Records are the greatest source for information about your ancestors. The key is not only finding records but also locating the right record for your ancestor. Knowing what records are available and where to find them is just the beginning. These sessions examine often overlooked sources and provide clues for discovering genealogical gems for your research.
Learn more on our website about the complete list of topics, speakers, and workshops.
Join us in San Antonio. Register online today!
Records and Repositories Track
Friday, 9:30 a.m. – Bridging the Generations, Lisa Reed
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. (Beginner, Intermediate)
Friday, 2:00 p.m. – Sorting through Sordid Southern Divorce Records, Debra Dudek
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. (All levels)
Friday, 3:30 p.m. – Baptism to Burial: In Search of Catholic Ancestors, Lisa Toth Salinas
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. (Beginner, Intermediate)
Friday, 5:00 p.m. – Forgotten Treasures in the Texas Courthouse: Discovering the Miscellaneous Books, Patti Gillespie
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. (All levels)
Saturday, 2:00 p.m. – The Genealogical Gems Found in Manuscript & Archival Collection Holdings, Diane L. Richard
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 (All levels)
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. – To Have and To Hold: Marriage Records as a Link to Your Ancestors, Kathy Strauss
Marriage records are considered the oldest of the vital records. This presentation will consider the jurisdictions governing these records, the types of marriage records available, and how to locate these records. (All levels)
Saturday, 5:00 p.m. – Are Your Ancestors in the Draper Manuscripts?, Kelvin Meyers
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. (Intermediate)
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – State and Territorial Censuses – Underused Genealogical Tools, Bernard N. Meisner
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. (Beginner, Intermediate)
Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – A Nose for News: Sniffing Out Stories in Newspapers, Mary Kircher Roddy
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. (Beginner, Intermediate)
Sunday, 3:30 p.m., Geography, Politics, Religion & More as Found in Post Office Records, Diane L. Richard
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. (All levels)
Learn more: list of topics, speakers, and workshops.
Register online today!