Welcome!
May meeting
Extend Your Direct Maternal Lineage: Take an mtDNA Test
The maternal line on most people’s trees is often the shortest. Learn why and how a Mitochondrial test may help you extend your pedigree.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:00 pm *Note earlier time and new location*
The meeting will be at the Millwood Branch of the Austin Public Library. It is hybrid: we will meet in-person and via zoom. This session is pre-recorded.
About our speaker:
Mic Barnette has been actively engaged in genealogy since the age of 12. He has written numerous articles which have appeared in national, state and local
magazines, newsletters and quarterlies. From 1994 to 2004, he penned a widely read award-winning historical-genealogical column in Houston’s leading newspaper, the Houston Chronicle. Mic has been a library associate in the Genealogy Department of the Dallas Public Library since 2006.Since the 1980’s he has conducted professional genealogical research, taught genealogical classes, and lectured on genealogical topics at national, regional, state, and local events.As a webmaster, Mic administers several websites including one containing many of his past columns and the Great Galveston Storm website where he is attempting to identify the 5,000 to 10,000 people who lost their lives in the 1900 Galveston Storm. He is also the Family Tree DNA administrator and website webmaster for the Barnett, Barney, Finch Surname Projects as well as the Charles County, Maryland, and Dallas Genealogical Society DNA Projects.
Mic is in the process of identifying Free People of Color in Texas. Prior to the Civil War, African Americans who served with the Confederacy from Texas and a Company History of Co D 3rd Tennessee Calvary organized in Red River County, Texas.
Mic is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Sons of the Confederacy, Sons of the American Revolution and is an Admiral in the Texas Navy.
Join our new Stirpes Study Group!
Meets the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm on Zoom. Our first meeting is Wednesday, January 29. Click button below to reserve a spot!
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…
Tuesday, June 24 @ 6:30 pm. Fan favorite Thomas MacEntee in his last year of presenting will bring us “Translating, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using AI“. Location: John Gillum (North Village) branch of Austin Public Library. Hybrid.
Saturday, July 19 @ 10:00 am (presentation begins at 10:30 am) – Kathryn Lake Hogan will present Revolutionary Choices: Exploring Loyalist and Patriot Roots at 250 Years. We’ll be at the Spicewood branch of Austin Public Library. Hybrid.
Tuesday, August 26 – Paula Stuart-Warren presenting. topic and location pending. Hybrid.
Tuesday, September 23 – Shelley Bishop will present Avoiding an Ancestor Identity Crisis. Location pending. Hybrid.
Saturday, October 18 – SEMINAR! We welcome Blaine Bettinger back to Austin for a full day of AI and DNA. Program details can be found HERE. Stay tuned as further details (location, etc) will be forthcoming.
Tuesday, November 18 – Teresa Devine will visit us once again with a FamilySearch tutorial to help us get the most out of this free site.
Need more reasons to join? Check out the last year of presentations, many recorded and available behind the member wall!
January 2025 – From Hobby to Profession -Teresa Devine
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 (available until June 1, 2025)
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 evening of each month, in addition to quarterly Saturday morning meetings. We are currently meeting in a hybrid model, with rotating locations around Austin 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 Seminar: We bring in known experts for an extended seminar. In October 2025, we will welcome Blaine Bettinger back to Austin for a hybrid full-day seminar. Program can be found HERE. Location and pricing to follow.
Visitors are always welcome at any of our meetings. So please come, and bring a friend!
