2023 Conference Tracks

Boost your Genealogy with Haplogroup Insights from FTDNA’s Time Tree by Jim Brewster
FTDNA’s Time Tree provides a chart of your haplogroup stretching from ancient times to modern day, including related branches that descend from a common ancestral haplogroup. Learn how the Time Tree was developed and discover how you can use Time Tree to boost your genealogy.
TxSGS Live! | DNA | Intermediate

Who Is That Mystery DNA Match?: Solving a Genetic Genealogy Brick Wall by Diane Henriks
Have you gotten any DNA mystery matches and want to try to figure out who they are? Join me as I show you how I solved my temporary genetic genealogy brick wall for yet another new DNA mystery match that had just showed up, when I already know all the descendants in that line!
On-Demand | DNA | Intermediate, Advanced

Genealogy’s Secret Weapon: How mtDNA Can Solve Family Mysteries by Katy Rowe-Schurwanz
Mitochondrial DNA has historically been deemed unhelpful for genealogy, but this test can help break brick walls and solve family mysteries where traditional records can’t. Learn how to maximize your results and get a look at soon-to-be-released mtDNA features and tools that will help you discover even more, including the new Mitotree update.
On-Demand | DNA | Beginner, Intermediate

DNA Clustering: Automating Shared Matching by Alec Ferretti
This talk will demystify DNA clustering and explain how this is simply a new – and fantastic – tool to group your DNA matches into useful categories.
On-Demand | DNA | Intermediate, All Levels

AFRICAN AMERICAN

Freedman’s Savings Bank — Though Short-Lived, Rich Records Survive! by Diane L. Richard
Like the Freedmen’s Bureau, the 1867 Voter Registration, and “Lost Friends” and “Last Seen” newspaper notices, the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (abbreviated as Freedman’s Savings Bank) documents those previously enslaved and now free. As always, not just the enslaved are documented. These are critical documents for placing ancestors geographically immediately after the civil war. Publicly available records are available beyond what is accessible via Ancestry.com or FamilySearch. We can learn fascinating details about our ancestors through these records.
On-Demand | Ethnic – African American | Intermediate, Advanced

In Their Own Words: Genealogy in the Slave Narratives by Renate Yarborough Sanders
Uncovering the genealogy of the enslaved can be challenging; but sometimes, the information is left in first-hand accounts, commonly known as “Slave Narratives.” From books to projects set up to learn about life during slavery, researchers can find an abundance of genealogical and other information about enslaved families, their owners, and their communities – straight from the mouths of the Ancestors.
TxSGS Live! | Ethnic – African American | All Levels

I Found My Family’s Slaveholder and the Clues Were Right There! by Debra Blacklock-Sloan
Alex Haley’s 1976 book “Roots” and the 1977 miniseries propelled many African Americans to research their family history. His statement: “In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage-to know who we are and where we have come from,“ rings true for those whose ancestors were enslaved. Though some of us may not experience an “Alex Haley moment” of tracing our ancestors back to Africa, identifying their slaveholder(s) prior to emancipation is the next best thing! Using courthouse records, genealogy library resources, and online websites, attendees will learn methods to identify their ancestor(s)’ slaveholder.
On-Demand | Ethnic – African American | All Levels

GERMAN

Germans to Texas: Their Unique History and Tips for Research by Michael D. Lacopo, CG®
By 1850, more than five percent of Texas’s population was German born. Beginning in the 1830s, a combination of charismatic leaders, land grants, colonization schemes, and successful chain migration brought more than 20,000 Germans to Texas before the Civil War. Twice as many came after the war to the end of the nineteenth century. The Germans to Texas have a unique history with a wealth of information available to research this immigrant group.
On-Demand | Ethnic – German | Intermediate, Advanced

An Introduction to Compgen.de, German Genealogy’s Free Mega Website by Bernard Meisner, PhD
The Compgen website is managed by the German Association for Computer Genealogy. Although German is the primary language, much of the content is also available in English; your Web browser’s translation tools can help with the rest. The site includes links to a German genealogy wiki, millions of names in public family trees, a village gazetteer of most of central Europe, thousands of city directories and searchable village genealogies, and much more. In this presentation you will learn about the various features of the site and see how they can help you with your research.
On-Demand | Ethnic – German |Intermediate, Advanced

HISPANIC

Problem-Solving Strategies for US/Mexico Borderland Genealogy by Henrietta Martinez Christmas
Borderland research is fluid and tricky. Discover techniques for analyzing and solving the next step on your pedigree chart. Learn basic strategies for your border family with record groups, maps, and analysis. This program will help you define your problem and create an action plan for finding your borderland ancestor.
TxSGS Live! | Ethnic – Hispanic | All Levels

Putting Them in Their Place: Understanding Localities for Your Mexican & Colonial Spanish Ancestors by Colleen Robledo Greene, MLIS
Familiarity with church and civil jurisdictions helps us make better sense of records we find for our Mexican ancestors, helps us know where to look for records that pertain to a particular place and time, and helps us trace evolving jurisdictional borders through time. Knowing where and how to find historical and background information about the different Mexican localities you discover in the records helps dig deeper into the lives of our ancestors. Learn about essential reference tools and strategies that will help you identify and learn more about the localities in which your ancestors lived and worked.
On-Demand | Ethnic – Hispanic | All Levels

Censuses under Spanish Rule by Joy Oria
Many censuses were taken for areas once under Spanish rule, including parts of the United States and Mexico. These colonial-era records vary in content and yet, at a minimum, provide a snapshot of our ancestors and their communities. Learn strategies to find these sometimes-elusive records and how to interpret their content
On-Demand | Ethnic – Hispanic | All Levels

IRISH

The Luck of the Irish: How to Overcome the Record Losses and Find Your Ancestors by Bernard Meisner, PhD
With so many records now freely available online, this might be considered the Golden Age of Irish research. Learn about four websites with tutorials and the ten major Irish record repositories in which you can find the existing census records and census substitutes, civil registrations, church registers, and land records to trace your Irish ancestors. An exciting new resource is the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland, a digital reconstruction from copies, transcripts and other sources of many of the records lost when the Public Record Office of Ireland was destroyed during the Civil War in June 1922
On-Demand | Ethnic – Irish | Intermediate, Advanced

NATIVE AMERICAN

Native American Research by Jason Felihkatubbe
This presentation will discuss Native American genealogy: how to get started, where to go, and how to find the answers you’re looking for. Information will be provided about resources and records that are available to Natives beyond enrollment records. The session will conclude with a brief discussion of the benefits and limitations of DNA testing of Native Americans.
On-Demand | Ethnic – Native American | All Levels

Search vs. Research by Barbara Coakley
Searching is just one step in the process of researching your family history. A case study based on a family story from Chicago in the 1920s demonstrates the research process from beginning to end – develop a research goal, plan the research, document results, and preserve your findings.
On-Demand | Methodology | Intermediate, Advanced

What Am I Looking For? Genealogical Research from Hypothesis to Research Plan by Michael D. Lacopo, CG®
If you really want to topple your brick walls, you must focus on your problem and develop a plan that will solve it. Start with a research hypothesis or goal and start your journey. Prepare yourself for the challenge. The road to success relies on your knowledge of records online and onsite, as well as being aware of all the tools at your disposal to smash that wall!
On-Demand | Methodology | All Levels

Patching the Holes, and Bridging the Gaps by J. Mark Lowe, FUGA
We often move through our collection of research so quickly that we may leave out valuable information. It is essential that we understand what is missing and determine the best way to resolve those issues. Finding the holes in your research will allow you to discover where you need to focus and use clusters to move toward filling those gaps.
TxSGS Live! | Methodology | All Levels

Stay Organized by Logging Research: Four Methods to Choose From by Annette Burke Lyttle
Keeping our research results organized is a challenge every researcher faces; good organization can make the difference between a successful research project and an unsuccessful one. Learn four different methods of logging your research to analyze and correlate results and find the one that works best for you.
On-Demand | Methodology | All Levels

Tracking Urban Ancestors by Bernard Meisner, PhD
At one time or another nearly every genealogist will hunt for an urban ancestor. With their large populations, cities present a unique set of research problems. While the faint of heart may be tempted to focus on their country cousins, there are advantages to urban research. Vital records in cities tend to be more numerous and often predate those for the state. Urban governments, archives, libraries, and genealogical/historical organizations often have more resources available to them to preserve and protect those records. Learn how to find your urban ancestors in these records.
On-Demand | Methodology | Intermediate, Advanced

From Probate to Equity and Back by Kelvin L. Meyers
When we allow the records to “talk” to us, we learn many things about our ancestors. We learn about family relationships, the social status of the family, and prove marriages without marriage records.
On-Demand | Methodology | All Levels

Write As You Research! A Methodology for Writing Efficient Research Reports by Jill Morelli, CG®
Do you have a genealogical brick wall? Would you like to be more confident in your genealogical work? Perhaps you have solved some sticky problems and want to illustrate their solutions to others. If so, consider “Write As You Research!” Recording all the work associated with a single problem in a single document leaves a record of your solutions for yourself and others. We will describe the foundational “Evidence Block,” illustrate multiple examples, and describe an efficient research report structure.
TxSGS Live! | Methodology | Intermediate

Lineage Societies: Choices, Applications and Requirements by Emily Coffman Richardson
Choosing to join a lineage society is one way to honor your ancestor. And the variety of societies has increased in recent years to include military, fraternal, religious, heritage, hereditary, ethnic, and patriotic foci, to name just a few. But which one should you join? Are the applications the same for each? What are the requirements? What types of records are they looking for? All of these questions will be answered, and samples of several society applications will be examined.
On-Demand | Methodology | All Levels

Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Female Ancestor by Mary Risseeuw
Most records were written about and for men. Learn the techniques to use to uncover your elusive female ancestors.
On-Demand | Methodology | All Levels

Nellie was a Rebel: Using Unusual Sources to Find Her Child’s Father by Mary Risseeuw
A case study in how to utilize unusual, and little used sources, to unlock the stories of your ancestors. Serendipity can happen to anyone!
On-Demand | Methodology | All Levels

Untangling the Knot: Separating Men with the Same Name by Jennifer Roodzant
Genealogists face challenges with same-named individuals in the same area. This session will demonstrate techniques like analysis, correlation, and signature comparison to correctly identify people of interest.
On-Demand | Methodology | Intermediate

Are you a Genealogy Spelunker or Caver? Exploring the Deep Recesses of the Family Tree by Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD
We talk a great deal about the leaves and roots of our family tree, but how many of us venture INTO the tree, digging out lesser-known stories and hidden (or hiding) facts? In recent vernacular (ca 1960), “spelunkers” were the folks who ventured into caves for casual exploration, but not serious as far as getting in deeper (figuratively or literally). “Cavers,” on the other hand, are those whose exploration is serious, entered into well-prepared, and not prone to giving up at the slightest stalactite. Which are you?
TxSGS Live! | Methodology | Intermediate

Finding Females: Still Haven’t Found that Maiden Name? by Craig R. Scott, CG®
Identifying your female ancestor’s maiden name may seem nearly impossible, but the job isn’t complete until you discover that name. Learn tips and techniques for overcoming this brick wall in your research. Maybe then, you will be able to find her parents and the path to a new branch in your family tree.
TxSGS Live! | Methodology | All levels

Gone To Texas! Enrich your Family History Stories with 19th Century Travelogues and Letters by Gay Solomon
Learn how to find published and unpublished resources to discover some of the details that possibly applied to your ancestors as they migrated to Texas!
On-Demand | Methodology | All Levels
 

After the Fire: Reconstructing a U.S. WWI or WWII Burned Service Record by Colleen Robledo Greene, MLIS
Many individuals who research U.S. World War I and II Army or Air Force ancestors encounter a significant roadblock, due to record loss from the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. So how does one hurdle this research obstacle? This lecture uses two case studies to demonstrate strategies and alternative record collections that can help rebuild a World War I or II veteran’s military service history despite a destroyed personnel file.
On-Demand | Military | Intermediate, Advanced

Home Guards, Southern Soldiers, Deserters and Slackers: Finding the Whole Civil War Story by J. Mark Lowe, FUGA
There are many Civil War stories told that are not complete or often inaccurate. Soldiers maintained family ties whether Gray or Blue. The local situation became dangerous when local attitudes changed, or politics intervened. Some soldiers and their families were forced to cross lines, change allegiance, change uniforms, or leave the country. Look deeper to find the s answer and the complete story.
On-Demand | Military | All Levels

Call to Arms — Civil War Research by Diane L. Richard
We often focus on the military service and pension records created due to the Civil War. We’ll take a quick peek at these and then dive into the records most don’t explore. If you don’t look further, you are missing out on gems like old soldier homes, voter registration, Freedmen’s Bureau, Freedman’s Bank, artificial limb records, detailed maps, compensation claims, legislative petitions, relief for indigent spouses, newspapers, and more. As an event that affected every citizen, there are many records we can mine as we pursue our ancestors.
On-Demand | Military | Intermediate, Advanced

Researching Your War of 1812 Ancestor by Craig R. Scott, CG®, FUGA
Explore the War of 1812 through the experiences of a Tennessee militiaman. See how records are used to document his travels to Horseshoe Bend to fight and his return home. Further research discovers him being wounded at La Ronde south of New Orleans twice in the arm and then wounded in the head at New Orleans on January 8. In spite of his extensive injuries, this invalid pensioner does not die until 1851.
On-Demand | Military | All levels

Researching Your Mexican War Ancestor by Craig R. Scott, CG®, FUGA
Follow along while we use records to trace an Illinois soldier from the beginning of the war to his death as he travels to Mexico, fights, suffers heat stroke, and returns home. Compared to the rest of the U.S. military organizations participating in the Mexican War, the Texas groups were unique. Explore these Texas organizations and learn how these differences impacted your Mexican War soldier.
On-Demand | Military | All levels

 

More than Money and Land: The Evolution of Bounty Land, Military Pensions and Alternative Records by Debra Dudek
Explore your family’s connection to smaller military campaigns and conflicts dating from 1820-1916. Learn how laws concerning bounty land applications and military pensions compensation changed over time, what records are available online, and how to request alternative and rare records.
On-Demand | Records and Resources | Advanced, All Levels

Spies Among Us: Tracing WWI Era Ancestors through FBI and American Protective League Records by Debra Dudek
Learn how a mass collective of middle-class private citizens helped the FBI compile information on non-U.S. citizens during the Great War and how to track down the files these investigations left behind.
TxSGS Live! | Records and Resources| All Levels

Leveraging Freedom of Information Laws to Procure Novel Records by Alec Ferretti
This lecture will explain Freedom of Information Laws, and what genealogists can do with them. A variety of jurisdictions and case studies will be discussed.
On-Demand | Records and Resources | Advanced, All Levels

Creating Land Plats Using Only Two Dimensions and a Birds’ Eye View by J. Mark Lowe, FUGA
By locating the land of an ancestor, we might gain an understanding of their lives, their activities, and the neighbors in their community. But by creating a tract map you may identify more specific items and identities within the community, including neighbors, ferries, mills, cemeteries, historic houses, and many other landmarks. With the tools available today, we can almost fly into a neighborhood, look at the property lines, and even see the type of soil in your garden.
On-Demand | Records and Resources | All Levels

Financing Wars — 18th & 19th Century Federal Tax Records DO Exist! by Diane L. Richard
When researching pre-20th century ancestors, it’s easy to focus on locally created tax records–city/town, county, state, or others. These typically focused on land and/or males and enslaved. Additionally, your ancestors may have had federal tax obligations. Have you checked? We’ll discuss various federal taxes levied in the late 1700s through the early 1900s, most of which were to finance wars. Because it was not always income that was taxed (the modern approach),you can possibly learn about your family’s luxury goods and more.
TxSGS Live! | Records and Resources | Intermediate, Advanced

Researching Your Ancestor’s Church by Lori Thornton
Church affiliation influenced your ancestor’s network of friends and associates. While a published church history is not always available, there are many records researchers should explore to find more about their ancestor’s religious life. Record quality and availability varies from one denomination to another and from one record keeper to another. Learn about these records and repositories which may house them
On-Demand | Records and Resources | All Levels

Voting Records: Genealogy’s Best-Kept Secret by Pam Vestal
Looking for a date of birth or death? When and where did your ancestor become a citizen? Where did he disappear or where did he come from? Voting records may have the answer. These often-overlooked gems can be packed with genealogical information, and you won’t believe what they can tell us about our ancestors!
On-Demand | Records and Resources | All Levels

What is Social History and Why Should a Genealogist Care? by Annette Burke Lyttle
Social history is the history of ordinary people and how they lived their daily lives. It helps us fill in the rich details of the past. Learn how to find social history resources and how they can both improve your research skills and help you better understand and tell the stories of your ancestors’ lives.
On-Demand | Storytelling | All Levels

How to Write Ancestral Stories Your Relatives Will Want to Read! by Pam Vestal
Part of the thrill of genealogy is sharing our discoveries with those we love, but sadly, they often have no interest in the subject. However, with good research, thoughtful planning, and a dash of ingenuity, we can create engaging stories designed to entice even the most reluctant readers. Topics include breathing life into dry genealogical facts, choosing a compelling story structure, and presenting what you’ve written in an appealing way. Creating a captivating story from our ancestors’ names, dates, and places is like turning fish eggs into caviar: the facts don’t change, but the way we describe them makes all the difference.
On-Demand | Storytelling | All Levels

Just Do It! Self-Publishing Your Work by Jill Morelli, CG®
You want to write The Book about your ancestors and give it to your descendants – who doesn’t? Yet, we seem frozen in place, waiting for the right moment. We will explore the many ways to publish your work but will focus on the advantages and myths of publishing while using a self-publishing platform like Lulu (lulu.com). In 1985, I published my first “book,” and I have been self-publishing ever since. It is easier than you think, but by knowing the process you can be better prepared to produce professional output.
On-Demand | Storytelling | All Levels

Using Google Earth Web to Tell Your Family History Migration Stories by Colleen Robledo Greene, MLIS
Multimedia storytelling and digital mapping platforms allow us to present and share our family history narratives in a more visual, interactive, and engaging manner than written works. Learn how to use the free Google Earth Web platform to follow the footsteps of your ancestors and tell their stories. The cloud-based version of Google Earth has a lower technology learning curve than the desktop application and requires no software installation. This presentation uses the live interface to design a multimedia ancestral migration story, demonstrates how to share it online, and explains how to record it as a video
TxSGS Live! | Technology | All Levels

How to Use Social Media for Genealogy by Tara Shymanski
Social media can be intimidating, but it’s a valuable tool for genealogists. It embraces many platforms, and this session will look at a variety of them to show how genealogists can use social media to connect with relatives, learn what is happening in the genealogy world, and research family members. Privacy issues will also be discussed.
On-Demand | Technology | All Levels

How to Use Steve Morse’s Genealogy Tools by Roslyn Torella
This presentation on Steve Morse’s 300 plus “One-Step Tools” will highlight their functionality and usefulness. Explore the Immigration Research tools, which assist in tracing ancestors’ arrival, even with limited information. Delve into the specialized databases for Germans, Italians, and Russians immigrating to America. Learn how the NY Ship Lists tool aids in locating specific steamships and passenger records. Uncover Census tools, including codes and maps, to enhance your research. Learn about the Foreign Alphabets tool and Elapsed Time tool, which assist in deciphering foreign languages and calculating dates. Learn how Social Security Numbers were once assigned to help your research.
On-Demand | Technology | All Levels