Genealogy | Out of the Stacks

Graphic with workshop title, Family History Workshop with TXDAR, Saturday, February 14, 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. Free and open to the public, in person at TSLAC, Austin.

Join us on site at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) in Austin on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a user-friendly workshop on tracing your family lineage back to the era of the American Revolution in 1776. Guest speakers from the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution will discuss the organization along with resources they offer for genealogy research.

Come learn about the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), why women join and how DAR resources can help uncover overlooked patriots. You may have one or more Revolutionary patriots in your family, and this session will walk you through the resources available that help you explore your connection to these brave men and women. Presenters will also share information about the DAR’s E Pluribus Unum Committee and specialty research groups. In addition, our library reference staff will describe the various genealogy tools available through TSLAC. After the morning presentations and Q&A, DAR volunteers and TSLAC librarians will be on-hand to assist with family history research in the reading room from noon until 2:00 p.m.

Presentations 10:00a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Public Events Space

Hands-on Research Noon – 2:00 p.m. Reference Reading Room

This workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is requested, but not required. Sign up for the workshop by Feb. 11 via the online form at https://forms.office.com/r/iJFDaG7qtS.

Named a National Literary Landmark, the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building located at 1201 Brazos St. in downtown Austin, directly east of the Texas Capitol. In addition to TSLAC’s rotating exhibits, visitors may view the six flags flown over Texas, six Texas seal mosaics and the panoramic Texas history mural in the lobby.

Parking is available at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage across the street. Additional parking options, including handicapped parking, along with directions and maps, is available on TSLAC’s website at www.tsl.texas.gov/visit.

The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center (SHC), part of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), will host its annual Family History Day for new and advanced genealogists on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Presenters will explore the use of maps and land records for genealogical research.

Professional genealogist Teri E. Flack will teach attendees how to use maps to explore their ancestor’s lives and how to use property records to trace their family tree. TSLAC staff will share key map and land records available online and through TSLAC’s Austin and Liberty locations. Following the seminar, attendees will be given the opportunity to consult with TSLAC reference staff and conduct research within the Center’s collections.

This event is free and open to the public. To reserve your seat, please email samhoustoncenter@tsl.texas.gov or call (936) 336-8821. Seating is limited.

Schedule of Events:
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Using Maps to Explore Ancestor’s Lives
Teri E. Flack, Texas Institute for Genealogical Research Faculty and Texas State Genealogical Society Fellow

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Introduction to TSLAC Map and Land Records
Traci Reece, TSLAC-Austin Reference Staff
James Anderson, TSLAC-Liberty Reference Staff

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Connecting Generations Through Property and Probate
Teri E. Flack, Texas Institute for Genealogical Research Faculty and Texas State Genealogical Society Fellow

The Sam Houston Center is a component of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and serves as the official regional historical resource depository for the 10 Southeast Texas counties of Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto and Tyler. The Center’s primary mission is to collect, preserve and provide access to historically significant state and local government records and publications of the designated region and secondarily to serve as a library of Texana and genealogical resources.

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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information needed to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.