At the 2021 TxSGS Awards Ceremony, President Susan Ball conveyed Presidential Citations on those volunteers who have provided outstanding service to TxSGS and Texas genealogists. The focus this year was on those volunteers who excelled in partner society support, genealogy education, and member support.
In 2021, Tony Hanson, Director of Membership, and Emily Richardson, Secretary, launched the TxSGS Partner Society Leadership Forum, a series of quarterly meetings featuring speakers, topics, and discussion groups. The forum’s mission is helping genealogy societies thrive. David Rencher kicked-off the forum in March speaking on leadership, programming, publications, and membership. Following meetings addressed how to host virtual and hybrid (virtual and in-person) meetings, recruiting leaders, and retaining engaged volunteers. The response has been so positive from Partner Society leaders that the forum is continuing in 2022.
Kelvin L. Meyers, Texas Institute of Genealogy Research Director, and Sandra J. Crowley, Director of Development, were recognized for their efforts in conducting 2021 TIGR virtually. Kelvin worked with the TIGR coordinators to ensure that course content and the TIGR structure translated well to a virtual format while Sandra managed the logistics, administration, and technology involved in taking this event virtual.
Based on concerns voiced about hosting a multi-track, week-long, in-person event that depended on many instructors and attendees traveling to Austin from out of state, Kelvin, the TIGR coordinators, and TxSGS decided that an in-person event wasn’t feasible. Since TxSGS had been working with virtual programming technology since COVID through its Partner Society support, experienced volunteers were in place to manage a virtual TIGR. Feedback from coordinators as well as attendees affirmed that the event ran smoothly, with no technical issues.
Mary Torres has been a staunch supporter of TxSGS for decades, serving as the District S Representative since 2006. As a leader in Hispanic genealogy in Texas, Mary has served as a liaison for TxSGS to the Hispanic genealogy community, sharing events and news between the two. In 2021, despite the impact of COVID, Mary led the Tip-O-Texas Genealogical Society in hosting the 41st Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference on Padre Island. Added to this, she has 20+ years of experience in genealogical research, both in the U.S. and in Mexico, which she shares through programs on general and Hispanic genealogy at the local, state, and national level.
These five volunteers are representative of the many who devote time and energy to TxSGS and genealogy societies across Texas. Thank you Tony, Emily, Kelvin, Sandra, and Mary for your dedication and support!