David Randall
After a lively summer, the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club is settling into its fall schedule with programs designed to inspire both new and seasoned family history researchers. From expert speakers to hands-on workshops, the club continues to offer opportunities for members to connect with their past while enjoying the fellowship of others who share their passion.
In August professional genealogist and author Diane Richard joined the club via Zoom to present “A Few Favorite Online Resources.” She reminded members not to overlook powerful tools such as Internet Archive, JSTOR, and HathiTrust, each of which can open new doors in ancestral research.
The following month, longtime club member Emily Richardson presented “Lineage Societies—Choices, Applications, and Requirements.” She explained the wide range of societies now available, guided participants through application processes and requirements, and provided members a clear picture of how joining such a society can be a meaningful way to honor their ancestors.
The fall calendar promises even more engaging opportunities. On Sept. 16 members will view a video presentation by Geoff Gentilini of the National Archives in St. Louis. His program, “Using Military Service Records to Research Family History,” demonstrates how military records not only document a veteran’s service but also reveal details about their families, offering insights often overlooked in genealogical research.
On Oct. 7 Barb Coakley of the Texas State Genealogical Society will speak in person on “Avoiding Bias: Consider All the Possibilities.” Her talk will explore how unconscious bias can mislead researchers and will demonstrate practical ways to guard against inaccurate conclusions by applying the Genealogical Proof Standard and other reliable methods. A few days later, on Oct. 13, David Randall will present “An Introduction to WikiTree, Part II,” during the club’s monthly Help Session, offering a closer look at this free collaborative website and the unique tools it provides for family historians. Then, on Oct. 21 members will view a video program by genealogist Mark Low, “Let There Be Light: Using Church-Related Periodicals.” This presentation will illustrate how religious publications shed light on communities and provide valuable details about ancestors’ lives.
In addition to these programs, the club continues to host Help Sessions on the second Monday of each month at 2 p.m., giving members the chance to receive one-on-one guidance for their research challenges. This fall will also bring a new Show and Tell activity where members can share family heirlooms, tell their stories, and discover how these treasures can provide fresh clues to family history.
All events are held in Room 104 of the Creative Arts and Technology Center. Presentations typically begin at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. Newcomers are always welcome, with the first visit free and annual membership just $20. Whether you are new to genealogy or an experienced researcher, the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club offers a warm, supportive community eager to help you uncover your roots.