Join us for the 17th Annual Genealogy Lock-In. Programming is listed below. If you have questions about the Lock-In, call the Genealogy Center at 750-5945.

11:00 - 11:50 am Orphan Train Riders: Tracks to Texas & Beyond, All Aboard 1854 to 1929

Paula Perkins

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.

Noon-1:30 pm Beginner’s Guide to Documenting Your Family History

LaToya Devezin, Community Archivist, Austin History Center

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.

1:40 - 2:40 pm    Discover Local History through a Regional Depository

Laura Saegert, Assistant Director for Archives, Archives & Information Services Division, TSLAC

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.

2:50 - 3:50 pm    My Texans during the Republic.

Sharon Farnsworth, Registrar for the Sterling C. Robertson Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas

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.

4:00 - 5:00 pm    Connecting Your DNA Matches

Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide

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.

5:00-6:00 pm Dinner break

6:00 -  7:00 pm   Researching Your Czech Immigrant Ancestor’s Background in the Old Fatherland

Dr. Miroslav Koudelka, Genealogy researcher and guide from the Czech Republic & TCGS charter member

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.

7:10 - 8:10 pm    Get the Scoop on Your Ancestors with Newspapers

Lisa Louise Cooke, Family History Author, Speaker, & Producer The Genealogy Gems Podcast

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.

8:20 -  9:30 pm   Discovering Your WWI Ancestor: Sources & Resources

Earl Pogue, Family Historian & Author

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.

Ancestors Roadshow

Do you have a road block in your family research and need some special help? During the event at the Waco location and via Skype at participating libraries http://bit.ly/2u1eoMa the Lone Star Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) will be hosting an Ancestors Roadshow from 3:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Roadshow is an opportunity for you to enjoy a free 15-minute consultation with a professional genealogist from the Lone Star Chapter. You can ask questions about a specific genealogical problem or get general information on how to approach a research quandary. This is an excellent chance to get expert advice on that brick wall dilemma or elusive ancestor in your family history research. Roadshow appointments are limited to one-per-customer. To register, fill out a questionnaire at lonestarapg.com/roadshow_forms.htm and email the form beginning October 16^th to WMCLGenealogyCenter@wacotx.gov or bring the form and register on-site (Waco) starting at 3 pm. on October 20^th.  You must be present in Waco or at a participating library to be assigned a time slot.