Key Note: Four Directions Prayer

No Surnames? No Problem! Researching Indigenous Ancestors in Mexico

Compared to the rest of Mexico, research in Nuevo Leon can be relatively easy. However, records in some of its towns and cities have some unique characteristics that could keep you from finding your ancestors. This session covers a few very specific research strategies for towns like Cadereyta, and Marin.

Probate Where There's A Will or Not

The Probate process took place to find heirs and creditors, whether there was a will (testate) or not (intestate). Various records may be found in probate files, including wills, bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, administrations, orders, decrees, and distributions. These documents are valuable to genealogists and should not be neglected.

Using Computer Programs to Manage Your Family Tree

If you are still managing your family tree with pen and paper and or another system to manage it then this presentation is perfect for you. Learn first hand how software can make you more efficient and help you find ancestors faster.

Extra! Extra! Find Your Family in the Newspaper!

If you only think about obituaries when you think of newspapers for genealogy, you may be missing out! We take a look at the types of information we can find about our family in the paper and then learn where to find it – online and offline.

Your 19th & 20th Century Mexican Ancestors in the U.S.

A new border, new laws, a violent revolution, two world wars, and changing economic and political conditions significantly impacted your Mexican ancestors who came to or were born in the United States after the mid-19th century.

Major Archives and Libraries for Texas Genealogy Research

There are some impressive collections of Texas historical records, documents, and images available at a number of locations in Texas. There continue to be projects to organize, index and digitize these materials to make them easier to locate and use. More of these resources are available online than ever.

Are Ancestry's ThruLines True Lines?

In this presentation you will learn how to evaluate and use information in Ancestry's Thrulines tool to further your genealogical research.

Location, Location, Location: Land Records Matter

This presentation provides context for the value of land records in genealogical research, as well as the historical background of land acquisition and distribution in the United States. Woven throughout the presentation are examples of land records and repositories helpful to research in the U.S.

Tracing Immigrant Roots

Before we can research an immigrant ancestor we need to know their town of origin. The answer often lies in records created in the U.S. Learn which records can help you discover your immigrant ancestor’s origins.

Researching your Hispanic Caribbean Roots

Our focus will be online genealogy resources for researching the Hispanic Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic (originally Hispaniola). We will explore websites, databases, and collections available in digital libraries, local archives and genealogical associations, as well as useful social media for connecting with fellow researchers.

Stuck in Nuevo Leon? ‐ Local Research Strategies

A prevailing myth when researching ancestors in Mexico who belonged to an indigenous group is that there is no documentation available, or that it can't be done. Indigenous books are usually well preserved; there are a few challenges (like no surnames) but those ancestors can be found.