22nd Annual Genealogy Lock-In (Live and Virtual)

This in-house and virtual event features five video programs with a variety of topics and exciting speakers. Be sure to register for this program online for access to the online programming or call 281-341-2608. Co-sponsored by the Central Texas Genealogy Society, Texas State Genealogical Society and Genealogy Network of Texas.

*Please indicate if you plan to attend in-person or virtually in Special Notes when you register.

2023 Genealogy Lock-In Program of Events (Friday, October 20, 2023)

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Linking the Generations with Court and Land Records 

Judy Russell, JD, CG, CGL, The Legal Genealogist Sponsored by the Texas Research Ramblers Genealogical Society 

It’s the single biggest issue genealogists face: how do we connect one generation to the next with reliable evidence? Vital records are excellent documentation, but they often don’t exist for the time and place we’re researching. We must make sure we’re not simply putting people into family lines because they share the same names. Using court and land records, we can often find the evidence needed to link the generations accurately. 

11:50 AM – 12:50 PM Tame the Chaos Tiger: Organize Your Records and Research 

Susan Ball, President TxSGS 

How many times are the solutions to our brick walls found in records we already have? This presentation starts with taming the physical chaos caused by lack of organization and continues with taming the research chaos caused by poorly defined and overlooked research. Explore templates for organizational tools to help organize information and form a research plan. 

1:05 PM – 2:05 PM Uncover Your Family’s Story Using the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) 

Elizabeth Hodges, MA, MSLIS, Senior Librarian in the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center 

Recently made free to the public, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) is the premier subject index for genealogy and local history periodicals, and is produced by the staff of The Genealogy Center. Learn how to make PERSI your new favorite tool in your family history tool box! 

2:20 PM – 3:20 PM Placing Your DNA Matches on Your Tree 

Ryan Russell, Genetic Genealogist, Open Door Genetics 

When you take a DNA test, you'll receive a match list of mostly strangers. Who are these people, and how are you connected? This session discusses strategies for identifying your DNA matches and determining your common ancestors. Whether your goal is to collect more information about your ancestors or break through brick walls on your tree, gaining a better understanding of your DNA matches can lead to new discoveries. 

3:35 PM – 4:35 PM Checking on Czech Immigrants to the United States.  

Heather Mecham, Research Specialist for FamilySearch 

Identifying the town name of an immigrant ancestor is key to discovering Czech roots. Many United States records can reveal an immigrant’s place of origin. This class highlights United States record types key to Czech research. Learn about FamilySearch resources such as Czechia Guided Research which can help locate the correct Czech Archive once a town name is known.