Coastal Bend Genealogical Society

04/28/2026

Happening this weekend. Join us for our May meeting at La Retama Library. We look forward to seeing you there! ☺️

02/20/2026

Join us for our March 2026 Coastal Bend Genealogical Society Meeting!

📅 Saturday, March 14
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 3700 Ocean Drive

CBGS President Erika Cornejo will present:
“A Hidden Piece of South Texas History: Los Parajitos Cemetery”

Our own CBGS president, Erika Cornejo, will present her latest research on Los Parajitos Cemetery. A hidden piece of South Texas history located in Hidalgo County. The land traces back to the 1790 Llano Grande Land Grant. Other key events: 1904 irrigation development, 1909 floods, 1915 ranch burnings, and a notable burial of an unmarked grave of Isidro Casares, a mason/baker from Linares, Nuevo León, whose bricks helped build local landmarks like the Our Lady of Mercy Church in Mercedes, Texas.

We look forward to seeing members and guests there!

📧 For more information: [email protected]

01/27/2026

📍 January 10 CBGS Meeting Highlights

As January comes to an end, we wish to highlight our January 10 Coastal Bend Genealogical Society meeting, members enjoyed a fascinating presentation by Dr. Vickie Natale, who shared how AI tools can enhance genealogy research and open new doors for family history discoveries 🤖🧬.

Also pictured is member Charlie Bass, holding one of the volumes from his extensive collection on Royal European lineages titled Royal Ancestry, which he generously offered to share with fellow members whose research may benefit from it. Joining them is CBGS President Erika Cornejo.

Thank you to everyone who made this meeting informative and collaborative. We love seeing members support one another in their research!

01/10/2026

CBGS Meeting, Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10 AM at 3700 Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas. Join us!

📣 Meeting Spotlight!**

We’re excited to welcome one of our own members, Dr. Vickie Natale, as our upcoming January speaker!

Dr. Natale has turned her passion for lifelong learning towards genealogy. She has explored DNA genetic genealogy and has learned how to integrate Artificial Intelligence as a powerful new tool for family history research.

🧬🤖 Dr. Natale will share how AI tools can enhance your genealogy pursuits.

Bring an ancestor’s name, approximate dates, and location—and discover what AI can help uncover!

We hope to see you there!

12/29/2025

📣 Meeting Spotlight!**

We’re excited to welcome one of our own members, Dr. Vickie Natale, as our upcoming January speaker!

Dr. Natale has turned her passion for lifelong learning towards genealogy. She has explored DNA genetic genealogy and has learned how to integrate Artificial Intelligence as a powerful new tool for family history research.

🧬🤖 Dr. Natale will share how AI tools can enhance your genealogy pursuits.

Bring an ancestor’s name, approximate dates, and location—and discover what AI can help uncover!

We hope to see you there!

11/11/2025

In case you missed our presenter this past weekend, don't worry; we recorded our speaker, Mr. Herb Canales, who shared a wealth of knowledge about our local Corpus Christi history while also tying it in to genealogy by mentioning the families of influential early Spanish explorers. Check it out!

11/03/2025

For generations, the story has been repeated: Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda named Corpus Christi Bay in 1519.

But here’s the twist — there is no documentation to support that claim.

Herb Canales will present a compelling program that revisits this long-accepted narrative. Using historical maps and research, Herb explores a new and highly credible source for the origin of the name Corpus Christi Bay.

🗓️ Join us for our November Meeting: Saturday, November 8th at 10:00 AM
📍 Location: 3700 Ocean Drive

Join us for a fascinating journey through maps, archives, and forgotten history!

10/15/2025

Happening this week!

🗂️ Discover Your Roots!

Join our friends at La Retama Central Library for the Annual Genealogy Lock-In this Friday, October 17, 9 AM– 7 PM.

Spend the day learning from genealogy experts, exploring your family history, and connecting with others who share your passion for the past. Free and open to all!

For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual option will be available by contacting the library at 361-826-7000 in advance.

📍 805 Comanche St. | ☎️ (361) 826-7000

10/12/2025

Check this out!

Join the free 24th annual Genealogy Lock-In on Oct. 17 at Corpus Christi's La Retama Central Library for expert workshops on family history research.

10/06/2025

📣 Join us for the 24th Annual Genealogy Lock-In!

The Genealogy Network of Texas will present 8 live-streamed webinars featuring genealogy experts and the latest research topics.

📅 Friday, October 17, 2025
🕘 All Day Event starting at 9:00 am - 6:30 pm
📍 La Retama Central Library – La Retama Room
805 Comanche St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

The Genealogy Lock-In brings together researchers, beginners, and heritage organizations for a full day of free genealogy education, resources, and community. Hosted in partnership with over 75 libraries across Texas, Waco is proud to be the lead location for this hybrid event.

You can attend in person at La Retama Central Library or join online from anywhere!
To register, go to:

Please join us for the 24th Annual Genealogy Lock-In! It's a full day of speakers, research help, information about local resources, and door prizes. Doors open at 8:30 AM....