OGS members and distant cousins Barbara Brauch and Noralee Faulkner discovered each other through Ancestry DNA. The two got together in 2017 and soon combined their efforts in researching their common Phariss family tree. They also began the search for an old, abandoned cemetery where their ancestors, Samuel and Catherine Phariss were buried in 1858. This presentation is the culmination of three years of hard work and perseverance, locating, purchasing the land where it is located, and ultimately rescuing this cemetery. Their hope is to preserve it for future generations of Samuel and Catherine’s descendants.

Join us as long-time OGS member John Carter presents "what genealogy software can do" using RootsMagic as the platform. John started using RootsMagic over 25 years ago (when it was called Family Origins from Parsons Technology). He will discuss various aspects of data entry, attached media, Ancestry and FamilySearch interface, and reports.

Timelines put your ancestor(s) actions and movements into historical context. They also allow us to see where we have gaps in our information, provide clues for further research, and are a good first step in writing a family research book.  Long-time OGS member, Fran Black will walk us through the importance of creating a timeline, the steps of creating a timeline, and how to use that timeline to create a biographical sketch of your ancestor.

Many times, local and genealogical libraries have valuable records in their collections which are not often used. OGS member Rita Wallace will explore some of those records from The Library Center, one of the many libraries that make up the Springfield-Greene County Library System. Included will be the S. C. Turnbo Manuscripts, the Hall Papers, Black Families of the Ozarks collection, and others.

Join OGS member Dan Barnard as he demonstrates how Ancestry DNA tests and tools were used to unravel the family mystery of who the parents of Lula Bunyard were.  It will take you through the family history story, the life challenges and the findings clarifying the life of Lula. This presentation is not meant to be an in-depth review about DNA terminology or understanding, but simply one approach taken to help resolve family mysteries.

Are you wondering what will happen to your years of research finds in the future?  Is no one interested in genealogy in your family?  Do you worry that the family lore and stories will be lost?  White River Valley Historical Society Managing Director Leslie Wyman will showcase a method of creating digital albums that can be prepared without scrapbooking software, showcasing your photographs and family stories while also preserving the "boring" documents that non-researching family members are not interested in!  Handouts will be provided to help you create your own brief digital family histories that are designed to pass on your most important information without putting others to sleep!