Following is the selection of Topics and Speakers available through the TxSGS Partner Society Webinar Series for 2026. Speakers and topics were selected to provide a variety of subjects from well-known speakers. For more information on scheduling a topic for your society, please see our 2026 Partner Society Webinar Program page. These presentations will be available until January 31, 2027. TxSGS recommends that partner societies submit webinar requests at least two weeks in advance to allow sufficient processing time.
Information on this page can be copied for purposes of promoting a webinar as a society program.
Susan E. Ball, President, TxSGS
Topic: “Delving into Divorce: Finding Family Details in the Civil Court Docket”
Topic Description: More prevalent than most realize, early divorce records shine a light on dark times in our ancestor’s lives. Many marriages were short-lived, lasting on average about six to eight years. Consequently, the case files may provide a critical source of information about a family that formed and dissolved between census years. While divorce is an unhappy event, the records left behind are a happy silver lining for researchers. In this lecture, Susan shares information that may be found in divorce case files and where these records may be found.
About the Speaker: A genealogist for over 30 years, Susan Ball is TxSGS past president, co-editor of Stirpes, and president of the San Angelo Genealogical and Historical Society. A strong supporter of records abstraction and publication, Susan has compiled four books of genealogical records, three of which have won TxSGS book awards including the coveted grand prize. She also serves her local society as editor of the SAGHS Newsletter and assistant editor of Stalkin’ Kin of Old West Texas, the SAGHS biannual journal. In addition to giving presentations and seminars to numerous societies and the TxSGS Annual Conference, Susan has been the workshop speaker for the Amarillo Genealogical Society, the Permian Basin Genealogical Society, and twice for the Kerrville Genealogical Society.
J. Mark Lowe, FUGA
Topic: “Let There Be Light: Using Church Related Periodicals”
Topic Description: Our ancestors may have been exemplary citizens or just average folk. However, their faith and participation in church and related religious organizations should help us understand the community where they lived and how they functioned within that neighborhood. Religious periodicals are filled with information about members and others in the community.
About the Speaker: J. Mark Lowe has been researching families for more than 55 years. He grew up in Tennessee with extensive family roots in Kentucky. Mark describes himself as “born to be curious.” He is a professional genealogist and educator who specializes in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. He coordinates “Research in the South” courses at IGHR, SLIG, and TIGR, has worked on several TV series, hosts a YouTube channel, and conducts webinars.
Diane L. Richard
Topic: “Speaking a Thousand Words: Using Photograph Collections in Your Genealogy Research”
Topic Description: A picture does speak a thousand words. Who doesn’t want to see an image of an ancestor? Many of us are bereft of personal ancestral photos or would like to supplement what we do have. Starting with Flickr, there has been an explosion of sites where we can find images relevant to our ancestors or where they lived. Let’s review some of the bigger (and smaller) online/digitized platforms/projects to check out when seeking images and discuss some of the challenges we face.
About the Speaker: Diane provides professional genealogical services, including research, lectures, and writing. A longtime editor of the North Carolina Genealogical Society (NCGS) journal, she has authored 600+ articles and many talks, focusing on the availability and richness of underutilized genealogical records, especially those of Southern, enslaved/free persons of color (FPOC), and women. She also provides research tips, techniques, tools, strategies, etc. She is the owner of MosaicRPM, co-owner of GenWebinars and Tar Heel Discoveries, and vice president of NC Historical Records Online (NCHRO).
Paula Stuart-Warren
Topic: “Bringing Genealogy Societies into the 21st Century”
Topic Description: Beyond technology, a large component of managing thriving societies is attracting members and volunteers. Social media, a helpful society website, publications that interest members, and a sense of camaraderie will keep societies evolving. Learn methods used by growing societies to keep websites, social media, and publications current. Effective leadership and talented volunteers are the mainstays, and recruiting and keeping these members eagerly involved at all ages needs planning and easy interaction.
About the Speaker: Paula Stuart-Warren is a full time genealogical and historical researcher, lecturer, and author. A Board-certified genealogist since 1988, she is a firm believer in continuing education in genealogy, a belief evident in all her activities. She has lectured at NGS and FGS since the early 1990s and has served in various roles with the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Minnesota Genealogical Society, and the Federation of Genealogical Societies. She has also coordinated a course at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP).
For more information on scheduling a topic for your society, please see our 2026 Partner Society Webinar Program page. If you have any questions, please send them to webnars@txsgs.org.