This event is free and open to all members of the public who have an interest in genealogy. This is a great opportunity for both novice and experienced researchers to learn more about genealogy, pursue their family’s history, and find out about local resources.

Programming includes virtual classes with:
• Texas State Library and Archives Commission
• Plano Public Library
• Clayton Library Center (Houston Public Library)
• Amarillo Public Library
• Corpus Christi Public Library
• Abilene Public Library

• West Waco Library & Genealogy Center
...and more

Come for one session, several, or all of them!  You may register by calling the library, sending an email or at the door on the day of the event.

12:00 pm -1:30 pm FamilySearch.org Live: Search Strategies, Tools and Tips presented by Robert Lawrence Kehrer, Sr. Product Manager, Search Technologies

This live demonstration uses real research scenarios. Join expert Robert Kehrer as he shares his research strategies and experience in using FamilySearch.org website tools to find records and then link those sources to the Family Tree.

1:40 pm -2:40 pm The German Collection of the Texas General Land Office, with Case Study of Adolph Fox by Kevin Klaus, Information Specialist Archives & Records

Learn how to research the German Collection of the GLO through the fascinating story of Adolph Fox, preacher, poet and musician.

2:50 pm -3:50 pm Unearth Your Ancestors Using Land and Property Records by Teri E. Flack, Chair TSGS Records Preservation and Access Committee (RPAC)

While land records primarily prove ownership and transfer of real property, they also can provide the evidence needed to prove family relationships. Using case studies and original documents, this lecture provides an array of tools researchers can use to solve problems with land records.

4:00 pm -5:00 pm Hispanic Research Methodology  by Arturo Cuéllar-Gonzalez, AG; Research Specialist for Latin America at FamilySearch’s Family History Library (Salt Lake City, UT)

This class we will go step by step through a case study that will take you from that first ancestral record found through the next steps you should take to continue your research in search of your Hispanic ancestors.

6:00 pm-7:20 pm  Fundamentals for Beginning Genealogy Research by William D. Buckner. Manager Genealogy Center, Waco-McLennan County Library

This class covers the basic concepts, skills, search strategies and resources needed to become a proficient family history researcher.  Join us as we walk through the process of recording what you already know, getting organized, collecting information, and evaluating the information you find for additional clues about your ancestors.  Learn to use some of the more common records of ‘genealogical value’ – vital, cemetery, obituaries, census and immigration records. 

7:30 pm -8:30 PM Google Tools & Procedures for Solving Family History Mysteries by Lisa Louise Cooke, Host/Owner of The Genealogy Gems Podcast at www.GenealogyGems.com  

In this session we will put Google to the test.  Discover Google tools and the process for using them to solve the genealogical challenges you face.  You’ll walk away with exciting new techniques you can use right away.

8:40 pm – 9:30 PM Finding Females in Your Family Tree by Mary Penner, Professional Genealogist

Researching the females in your family tree present some unique challenges. Mary Penner outlines strategies, provides tips and examples for tracing those elusive female ancestors.

9:40 pm -10:30 pm Using Archives to Grow Genealogy Skills by Liz Sargent, Deputy Assistant Director of Customer Experience for the Houston Public Library

What do archives have to offer family historians? Learn how to use archival research tools, such as finding aids, directories, and vertical files, and apply these skills to genealogy searches.