Genealogy Club News

Jo Ann Evans

In April and early May, the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club will feature three interesting and informative speakers to help develop your research, organization, and DNA interpretive skills.

On April 5 at 7 p.m., in Room 104 of the CATC, Susan E. Ball, president of the Texas State Genealogical Society, will speak to the club in a webinar titled “Using Timelines to Focus Your Research.” Timelines allow you to see your ancestors in chronological time and place and can help you understand their movements and connections to people. Susan will explain how to construct a timeline and how to use it to reveal gaps in your research that will show where more information is needed.

On April 19, 7 p.m. in Room 104 of the CATC, our program will feature Barbara Coakley, programming chair of the Plano Genealogy Club, speaking about “Search vs. Research.” Searching is just one step in the process of researching your family history. Barbara will present a case study that demonstrates the research process from the beginning to the end—how to develop a research goal, plan the research, document the results, and preserve your findings.

The May 3 meeting, at 7 p.m. in Room 104 of the CATC, will feature Patti Huff Smith who will present a program called “Between the Lines: What your Ancestors Did Not Tell You (Getting the Most from Your DNA Results).” Patti will describe one family’s journey to discover new family connections, solve stubborn brick walls, and uncover family secrets buried long ago, revealed through the DNA tests of 54 family members. In this DNA program, you will learn a simple and easy approach to help utilize your DNA results successfully. Using (but not limited to) Ancestry.com results and loading them to GEDMatch.com will be a vital portion of this presentation. Patti promises that we will leave inspired, equipped, and ready to get the most out of our DNA results.

Monthly Help Sessions: Are you a beginner in genealogy research, or have you hit a brick wall and need some advice and encouragement? On the second Monday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 104 of the CATC, you can come for help from Genealogy Club members. If you want to know where to begin your genealogical journey, which software to use, or just want to network and ask questions of fellow researchers, join us at the next Help Session on April 11. Bring your laptop or tablet and your questions for individual assistance. Both club members and visitors are eligible to come to the sessions.

All Robson residents are welcome to come to the Genealogy Club! Dues are $20 per year per person or $30 per year for a couple. If you want further information on these programs or on the Robson Genealogy Club, contact us at [email protected].