Before the Alamo, Before the Missions Were Famous — There Was the Presidio

In 1718, a handful of soldiers and their families put down roots on the banks of the San Antonio River and, without knowing it, founded a city. Who were they? Where did they come from? And why do so many South Texas families — maybe yours — trace straight back to them?

Join us as Lisa Santos, President of the 1718 San Antonio Founding Families and Descendants, and Diane Scannell, a dual member of that organization and SAGHS, bring the soldiers of the Presidio San Antonio de Béxar and their families to life. They'll explore who these founding families were, the records that document them, and how you can find out whether your own line reaches back to San Antonio's very beginning.

If your research touches early San Antonio — or you've ever wondered if it should — this is one you won't want to miss.

Session Information

• Streamlining Genealogical Research Plans with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide – This practical session offers a detailed look at integrating AI into your genealogical research planning workflow. We’ll explore AI-powered tools that can assist with each step of the planning process: clarifying research objectives, analyzing and summarizing known facts, generating hypotheses based on existing data, expanding your list of potential sources, and creating an optimized research strategy. Learn how to use AI to save time, reduce oversight, and create more robust research plans while maintaining control over your genealogical process.
• Efficient Locality Research with AI – Genealogists often face the hurdle of locality research – gathering historical details, records, and repositories for a specific area. This step, though essential, can be slow and laborious. Here’s where large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini can empower your research. Imagine having an AI assistant that can unearth historical context, relevant archives, and past laws related to your location. LLMs excel at summarizing vast amounts of information and pinpointing key details you might miss. They can even translate resources in foreign languages, broadening your search scope. However, like any tool, success hinges on user expertise. Learn to craft clear prompts and critically evaluate the information LLMs provide.
• From Complex to Clear: Transform Court Records with AI Tools – Court records contain rich genealogical evidence but can be overwhelming with their archaic legal language, lengthy documents, and complex terminology. This session demonstrates how AI tools can transform your approach to court record research, making these valuable sources accessible and manageable. Learn how to use AI-powered full-text search to quickly locate relevant information within extensive court files. Discover techniques for translating obsolete legal terms and phrases into modern language. Explore methods for organizing chronological data from multiple court proceedings into clear, analyzable formats using AI assistance.
• Solving a Family Mystery with DNA – Learn how combining traditional research with DNA evidence revealed an unknown grandfather in this compelling case study. Follow the project from the beginning steps of creating an objective to writing the conclusions. Discover the importance of a research log and careful tracking of sources. Finally, see how Y-DNA and autosomal DNA used in tandem with the documentary sources solved this family’s mystery.

Join us this fall for the 2026 TxSGS Family History Conference, themed “A Journey of Discovery.”  This event will be held Friday and Saturday, November 6-7, at the Riley Center in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as virtually – a truly hybrid event.

But that’s not all! All livestreamed sessions on both days will be recorded and available to registrants on demand following the conference. In addition, the conference includes an additional 28 pre-recorded lectures from many of your favorite speakers and internationally acclaimed presenters. These sessions will be available online for 90 days following the conference, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your research to the next level, the 2026 Family History Conference offers tools, techniques, and inspiration for every genealogist. Alongside our 38 featured sessions and pre-recorded lectures, we’ve launched a new series of recordings called “Short Takes.” Short Takes focus on a single topic for about 15-20 minutes – a great way to learn how to solve a problem or use a new tool! These recordings will be available to our virtual audience during the conference program and accessible by all conference registrants following this year’s event.

We will have an exhibit area where attendees can meet with vendors and genealogical societies. Watch for additional details about an online Discovery Hub for sponsors and exhibitors.

Hope to see you in Fort Worth or virtually!

Registration is open.