La Retama Central Library Offers Day of Free Genealogy Workshops

Registration Not Required, Virtual Options Available

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Join the Corpus Christi Public Libraries and the Genealogy Network of Texas for a day of discovery to help you uncover your ancestral past.  

The community is invited to attend a free Genealogy Lock-In at La Retama Central Library, 805 Comanche Street, on Friday, October 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Led by experienced genealogists and local historians, participants will learn how to navigate the vast array of resources available for family history research.  

Genealogy, the study of tracing family history using historical records, online databases, and oral interviews, can help people better understand their cultural identity.  

"We believe everyone has an exciting story to tell and exploring your family's history can be a significant and fulfilling journey," said Shelby Gonzalez, Special Collections and Archives Librarian at La Retama Central Library. "This workshop is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with their heritage and gain the skills necessary to continue their research independently."  

There will be in-house, pre-recorded, and virtual sessions. Light refreshments will be provided; however, participants may bring their food into the library.   

Registration is not required. The schedule is as follows: 

  • 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. – The U.S. Naturalization: The Records, the Laws, and the Impact
  • 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. – Genealogy Resources at the Texas General Land Office
  • 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. – So, You Discovered You Have a Colonial Ancestor. Now What?
  • 11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. – Lunch on your own
  • 12:50 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. – Getting Started with Your Genealogy
  • 2:25 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. – Introducing the Retro Tech Lab: Digitally Preserving Family History
  • 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. – I’ve Found My Irish Immigrant Ancestor. Now What?
  • 4:35 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. – Writing Your Family Story: Learning to Assess and Compile Your Research
  • 5:40 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Proven Methods for Breaking Down Genealogical Brick Walls  

For those unable to join in person, a virtual option will be available by contacting the library at 361-826-7030 or localhistory@corpuschristi.com in advance.  

The Corpus Christi Public Libraries’ Hispanic Genealogy Collection is one of Texas' most extensive collections on Hispanic genealogy. To learn more, visit https://www.cctexas.com/library.  

Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For assistance or to request reasonable accommodation, please call the La Retama Central Library at 361-826-7000 in advance. 

For more information, media representatives can contact Public Information Officer Cassandra Hinojosa at 361-826-2944 or cassandrah3@cctexas.com.