Family History Friday

Ages 18 and Up

A day of genealogy webinars provided by the Genealogy Network of Texas (GNT), a state-wide initiative to connect libraries/genealogical societies and provide educational and research opportunities that is spearheaded by the Genealogy Center of the Waco-McLennan County Library. Co-sponsors include the Central Texas Genealogical Society and the Texas State Genealogical Society.

The GNT webinars focus on beginner and intermediate level information, but offer interesting information for researchers of all levels.

All sessions will be streamed and are pre-recorded specifically for the event. Recordings are accessible only on the day of the event.

Can't make the listed times? The schedule is to help those watching multiple sessions to pace themselves (or to make a handy calendar reminder by), but you may watch the sessions at any time that day.

Those who register will receive the link to the webinar portal two days before the event.

You'll only sign up for the event. You may watch whichever sessions appeal to you. Since all the sessions are virtual and a la carte, there is no scheduled lunch break.

See the agenda for more information. All times are Central Time.

New to genealogy? Check out our in-person Beginning Genealogy talk on Tuesday, October 14.

Your email address may be used to notify you of future events. You may opt out of these emails at anytime.

Info: 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.

Info: 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.

Info: 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.

Info: 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.

Info: 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.

Info: 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.

Host or Publisher Smith Public Library