Welcome!
July meeting
Revolutionary Choices: Exploring Loyalist and Patriot Roots at 250 Years
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 10:30 am *Note different time and new location*
The meeting will be at the Spicewood Springs Branch of the Austin Public Library. It is hybrid: we will meet in-person and via zoom. Our speaker will be with us virtually.
As families chose sides–Patriot or Loyalist–their descendants sent ripples across generations. Many who remained loyal to the British Crown found refuge in what would become Canada, communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Upper Canada. Others remained in the newly formed United States of America fighting for independence.
How do we trace those stories today?
This presentation commemorates the historic anniversary and explores the fascinating and often complex research paths of American Revolutionary War ancestors. What happened when the first shot rang out?
How to identify whether your ancestor was a Patriot or a Loyalist
- Key resources for researching both groups, including digital archives and lineage society databases
- How Loyalist migration impacted Canadian settlement patterns
- Practical tips for proving your lineage and documenting your findings
About our speaker:
A native of Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Kathryn Lake Hogan, UE, PLCGS, is a professional genealogist and educator with deep roots in Canada through her four Loyalist ancestors. Since founding Looking4Ancestors in 2007, Kathryn has helped family history researchers discover their Canadian ancestry, combining her expertise with an approachable and insightful teaching style.
Kathryn graduated from ProGen 4 and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies,earning professional learning certificates in English and Canadian genealogy. Kathryn has written articles featuring Canadian genealogy for Cross Roads, Family Tree Magazine, The In-Depth Genealogist, and the APG Quarterly. Having served in leadership roles for notable organizations such as Ontario Ancestors, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, she continues to champion greater accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity in family history.
Kathryn is a sought-after speaker who engagingly captivates audiences at genealogy society meetings and regional and national conferences. As a course coordinator and instructor of Canadian and Ontario courses at the Genealogy Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), and Applied Genealogy Institute (AppGen), she assists researchers in sharpening their skills and digging deeper into their Canadian family history.
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, August 26 @ 6:30 pm – Paula Stuart-Warren is presenting Neglected Gold in Older Genealogical and Historical Periodicals. Location pending. Hybrid.
Tuesday, September 23 @ 6:30 pm – Shelley Bishop will present Avoiding an Ancestor Identity Crisis. Location pending. 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. Program details can be found 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 are currently planning a trip to the Clayton (Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus) in Houston on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Sign up HERE.
• 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!
