10th Annual Genealogy Lock-In Discover History for Yourself

In celebration of October as ‘Family History’ month, the Genealogy Division of the Waco- McLennan County Library System, in cooperation with the Central Texas Genealogical Society (CTGS), will be sponsoring the 10th Annual Genealogy Lock-in on Friday, October 30, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Central Library, 1717 Austin Ave. This event is free and open to any members of the public who have an interest in genealogy.

If you are new to genealogy join us for the Genealogy Beginner’s Class or for a lecture by Edward Loera, ProQuest Training Representative, on how to get the most from the databases Ancestry Library Edition or HeritageQuest. Enjoy a discussion by James Harkins from the Texas General Land Office about the GLO’s vast collection. Ask Aaron Holt from the National Archives Southwest Region about your Indian ancestor or discover how to access your ancestor’s military records. Then visit the re-enactors area and get a taste of how your ancestor might have lived during the American Revolution with Bill Covington or Civil War with Charles Oliver.

The Lone Star Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) will be sponsoring an ‘Ancestors Road Show’ before and during the Lock-in from 3:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Professional genealogists will provide free 15-minute consultations to family history researchers who submit questions for review. This is a great opportunity to have a professional review those “brick wall” problems.

Time slots will be limited. Road show appointments are limited to one-per-customer on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up registration will begin at 3 p.m. on October 30. The registration process includes submitting a filled-out questionnaire and an initial screening interview, where your genealogical problem will be analyzed and assigned to a consultant. Questionnaires will be available at registration or can be downloaded beforehand from the Lone Star Chapter website http://www.lonestarapg.com/ roadshow_form.pdf. Contact the number below for additional information.

The purpose of the event is to showcase the Library’s genealogy collection and provide an awareness of the hereditary and historical societies represented in this area. It’s a great opportunity for both the novice and the experienced researcher to learn more about genealogy, pursue their individual family’s history, and to learn about local hereditary and historical societies. The Lock-in will include genealogical advice, instruction, food, and door prizes.

Participants need to arrive between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Doors will be opened at 6:30 p.m. There will be no admittance after 7:30 p.m. Participants may leave at any time. Security will be provided.

Library facilities other than Genealogy will not be available for use during the Lock-in. Children under the age of 16 attending the event must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information contact Bill Buckner, Manager of the Periodicals/Genealogy Division at the Waco-McLennan County Library at (254) 750-5945 or email bbuckner@ci.waco.tx.us