Heritage & Identity: A Genealogy Workshop
January 10, 2026 | 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Heritage & Identity: A Genealogy Workshop
Januray 10th, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Join us for a discussion and interactive opportunities to discover your family history and genealogy. Led by Janelle Holmes, there will be multiple sessions to learn how to research and document your family’s history with interactive opportunities throughout the day.
The tentative schedule is below and will be updated to include additional speaker information as it becomes available. For additional information or questions, contact Emma Truett at Emma@FrontierTexas.com or call (325) 437 – 2800.
This event is free to attend, but we ask that you RSVP below. Seats are limited.
RSVP information
Keynote Speaker, Janelle Holmes
Janelle is a member of 20 genealogical and hereditary societies, with over forty years of experience in genealogy research and the transcription of numerous old handwritten documents from 1650 to the 1800s. She brings a longstanding dedication to the preservation and study of family history and hopes to inspire others to dive into their own unheralded lineage.
As a writer with The Historical Writers of America, her published works include award-winning short stories and nonfiction articles. She actively participates in the Texas State Genealogical Society, its Speakers Bureau, and the Texas DAR Speakers Staff, presenting educational programs across Texas on lesser-known aspects of American history.
Currently, Janelle serves as First Vice Regent in the John Davis DAR Chapter in Abilene, Texas, and volunteers as a costumed docent there at Frontier Texas, where she shares her knowledge through public presentations.
schedule
9:00 Am
Basic Genealogy
10:00 Am
Guest Speaker | Alyssa Crow, Abilene Public Library
“Internet Resources and Additional Research Tips”
Guest Speaker | Familysearch.org Research Librarian
10:45 Am
Interpreting Documents without AI
“Advanced Techniques for Saving and Interpreting Old Handwriting”
11:00 Am
AI Research Resources
Using AI in Your Genealogy Research
11:30 Am
Lunch Break
(Lunch Not Provided)
1:00 pm
DNA Testing Website Comparisons
“Which are the Most Useful for Genealogy Research?”
1:30 pm
Guest Speaker | Patti Huff Williams
“GEDmatch: Take Your DNA Results to the Next Level”
2:15 pm
Joining a Genealogy Society
“Helpful tips on joining and knowing the resources you need to join”
3:00 pm
Q&A
Location
Frontier Texas | 625 N. 1st Street | Legacy Hall