In recognition of Family-History Month in October, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Genealogy & Local History Department at George Memorial Library will join the Genealogy Network of Texas (GNT) in a state-wide, collaborative Genealogy Lock-In for family-history buffs on Friday, October 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in Room 2C of the library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.
A series of teleconferences with topics of interest to family-history researchers will be streamed throughout the day. Participants may attend to view all the sessions, or they may choose to view individual sessions. The schedule is as follows:
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. – "The Stories of Our Lives: Beginning Your Family-History Research," presented by Curt Witcher, Director of Special Collections at Allen County Public Library. Discover (or review) simple steps to take when starting your family-history research. Get tips on comfortably gathering as much information as possible and then organizing it in a way that makes it quick and easy to share or access. Developing an efficient organizational process in the beginning makes future steps and new discoveries even more possible.
• 11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m. – “From Names to Narratives: A Simple Guide to Writing,” presented by Hannah Kubacak, Librarian at Waco-McLennan County Library’s Genealogy Center. Learn the art of biographical writing by weaving historical context, personal anecdotes, and family lore into one’s ancestors’ stories. Review tips on maintaining accuracy while crafting a compelling narrative to preserve and share your family history. This presentation will help researchers transform their genealogy research into captivating biographical sketches cherished by future generations.
• 1:05-2:05 p.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 and gain a better understanding of the process of following a case through court, including dockets, orders, depositions, and more. Find the key to solving a problem using these records.
• 2:20-3:20 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 post 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.
• 3:35-4:35 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 (AI) is transforming how people 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.
Additional video presentations will be available for viewers to enjoy at their convenience. These bonus videos will not be shown at the library because to time constraints, but links to the videos will be available to everyone who registers for this event. The links to the videos will expire and only be viewed on the day of the event, for a 24-hour period.
“Researching Your Scandinavian Ancestors,” presented by Carl Smith, Manager of the Family-History Research Center at the Clayton Library campus in Houston. The countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden did an excellent job of recording and preserving their church and government records -- from early-modern history until the present – many of which are accessible online. Learn about record sources and strategies for researchers who are ready to uncover their Scandinavian family roots.
“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.
“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 lessor known – and key features of their collections. Participants will also receive contact information to get started.
Lunch is not included, but those attending the workshop are welcome to bring a lunch with them.
Co-sponsored by the Central Texas Genealogical Society, the Texas State Genealogical Society, and the Genealogy Network of Texas, the workshop is free and open to the public.
Seating is limited, and reservations are required. To register online at Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select “George Memorial Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library’s Genealogy & Local History Department (281-341-2608). Those registering may choose to view the presentations at the library, or they may opt to receive the link to view them at home.