Reconstructing Mama Pepa's DNA
Each DNA-tested descendant of a person includes some of their DNA. Descendant tests can "cover" a significant part of the ancestor's DNA and matches. Josefa Ruiz (Mama Pepa) died in 1964, but we can know much of what her DNA test would have told us if she had done one.
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Researching as We Age: Ways to Reboot the Brain
Our brains usually are not as efficient as we age: stamina to research long hours is nonexistent. Eyesight gets poor. Memory fades. Cognition is weak. But don’t quit researching! There are ways to continue, albeit a bit slower; learn how here.
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Where to Start: Beginning Tips for Researching Mexican Families
This presentation will provide basic pointers for where to start with research methods and record sources in Mexican genealogy. Topics covered will include oral history, which documents to look for in family collections, as well as where to begin in online American and Mexican records for your family.
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Mexican American Mutual Aid Societies
Mutualistas, or mutual aid societies, sprang up in Mexican American communities in the early 20th century to protect and assist members facing economic hardships or discrimination. Health insurance, burial assistance, legal advocacy, cultural activities, and member participation are detailed in an extraordinary array of records.
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Día de Muertos! Origin, Meaning, and Significance
Genealogical research always leads us to think about and remember our deceased loved ones. Understanding and knowing the underlying customs in Mexico is always a great opportunity to connect with those who came before us. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is undoubtedly a tradition that every genealogy researcher
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Lesser-Known Census Records: Non-Population Schedules
Non-population census records include schedules for: Military Veterans; Mortality; Slaves; Agricultural & Industrial production; Native Americans; “3D” census of 1880 [Defective, Dependent and Delinquent Classes] and Social Conditions. Find out what records still exist, where to locate them and what kind of details may be acquired to flesh out your family story.
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An Introduction to Forensic Genetic Genealogy
This session will show the methodology of how DNA information about potential relationships can be utilized by law enforcement, as was seen in the case of the Golden State Killer. How can we take advantage of new technologies while maintaining an ethical approach?
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Hemerotecas in México
Hemerotecas or newspaper archives in Mexico are an excellent resource for conducting family history research - and many have catalogs, indexes, and even digitized images available online. In this presentation, I will share several examples of these archives and strategies for research.
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Land Holders: Missions, Presidios, Ranches to Land Grants
Knowing the history of acquiring land and the conflicts of different political powers can lead to information about your landholder ancestors. You will also learn where and how to find the records.
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The Tlaxcalans of Northeast Mexico
The Presentation will discuss the special role of the Tlaxcalans in Colonial Mexico. Their settlements in the northeastern section of Mexico will be discussed. Some records from their churches will also be shown.
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The Whys, How’s, and Wherefores of a Surname Study
Ever want to know what a surname study is and how it can help? This session will answer those two questions along with resources available, is it already started, gathering data, how to find other family members and ask them to join, and why Y-DNA is helpful.
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Grandpa Rode with Pancho Villa
I will speak about the enthusiasm of those who have ties to Pancho Villa. He is an individual who is either loved or despised. But equally, makes him as popular as 100 years ago. I am the PV Foundation Rep. I will discuss his family tree, his origins, etc.
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