10/10/2023
The Zoom link for our Genealogy Jamboree on Oct. 20 is: https://gennettx.org/harlingen
The schedule of programs:
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Genealogy Basics: Start Searching for Your Ancestors Today
Irene B. Walters, Librarian, Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus
Need info on the names, dates, and places your family lived? Interested in finding out how to track down your family
stories? Come learn the basics you need to get started! Discover the tools available, starting with home sources and
continuing with the types of created records that are useful for genealogical research and where they can be found. Also
covered will be ways to stay organized by utilizing paper charts and forms or computer software.
10:25 AM – 11:15 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.
11:25 AM – 12:15 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.
12:50 PM – 1:40 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!
1:50 PM – 2:40 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.
2:50 PM – 3:40 PM Secrets to Successful Writing & Publishing
Angela Breidenbach, Executive Director of the International Institute of Genealogical Studies
Gain a solid overview of the real writing world. Learn the “big picture” and key tools to take your writing to the next
level. The presentation will explore a variety of important topics including style, editing, building a portfolio, marketing
your work, and more!
