MembershipMembership runs from October 1st to September 30th.
Your support helps cover the costs of our monthly Saturday Seminars and donations to the Genealogy Section at W.O. Haggard Library. Members have access to handouts and recordings (when the speaker permits) from our Saturday Seminars and Roundtable Discussions. We are now set up so you can pay for membership via PayPal or with a credit card. Info on our Membership page. If membership isn't for you but you enjoy our webinars, please consider donating to Genealogy Friends.
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Upcoming Saturday Seminars - Hybrid
January 17, 2026 - "The Road to Independence: Defying the British During the Revolutionary War" by Michael Strauss, MA, AG, AGL - This lecture examines the complexities of the American Revolutionary War and its immediate aftermath, tracing its origins in escalating colonial tensions with Great Britain through its conclusion in 1783. Drawing on a range of primary source materials, we will explore the individual and collective experiences of military service in both the Continental and state forces. In addition to analyzing compiled military service records, pension files, and land bounty warrants, the lecture will incorporate naval and marine documentation to construct a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict. The analysis extends beyond the war's conclusion to address the national emergencies of Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion, framing them as critical moments in the new republic’s post-war trajectory.
Speaker: Michael L. Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™, is a military historian and professional genealogist. He holds a BA in history with a focus on the Civil War from Shepherd University and an MA in military history from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. His expertise is recognized in the judicial systems of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where he testifies as an expert witness in forensic estate investigations. Strauss is a prolific writer and national speaker, contributing books, peer-reviewed journal articles, popular history publications, and lectures at multiple universities, conferences, and institutes.
Speaker: Michael L. Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™, is a military historian and professional genealogist. He holds a BA in history with a focus on the Civil War from Shepherd University and an MA in military history from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. His expertise is recognized in the judicial systems of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where he testifies as an expert witness in forensic estate investigations. Strauss is a prolific writer and national speaker, contributing books, peer-reviewed journal articles, popular history publications, and lectures at multiple universities, conferences, and institutes.
GenFriends Blog
Keep up to date on the latest news in Genealogy. Here is a link https://genfriends.blogspot.com/
An email will be sent out each month once the articles are posted.
Click the Follow button on the main page of the blog to see updates in your reading list.
The schedule of events (GenFriends and other groups) is on the Events page.
The newsletter archive will still be available for past newsletters.
An email will be sent out each month once the articles are posted.
Click the Follow button on the main page of the blog to see updates in your reading list.
The schedule of events (GenFriends and other groups) is on the Events page.
The newsletter archive will still be available for past newsletters.
Plano Senior Center - January 28, 2026
Join us from 4:30-6:30 at Sam Johnson Recreation Center, 401 W 16th Street, Plano, TX 75075.
Presentation on Searching on FamilySearch.org and individual help with your research.
Presentation on Searching on FamilySearch.org and individual help with your research.
DNA Special Interest Group - Hybrid - February 10, 2026
Check out the links on the DNA Special Interest Group page from prior discussions.
The DNA Special Interest Group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, TX from 7-8:30 pm. Join us in person or via Zoom. Email [email protected] to join the email distribution list.
Our goal is to increase our knowledge related to using DNA results to further our genealogy research. This is a place to share ideas, ask questions, and learn about DNA. The group is open to all levels from beginner to advanced.
The topic for February will be Standard Clusters on Ancestry.com.
Our goal is to increase our knowledge related to using DNA results to further our genealogy research. This is a place to share ideas, ask questions, and learn about DNA. The group is open to all levels from beginner to advanced.
The topic for February will be Standard Clusters on Ancestry.com.
Genealogy Round Table - Zoom - February 5, 2026
February Topic - Basic Search Techniques - This meeting requires registration. Link to Register
Join us via Zoom — We are a group of genealogy enthusiasts who get together to share information and help each other.
Discussion Questions:
What are your genealogy goals for 2025?
Do you have written goals?
How do you track progress?
Do you set aside on your calendar to work on the goals?
Some of these meetings require registration. The Zoom registration link will be sent out by email the week before the meeting. An email will be sent with the Zoom link and a separate email with the materials for the discussion.
Email [email protected] to join the email distribution list.
Join us via Zoom — We are a group of genealogy enthusiasts who get together to share information and help each other.
Discussion Questions:
What are your genealogy goals for 2025?
Do you have written goals?
How do you track progress?
Do you set aside on your calendar to work on the goals?
Some of these meetings require registration. The Zoom registration link will be sent out by email the week before the meeting. An email will be sent with the Zoom link and a separate email with the materials for the discussion.
Email [email protected] to join the email distribution list.
Research At The Library - April 11, 2026
Join Genealogy Friends experienced genealogists at W.O. Haggard Library from 10:15 to 1 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Program at 10:30 - TBD
Experienced genealogists will be available to help from 11:30 to 1:00 pm:
You get started researching your family tree
Answer questions about a research problem
The library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library with access to records you can't see at home.
The library offers technology to scan books, including large format and convert film to digital.
Or bring your favorite project and work on it in the company of other researchers.
Program at 10:30 - TBD
Experienced genealogists will be available to help from 11:30 to 1:00 pm:
You get started researching your family tree
Answer questions about a research problem
The library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library with access to records you can't see at home.
The library offers technology to scan books, including large format and convert film to digital.
Or bring your favorite project and work on it in the company of other researchers.
Plano Old City Cemetery Association
The Plano Old City Cemetery Association (POCCA) is a non-profit, non-perpetual care association founded by descendants of those buried within its boundaries and other interested parties. Its mission is to preserve, restore and protect the property, gravesites, monuments and other appurtenances within the Plano Old City Cemetery located at 12th and H Streets in Plano, Texas. Any person who supports the mission of the Association is eligible for membership. Membership is by application & payment of dues, download the membership form here.