Mesquite Historical and Genealogical Society

09/19/2025

Please join us on Thursday, October 9 for our monthly meeting. Our guest speaker will be Kelvin L. Meyers who will speak on the topic of My Ancestor in Court. The meeting will be a hybrid meeting held via Zoom and in person at the Main Branch of the Mesquite Public Library. Please join us at 6:00 PM for refreshments, with our business meeting and Kelvin’s presentation beginning at 6:30 PM. If registering for the Zoom meeting, please use the following link.

General Meeting Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KJHSXA14Sk6SiSv_LKBrHA

From the County Court to the Supreme Court, court records may hold clues and answers to questions that you have about your ancestor. Suits in equity, trespass to try title, a suit brought by next friend, what do these terms mean and what can you learn from these suits? Case studies will be used to illustrate the types of records found and their use in solving problems.

A fifth generation Texan and professional forensic genealogist since 1996, Kelvin is a frequent speaker to genealogical societies and family associations throughout the United States. Kelvin works with several mineral companies in Texas researching heirs throughout the US and the world to holdings in Texas. Kelvin works with estate and probate attorneys throughout the US identifying missing and unknown heirs to estates.
He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogist, a past President of the Lone Star Chapter of APG and is the current President of the Forensic Special Interest Group.
In 2016 Kelvin published Research in Texas for NGS (National Genealogical Society) Research in the States series. Kelvin is also the cofounder and former director of the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR) sponsored by the Texas State Genealogical Society.
The Dallas Genealogical Society awarded Kelvin the Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Distinguished Service Award in December of 2018.
The Texas State Genealogical Society made Kelvin a Fellow of the society in 2023.
He recently completed the chapter, “Mineral Rights and the Forensic Genealogist” in the upcoming NGS book, Forensic Genealogy Theory and Practice, edited by Michael Ramage and Catherine Desmarais.

08/30/2025

📣📣📣Calling all artists, photographers, poets, and writers! 📣📣📣

Historic Mesquite, Inc. is excited to announce our 1st annual 2025-2026 Youth Arts Showcase! In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, we are accepting submissions for our community's young leaders and artists original works to exhibit at Opal Lawrence Historical Park.

The exhibit, Our Mesquite:America's 250th, will explore Mesquite's past, present, and future through the lens of the American semiquincentennial.

Anyone between the ages of 14-19 that lives or attends school in Mesquite, is eligible to submit an original work of art, photography, poem, or short story. Submissions open January 5th, 2026. The selected works will be exhibited from May-August 2026, with an Opening Reception to kick it off! Prizes will be awarded to top placing artists in each category.

Visit historicmesquite.com to learn more!

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08/21/2025

We are planning a special evening for our members and guests on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Our meeting will be held both in person at the Mesquite Library (Main Branch) at 6:30 PM and also via Zoom. A link is included below to preregister for the presentation.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hEPoacVpTOiIupsyVzpeaQ

There are so many new technologies that are being utilized for genealogical research. We have chosen two topics for this special presentation, in which we will utilize prerecorded programming:
We will first examine the status of the “Full Text Index” test environment in FamilySearch. First introduced at RootsTech 2024, FamilySearch is continuing to expand the records that are indexed at a rapid pace. One of FamilySearch’s specialists will update us on what’s available and what is currently available as well as what’s coming up.

Have you used one of the AI applications for genealogical research? How would you use Artificial Intelligence for genealogy anyway? Lisa Louise Cooke will (via prerecorded video) a short primer of key terms with respect to AI. Your program chairman, Debbie Stuart, will then demonstrate ChatGPT, which is the AI application that most people start with. We will also take quick looks at Perplexity and Gemini, two additional Artificial Intelligence applications.

Lisa Louise Cooke is a trailblazing thought leader in genealogy, renowned author, and captivating speaker who redefines how we connect with our ancestral past. Through her innovative platforms like the Genealogy Gems Podcast (launched in 2007) and a thriving YouTube channel, she empowers her global audience to uncover their family stories. Lisa is the author of several best-selling books, including The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox, 3rd Edition, and offers exclusive, on-demand genealogy education through her Genealogy Gems Premium Membership. A trusted voice in the field, she pens a regular column for Family Tree Magazine and hosts its podcast. Known for her engaging style and practical strategies, Lisa is the perfect speaker to inspire and empower our audience to explore their roots. Lisa produces a free email bulletin which includes a bonus ebook with the first email. (There is a red Newsletter button on the home screen of her website at https://lisalouisecooke.com/ .

How to find your family history with Lisa Louise Cooke of The Genealogy Gems Podcast. Genealogy Research Tips, FamilySearch, Ancestry DNA

06/19/2025

Looks like a great talk.

Jun 21 "How Do I Know My Sources Are Good and My Research is Accurate?" by Kim Richardson. A free hybrid program presented by Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries (Free) http://www.genealogyfriends.org/saturday-seminars.html

05/21/2025

Please join us on July 12, 2025, as we welcome John A. Sellers presenting a full-day seminar on census records, vital records, courthouse records and wills.

We are very excited to offer our very first hybrid seminar. The registration form allows you to let us know whether you want to attend in person or via Zoom.

John A. Sellers is a fifth generation native to Hopkins County, graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in advertising/public relations, and received is teaching certificate in history from Texas A&M, Commerce. John is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and has over twenty years of both research and lecture experience. He has been a national speaker for both NGS and FGS, and he is a regional speaker throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana. He is the author of a historical newspaper column called "Hopkins County Remembered". He specializes in courthouse research with an emphasis on land records and probate.

We look forward to having you join us for this wonderful day of learning.

05/03/2025

The U.S. Census is one of the most important resources for family historians. Taken every ten years since 1790, it not only tracks the population but also captures valuable details about our ancestors — where they lived, their families, occupations, property, immigration, and much more. Today, we’re diving into some fascinating facts you might not know about the U.S. Census — and how it can unlock new clues in your genealogy research! https://youtu.be/uziwffpfe7M&list=UULFcvpi8XvOScBogIxmarmADw

05/02/2025

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: we have been informed that the meeting room at the library is not available for the in-person part of the May meeting. It will only be available via Zoom. Pre-registration is required so that the handout can be furnished to you.

Here is the link for registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DcKoVNNiQTOu8DXTFGamfg

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please join us via Zoom for the May General Meeting. Our speaker will be Karen Molohan on the topic Safeproofing your Genealogical Records - Disaster Planning.

04/22/2025

The Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society is proud to announce that our speaker for the May 8, 2025 General Meeting will be Karen Molohan. This meeting will be conducted via a hybrid meeting: the speaker is presenting via Zoom but you may choose to view either at home on Zoom or at the Mesquite Public Library’s Main Branch, where a number of members will be gathering. To access via Zoom, you must pre-register.

Here is the link for registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DcKoVNNiQTOu8DXTFGamfg

Your genealogical collection consists of irreplaceable family records, photographs, heirlooms, digital files, etc. Do you have a disaster preparation plan or genealogy survival kit in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency? Join us to learn about creating a genealogy disaster preparedness checklist and strategies to keep your research and heirlooms safe.

Karen Molohon, MS, has over 40 years of genealogy research, teaching, and presentation experience. She teaches genealogy courses at Kennesaw State University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Karen currently serves the Cobb County Genealogical Society as National Genealogical Society (NGS) Delegate and facilitates the Photography SIG and co-facilitates the Technology SIG. Karen serves as the NGS Vice-president for Society and Organization Management and is past Chair of the NGS Delegate Council. She is Past Director of the Institute of Genealogy Historical Research and has held various positions at her local and state societies. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Cobb County Genealogical Society, Georgia Genealogical Society, Illinois State Genealogical Society, National Genealogical Society, Fielding Lewis Chapter of NSDAR, and American Ancestors.

04/02/2025

ATTENTION: original link for registration in this post was INCORRECT .... it has been updated. Please try again!

Join us on Thursday, April 10, 2025, for our first HYBRID general meeting with Linda Debe, The Sleepless Genealogist!

For the first time in over five years, we are holding a hybrid meeting! You can choose to attend either by registering below for the Zoom meeting or join us IN PERSON at the Mesquite Main Library, 300 W. Grubb. Our speaker lives in North Carolina, so she will be presenting via Zoom, which in-person viewers will watch together in the library meeting room.

Dive into the world of genealogical document management with this comprehensive presentation. Explore the purposes of abstracts, extracts, and transcriptions, and gain clarity on their distinctions and importance in genealogical research.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., with in-person meet and greet at 6:00 p.m. To register for the Zoom meeting and receive the handouts, which is free to the public, please use the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FqRvT4WDRuiJ5bGlIk99Jw

Linda Debe is a lecturer, writer, and lifelong student with over 40 years of genealogy experience. She has many genealogy passions, but she gets really excited when it comes to technology. Her motto is work smarter, not harder, and technology allows her to do just that especially when it comes to trying to track tick marks on the pre-1850 census records.

She has spoken to numerous genealogy audiences and has a Youtube channel where she creates short technology how-to videos. She holds an AAS degree in Electronics Technology from the United States Air Force. She is an alum of ProGen 54, a coordinator for ProGen 64, and attends the International Institute for Genealogical Studies. Linda created a free Google calendar or genealogists to locate and register for genealogical educational opportunities. Located on her website, thesleeplessgenealogist.com.

02/26/2025

Expanding Horizons: Local to International Genealogical Learning

The Mesquite Historical and Genealogical Society is proud to announce that the speaker for our March 13 General Meeting will be Emily Coffman Richardson. Her topic is “Expanding Horizons: Local to International Genealogical Learning”. This meeting will be held via Zoom and is free to the public.

Preregistration is required. Please use the following link to register for the meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FgN3XA5pRkq6FkNQMos8xw

Most individuals for whom genealogy is a hobby utilize their local genealogy society as place to go for education. However, even before the Zoom phenomenon, there were opportunities for learning from regional, state, national and international genealogical societies. This presentation will (re)introduce the participant to the multitude of learning experiences that are each uniquely designed and available to both the hobbyist and the professional genealogist.

Emily Richardson is a professional genealogist and lecturer living in Denton, Texas. She began her genealogy research working with her mother in courthouses and cemeteries finding records for her ancestors in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 2019, she retired from higher education as a faculty member and administrator, moved to Texas and opened up Kinsearchers, the original name of her mother’s business as a genealogist.

She is the secretary of the Texas State Genealogical Society, as well as District C Representative. She is on the board for the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club. She teaches genealogy courses for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) for the University of North Texas. Emily has been the Registrar for The Flower Mound NSDAR chapter and currently serves on the State Application Team for DAR. She has participated in multiple SLIG (Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy), IGHR (Institute of Genealogical Studies) and TIGR (Texas Institute of Genealogical Research) week-long courses, as well as ProGen34. She recently completed being the coordinator for ProGen49.

02/03/2025

01/24/2025

Please join us on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:30pm, as we welcome Becky Villareal. This meeting focuses on introducing genealogy to younger family members and ensuring that the rich history of our families is passed on to future generations.

The meeting will be held via Zoom only and is free to the public. You must register for the meeting in advance by using the following registration link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Uq3RYdDNQN-54jpByS0h8w

BECKY VILLAREAL, a grandmother of three and retired teacher, is a family genealogist, speaker, and author of multiple children’s and young adult books.

Born in Dallas, Texas in 1954 to Missionary parents, she traveled throughout the Southwest with four siblings. Though her experiences as a child, she has learned the benefit of being multicultural in a diverse society. She loves working on her family history and incorporating her skills into her writing. Becky travels throughout the country working with libraries and genealogical societies to encourage family participation in genealogical research. She also loves to read, color, spend time with her family, and help other novice writers.