Welcome!
August meeting
Neglected Gold in Older Genealogical & Historical Periodicals
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 6:30 pm
The meeting will be at the John Gillum (North Village) branch of the Austin Public Library at 2505 Steck Ave. It is hybrid: we will meet in-person and via zoom. Our speaker will be with us virtually.
This presentation will focus on general information on locating these, the important contents, and a special section on Texas and area periodicals.
About our speaker: Paula Stuart-Warren, Professional Genealogist
You might look at her and think that she is an average Midwestern woman. Part of that is true but she is far from average. Paula is a workaholic who loves her profession and loves to get others excited about their family history. Paula works full time in genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, and writing. She has been a Board-certified genealogist since 1988, passing the every-five-year renewal assessments by the national Board for Certification of Genealogists. She is a firm believer in continuing education in genealogy and strives to keep up to date by participating in national and local conferences, webinars, reading the publications of many genealogical and historical organizations and individuals both off and online. She completed the week-long U.S. National Institute of Genealogical Research held at the National Archives in Washington, DC. (Now titled Gen-Fed, Genealogical Institute on Federal Records.)
Blaine Bettinger Seminar on DNA and AI
REGISTER AND PAY HERE.
EXTENDED PROGRAM INFORMATION HERE.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
$85/members, $105/non-members, $15 box lunch available by pre-order. Sign-up/payment link coming soon.
About our speaker:
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence. In 2007 he started The Genetic Genealogist (www.thegeneticgenealogist.com), one of the earliest blogs on the topic. Blaine is the author of The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, and co-author with Debbie Parker Wayne of the award-winning Genetic Genealogy in Practice, the world’s first genetic genealogy workbook. He also co-authored “Genetics for Genealogy” with Judy Russell in 2018’s Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards (ProGen PPS) (Elizabeth Shown Mills, Author and Editor).
Blaine is or has been an instructor for genetic genealogy courses at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research. Blaine is a graduate of ProGen Study Group 21, a trustee for the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and a member of the DNAngels Board of Directors since 2022 (President since January 2023), and a member of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) “Investigative Genetic Genealogy Working Group” since 2019. He is also the founder in 2017 of Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques, a very active Facebook group with more than 75,000 members.
Blaine was last in Austin with us presenting a full DNA seminar in 2018 and we’re excited to welcome him back.
Join our new Stirpes Study Group!
Last Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm on Zoom. 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, September 23 @ 6:30 pm – Shelley Bishop will present Avoiding an Ancestor Identity Crisis. Howson Branch of Austin Public Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd. Hybrid.
Saturday, October 18, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – SEMINAR! We welcome Blaine Bettinger back to Austin for a full day of AI and DNA. We will be in-person at the ACC Presentation Hall, Highland Campus. Hybrid. Registration and payment link HERE.
Tuesday, November 18 @ 6:30 pm – 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. We had a successful trip to the Clayton (Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus) in Houston on Saturday, July 12, 2025. We look forward to more trips in the near 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. This event will be held at Austin Community College Presentation Hall and is $85/members and $105 for non-members. Lunch will be available for $15 pre-order.
Visitors are always welcome at any of our meetings. So please come, and bring a friend!