I Seek Dead People: 2025 State-wide Genealogy Workshop

Come celebrate Family History Month with us! DPL and the Denton County Genealogical Society are partnering with other libraries and genealogy societies across Texas to host the Annual Genealogy Workshop.

You can "come and go" for select workshops, stay for the full day, or view the programs from home. Eight presentations, recorded specifically for this event, will be streamed throughout the day. Refreshments will be served but feel free to bring your own lunch. Librarians and volunteers will be available for one-on-one help, and tours of Special Collections. Sponsored by the Genealogy Network of Texas*.

The event is free, but registration is required for both virtual and in-person options.

Register Here

Please call (940) 349-8749 or email laura.douglas@cityofdenton.com with questions or for more information.

Agenda for the Day

• 9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
  From Names to Narratives: A Simple Guide to Writing

  Presented by Hannah Kubacak, Librarian from the Waco-McLennan County Library’s Genealogy Center

  Learn the art of biographical writing by weaving historical context, personal anecdotes, and family lore into your ancestors' stories. Review tips on maintaining accuracy while crafting a compelling narrative to preserve and share your family history. Join us and be inspired to transform your genealogy research into captivating biographical sketches cherished by future generations.

• 10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
  Following a Civil Case Through Documents Filed in Court

  Presented by J. Mark Lowe, FUGA, Ky-Tn Research Associates Researcher

  Learn the basics of the legal system. Understand the process of following a case through court including dockets, orders, depositions, etc. Find the key to solving a problem using these records.

• 11:00 – 11:50 a.m.
  Jakten - Researching Your Scandinavian Ancestors

  Presented by Carl Smith, Manager of the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus

  Do you have ancestors who emigrated from Denmark, Norway, or Sweden? These countries each did an amazing job of recording and preserving their church and government records from early-modern history until the present - many of which are accessible online. Review record sources and strategies for researchers ready to uncover their Scandinavian family roots.

• 11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
  Lunch on Your Own

• 12:50 – 2:10 p.m.
  The Stories of Our Lives: Beginning Your Family History

  Presented by Curt Witcher, Director of Special Collections at the Allen County Public Library

  Discover (or review) straightforward steps to take when starting your family history. Easy steps for comfortably gathering as much information as possible will be shared along with how to organize that information to lead one to next steps and new discoveries.

• 2:25 – 3:15 p.m.
  Research Road Trips: Productive for You, Fun for Family

  Presented by Jessica Horne Collins, President of the Clayton Library Friends

  Uncover your family's past with a balance of research and family fun. Learn how to prepare yourself for research trips to libraries, courthouses, archives, and other repositories. Explore ways to take completed and in-progress research and craft a road trip that showcases your family history to loved ones of all ages.

• 3:30 – 4:20 p.m.
  Resources for New Orleans Area Genealogical Research

  Presented by Stephen Stuart, President of the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans

  Family historians can access a wealth of libraries, archives, and other resources to learn more about their roots in Southeast Louisiana. This presentation provides an overview of those resources – both prominent and not so well known – and key features of their collections. Participants will also receive contact information to get started.

• 4:35 – 5:25 p.m.
  Family Trees Get Smart: AI as Your Genealogy Assistant

  Presented by Sherri Taggart Ahmadzadeh, Chief Genealogist at Family Tree Tracer, LLC

  Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we discover, analyze, and connect family history records. Join us to explore the emerging ways AI tools are revolutionizing genealogical research - from document analysis to pattern recognition to breakthrough research techniques. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just getting started with digital research, this presentation will help you harness AI's potential in uncovering your family's story.

• 5:40 – 6:30 p.m.
  All in the Family: Using Collateral Research to Build Your Family Tree

  Presented by Sandra Crowley, Director of Development for the Texas State Genealogical Society

  Collateral research is a powerful genealogical method that extends beyond direct ancestors to investigate the broader family network. Explore strategies to find additional records, reconstruct family dynamics, and navigate challenges posed by missing direct ancestor documentation. This approach is useful when primary records are scarce, offering contextual clues, migration patterns, and unexpected biographical details. Learn to transform fragmented family history into a rich and comprehensive narrative.

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Sponsored by the Genealogy Network of Texas, a network of individual libraries/societies participating in this annual event. Each organization hosting their own event is tied together by the shared programs that are presented. Our goals are to provide the public a free educational opportunity, connect libraries and societies, and showcase the genealogy collections and resources across Texas.