Irene B. Walters, Librarian Houston Public Library’s Family History Research Center

Discover the history of naturalization laws and requirements in the United States and how this affected your ancestors and their naturalizations. Learn how to utilize naturalization records for genealogical research.

Kevin Klaus, Texas General Land Office Research Room Team Leader and Information Specialist

The Texas General Land Office contains a wealth of genealogical resources for anyone researching ancestors that received an original Texas land grant. The collection includes more than 35.5 million documents and over 45,000 maps and sketches, dating back to 1561. Explore the Spanish collection, and grants given under the Republic of Texas with an emphasis on Bounty and Donation grants, the Court of Claims files, and Confederate Scrip Voucher files. Learn how to search the free online database.

Craig R. Scott, MA, CG, FUGA, President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc.

Create a research plan for your colonial ancestor using available records in free and subscription databases. Examine existing law in the time-period, the land process and the probate process. Look for muster and payrolls. Learn how to use the state archives to enhance your search. Of course, it all varies by place and time, so you need to know when and where you are at all times.

Laura Douglas, Head of Special Collections, Denton Public Library

Are you curious about your family history, just not sure how to start? It may be easier than you think. In this session we will discuss the basic concepts and processes of genealogical research, the first steps in gathering information, how to locate and evaluate records, and how to find free or low-cost training to grow your genealogical skills.

Mark Dellenbaugh, MA, MLIS, Genealogy and Local History Librarian at the Arlington Public Library

Learn about APL’s experience of pitching, creating, and operating our new Retro Technology Lab and about personal digital archiving in general. Includes a demonstration of some of the equipment and software used (for converting audio and video tapes, 8mm & Super8 film, photos, negatives, slides, etc. to digital files) interspersed with lessons we’ve learned so far. The presentation concludes with stories of our most memorable patron encounters & heart-warming moments of family memories preserved.

Claire Bradley, MA, Director of Irish Studies of the International Institute of Genealogical Studies

Lucky enough to have identified a place of origin for the Irish ancestor? Depending on when the person emigrated, there are several ways to approach your next research avenue. Learn how to begin finding resources available online. We will discuss offline resources in Ireland, what research can be arranged remotely and what must be done in person. Explore planning a research trip to Ireland and how to use DNA test results to enhance your work.

Emily Coffman Richardson, Genealogist with KinSearchers, Director-at-Large, TxSGS

Writing our story and that of our ancestors is truly a key result of a genealogist in the 21st century. The stories need to be written with either our voice or our hands. As genealogists we must get out of the habit of “hunters n’ gatherers” and learn to assess and then compile to write the stories that we are finding. This program will teach you the keys behind these components so that you can move to becoming a researcher and a storyteller.

Leslie Tomlinson, MFA, CG

Learn the skills to advance your research and develop strategies to help you break down those roadblocks in your family research using familiar resources such as Federal census, courthouse records, tax records and passenger list.