Genealogy Workshop

9:30AM – 10:50 AM The Stories of Our Lives: Beginning Your Family History

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.

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM Following a Civil Case Through Documents Filed in Court

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.

11:50 AM – 12:50 PM Lunch on Your Own

12:50 PM – 1:40 PM Family Trees Get Smart: AI as Your Genealogy Assistant

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.

1:50 PM – 2:40 PM All in the Family: Using Collateral Research to Build Your Family Tree

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.

2:50 PM – 3:40 PM Research Road Trips: Productive for You, Fun for Family

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.

3:50 PM – 4:40 PM From Names to Narratives: A Simple Guide to Writing

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.