Trace your roots and learn genealogy
The Kingsland/Highland Lakes Genealogical Society, which meets every second Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Kingsland Library’s meeting room, has members available to help anyone interested in getting started on tracing their family tree. Almost every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and from 2-4 p.m., a society member is stationed in the library research room to assist with questions.
The member on duty can help family sleuths use census books, death records and other resources in the circular room.
The best way to start, says current President Raye Lokey, is to fill out a family worksheet — with a pencil.
“Always use a pencil so you can correct the mistakes,” says Lokey.
Probably the most important thing you can do to record your family history is to start talking to your relatives and dig through old documents.
“Start with the oldest relatives first, before it’s too late,” says Dorothy Medley. She’s not only the society’s historian, she is director of the Family History Center for the Church of Latter Day Saints in Marble Falls. Located at 200 Via Viejo Street, the center is open on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Call (830) 693-6545 for more information.)
“I always warn people that if no one shows up by 12:30, we may follow the dictates of our stomachs and leave,” Medley said. Many weeks, however, she stays until 2:30 or later helping eager researchers. First-time family sleuths quickly develop a passion for the hunt, she says.
Burnet County
The Burnet County Genealogical Society meets at 1:15 p.m. the third Thursday of the month (except August and December) at the Herman Brown Free Library, 100 Washington St. in Burnet. If you’re new to the area or to genealogy, society members are always willing to help you begin digging into your roots.
The library itself includes the Dobie Room Genealogy and Local History Collection, with a vast array of resources to help you on your way.
