TNGS 2026 SPRING VIRTUAL SEMINAR
J MARK LOWE AND DR. DEBORAH ABBOTT
SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2026
Admission Cost: Member-$25.00 and Non-Member-$35.00
Recordings will be available to Registrants for 30 days
All times are Central Daylight Savings Time
Session Schedule
Virtual doors Open at 8:30 a.m.
Opening Remarks & Introduction
9:00 a.m.-9: 15 a.m.
The State of Franklin and More: The Records Before Tennessee's Statehood
J Mark Lowe
9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Learn about the records that exist for genealogists researching pre-statehood Tennessee, including early North Carolina settlements, the State of Franklin, and more. Record types, finding aids, maps, locations & examples will be discussed & presented.
Break 10:15a.m.-10:30 a.m.
You Only Have a Death Announcement – Now What?
Dr. Deborah Abbott
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
This lecture will ask attendees to put on their “CSI” hat and utilize their “detective” skills to solve a genealogical research project when little information is known. Starting with a death announcement, we will look at the methodology of creating a series of questions that need answers in order to bring our subject to life.
Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Using Road Books to Locate Ancestor’s Property
J Mark Lowe
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Following the land will often identify the Ancestor and family. Learn how to trace an individual through Road Books when property records are sparce or missing.
Break-1:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
Critical Thinking in Genealogical Research: A Case Study Using Oral History
Dr. Deborah Abbott
1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Together, we will identify and describe the scope of the problem and determine what additional research is needed to answer the questions that are listed. We will learn the importance of carefully analyzing documents and determining clues that will lead us to alternative resources. The importance of using collateral and cluster genealogy methods will be emphasized.
Q & A and Wrapup
2:45 p.m.-3 p.m.
REFUND POLICY:
Full refund if request is received on or before 10:00 a.m. April 10. 2026
