Join your fellow researchers for a full day of programming and extended hours for research. Throughout the day computer webinars will be broadcast from libraries across Texas and projected on the Clayton Library Carriage House screen. The library will close at 5 PM and then re-open at 6 PM.
Reservations required, you MUST register for Genealogy After Dark to attend the extended hours, please call 832-393-2600.
Orphan Train Riders: Tracks to Texas & Beyond, All Aboard 1854 to 1929 | 11 AM - 11:50 AM
One in every 25 Americans has a connection to an Orphan Train rider between 1854 & 1929. Over 200,000 children were relocated from the East to the West coast on trains. Texas was a vital part of this history. Research techniques and resources will be demonstrated. Presented by Paula Perkins.
Beginner’s Guide to Documenting Your Family History | 12 PM – 1:30 PM
Researchers will learn how use resources to create a family tree, record and organize their information, and navigate online and archival records to find their ancestors. Learn a fresh approach and up-to-date information in this first-step Beginner’s class. Presented by LaToya Devezin, Community Archivist, Austin History Center.
Discover Local History through a Regional Depository | 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM
The Regional Historical Resources Depository (RHRD) Program of the Texas State Library & Archives Commission collects, preserves and makes available for public use the historical records of the local governments of Texas. The RHRDs house records with genealogical interest, in microfilm but also original paper records. The presentation will introduce you to these wonderful sources of information for your genealogical and historical work. Presented by Laura Saegert, Assistant Director for Archives, Archives & Information Services Division, TSLAC.
My Texans during the Republic | 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Learn how to track your generations back to your Ancestors during the Republic of Texas through birth and death certificates, census, and wills. Learn ways to find where your Ancestors lived and their contributions to Texas during the Republic through land grants, military records and other documents. Presented by Sharon Farnsworth, Registrar for the Sterling C. Robertson Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
Connecting Your DNA Matches | 4 PM – 5 PM
While it is possible for you to analyze your DNA matches one at a time to determine how you are related, there is much that can be accomplished by first identifying the connections between those on your match list, and then working together to determine how you are related. Learn the tips and tricks to this powerful method of match analysis. Presented by Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide.
Dinner break | 5 PM - 6 PM
Researching Your Czech Immigrant Ancestor’s Background in the Old Fatherland | 6 PM - 7 PM
This presentation will cover the strategies and sources (both online & in print) to trace your Moravian or Bohemian ancestry. Explore obstacles in identifying place of origin and tools to overcome them. Learn which documents to research first, and which are the “icing on the cake.” Czech/German/Latin forms names, places, and professions. Following up research with a visit to the ancestral area and meeting relatives? Learn what to know beforehand and what to expect on the spot. Presented by Dr. Miroslav Koudelka, genealogy researcher and guide from the Czech Republic & TCGS charter member.
Get the Scoop on Your Ancestors with Newspapers | 7:10 PM - 8:10 PM
Yearning to “read all about it?” Newspapers are a fantastic source of research leads, information and historical context for your family history. Learn the specialized approach and tech tools required to achieve success in locating newspapers, and uncovering the genealogical gems they contain about your family. Presented by Lisa Louise Cooke, family history author, speaker, and producer of The Genealogy Gems Podcast.
Discovering Your WWI Ancestor: Sources & Resources | 8:20 PM - 9:30 PM
Do you know or suspect that you have a WWI veteran in your family tree? If so, discover what resources are available to identify and provide information about your ancestor that served in the Great War. A variety of resources including draft registration records, service cards, newspapers, vital and cemetery records will be discussed. Presented by Earl Pogue, family historian and author.
Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600.
