: TxSGS Live! |Level: All Levels | Track: Records

Through a combination of autosomal DNA, mtDNA, and Group Projects at FamilyTreeDNA, Katy was able to break a brick wall on her direct maternal line. Discover new mtDNA research tools and examine the methodology you can apply to your own research for success.

Category: TxSGS Live! |Level: All Levels  | Track: DNA

When facing a brick wall in your family history research, there are several strategies you can employ to break through this obstacle. This presentation will discuss methods to find your Hispanic ancestors behind those brick walls, and can be used elsewhere in your research.

Category: TxSGS Live! | Level: Beginner/Intermediate |Track: Ethnic – Hispanic

Migrating ancestors present challenges in discovering their actions and records. Land and tax records place an ancestor in a specific location in time and provide details to uniquely identify him from people of the same name. Learn key strategies for utilizing these important records, including where to find them and how to use them to discover more about your ancestors.

Category: TxSGS Live! | Level: Intermediate | Track: Methodology

The Revolutionary War was fought in part over tensions between England and her colonies that escalated over time into violence, with the opening shots fired in Massachusetts in April 1775. Some of the historical records to be examined will include compiled military service records, pensions, state and federal bounty land, and local militia records, along with records from the Continental Navy and Marine Corps. We’ll explore historical context including some of the national emergencies after the end of the war in 1783, such as Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion.

Category: On-Demand | Level: All Levels | Track: Military