Happy New Year!
From Hobby to Profession
A professional genealogist (or someone who aspires to do professional-level work) has a combination of training, experience, and expertise in family history and genealogical research. They also uphold ethical, legal, and privacy standards, and follow established practices and methodologies.
This presentation will take a deeper look at the component parts of these elements and how, together, they enable a genealogist to provide skilled research and problem-solving to clients or others.
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 7:00 pm
The meeting will be at the Austin Dispute Resolution Center, 5407 N IH-35, Suite 410, Austin (Chase Bank Building in Capital Plaza, 4th floor). It is hybrid: Our speaker will be with us in-person and we will meet in-person and via zoom.
About our speaker:
An avid genealogist, Teresa Devine began dabbling in family history research more than 20 years ago but didn’t get serious about genealogy until 2011 when her oldest living paternal relative passed away taking her memories of the family with her. Teresa realized that family stories can easily disappear unless someone purposely works to save them.
Based on research she has done of her family, Teresa is a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of United States Daughters of 1812, and the National Society New England Women. She is currently doing research to join the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century. Her daughters are members of the Mayflower Society based on Teresa’s research of their paternal line.
She specializes in southern U.S. research and lineage society applications.
Stirpes Study Group
Welcome to the Stirpes Study Group!
Meets the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm on Zoom
Study groups have long been recognized as invaluable tools for learning and enhancing skills. For enthusiasts, novices, and seasoned genealogists alike, these gatherings foster an environment where questions are welcomed, resources are shared, and discoveries
are celebrated.
Family history publications, such as Stirpes, the Journal of the Texas State Genealogical Society (Stirpes), serve as the focal point for several study groups. These treasure troves of knowledge offer a diverse array of articles, case studies, and research insights. They not only provide valuable information but also inspire readers to delve deeper into their own family narratives. By utilizing articles from publications such as Stirpes, participants gain access to a wealth of expertise and guidance.
Materials include a PDF copy of the article, provided by TxSGS, plus a series of discussion questions and research resources developed by the Denton Public Library.
Materials used for the Stirpes Study Group sessions
- Designated article – selected from a Stirpes issue published more than 12 months prior to the current date.
- Discussion questions – A series of questions about the article designed to encourage an engaging and informational dialogue among participants. Partner Societies may use the questions developed by the Denton Public Library, create their own, or use a combination of the two.
- Resources for further research – A list of publications and other resources to learn more about the topics being discussed during this study group session. Partner Societies participating in the program may use the list provided, develop their own, or use a combination of both.
Coming up…
This year, set your calendars for a one-day, in-person seminar with Blaine Bettinger on Saturday, October 18! While Blaine will be in-person, the event will be hybrid as well. Stay tuned as details will be forthcoming.
Need more reasons to join? Check out the last year of presentations, many recorded and available behind the member wall!
Welcome to the Stirpes Study Group!
Meets the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm on Zoom
Study groups have long been recognized as invaluable tools for learning and enhancing skills. For enthusiasts, novices, and seasoned genealogists alike, these gatherings foster an environment where questions are welcomed, resources are shared, and discoveries are celebrated.
November 2024 – Facts & Fables: Crafting Your Family Narrative – Kate Penney Howard
October 2024 – Researching Your Family History at the Clayton Library – Carl Smith
September 2024 – DNA Doe Project – Rhonda Kevorkian
June/July 2024 -WikiTree Basics pt I & II – Sarah Kroh
May 2024 – Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries – Blaine Bettinger
April 2024 – AI & Genealogy: Trouble Ahead? – Thomas MacEntee
March 2024 – Roll Call! Researching Your Veteran Ancestors: Civil War, WWI and WWII – Melanie McComb
February 2024 – European Immigrant Ancestors – Nancy Loe
January 2024 – It Might Be Time…To Write That Book – Shirley Salzmann Meyer
November 2023 – Cyndi’s List in Practice – Cyndi Ingle
And so much more!
The Austin Genealogical Society gives you the tools to be a better genealogist.
Here’s how we do it:
• SIGs: AGS had several special interest groups (SIGs) that met regularly, and we launch new ones as our members want them. You can find notifications of DNA North at their Facebook page, Capital Area DNA SIG. If you are interested in others, or want to help with starting one, let us know!
• Saturday Morning Drop-In: The third Saturday of each month we have experienced genealogists on hand to assist in solving genealogical issues from basic to complex. Members also come to work collegially. No charge. (on hiatus)
• Monthly Membership Meetings: We showcase an expert on genealogical research methods and new technology. All presentations are designed to help our members become better genealogists. Meetings are typically held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 PM (with exception of some international speakers or special events on 4th Saturday afternoons) and are free. We are currently meeting in a hybrid model, at the Austin Dispute Resolution Center, 5407 N IH-35, Suite 410, Austin (Chase Bank Building in Capital Plaza, 4th floor) and via Zoom.
• Research Trips: Further your research by visiting genealogy libraries and archives across the US. Our fall trip in October 2019 was to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. We’re looking forward to more trips in the future.
• Our Summer Seminar: We bring in a known expert for an extended seminar. In 2023, we welcomed Diahan Southard once again. In October 2025, we are planning to welcome Blaine Bettinger.
Visitors are always welcome at any of our meetings. So please come, and bring a friend!
