For Houstonians passionate about uncovering their roots, Fort Bend County Libraries is offering a golden opportunity to dig deeper into family history—literally. On Wednesday, June 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., the George Memorial Library in Richmond will host a free and enlightening session titled “Finding Ancestors in Property-Deed Records.” This hands-on genealogy class promises to unveil how land deeds—often overlooked—can reveal volumes about your ancestors’ lives, legacies, and livelihoods.

📜 Discover the Power of Property-Deed Records

Presented by the Genealogy & Local History Department at George Memorial Library, this educational event is ideal for both beginners and seasoned family researchers. Far beyond simple real estate transactions, deed records are powerful historical documents. They can help fill in the blanks in family trees by revealing family relationships, addresses, dates of residence, and even socioeconomic status—critical insights that birth certificates and census records may lack.

Many of these documents date back centuries, often predating more commonly used genealogical sources. Because of their legal nature, deed records tend to be thorough, accurate, and deeply personal. Whether you’re tracking the movement of a freed ancestor after emancipation, confirming a familial connection in a rural township, or piecing together generational land ownership, these records can be the key to unlocking your heritage.

📚 Why Attend This Genealogy Class?

The workshop, held in Room 2A of the George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview in Richmond, will guide participants through the process of locating and interpreting property-deed records. Attendees will learn:

• Where to find land records at the county, state, and federal levels

• How to analyze the legal language of deeds

• What to look for in confirming familial ties

• How to connect deeds to other historical resources

👥 Join a Community of Family Historians

In addition to the in-person class, Fort Bend County Libraries encourages genealogy enthusiasts to become part of a vibrant online community. The Family-History Research Facebook group, managed by the Genealogy & Local History Department, offers a collaborative space for sharing research tips, historical discoveries, and community storytelling.

Whether you're exploring your African American heritage, documenting a family migration story, or simply preserving history for the next generation, this interactive group provides invaluable support and camaraderie.

🎟️ Free Admission, But Reserve Your Seat Today

The class is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, and advance registration is required. You can secure your spot in one of the following ways:

• Online: Visit www.fortbendlibraries.gov, click on “Classes & Events,” select “George Memorial,” and find the event listing.

• By Phone: Call the Genealogy & Local History Department at 281-341-2608

• In Person: Stop by the Information Desk at George Memorial Library

📍 A Rich Resource in the Heart of Fort Bend

As Houston’s culturally rich and historically vibrant community continues to explore its stories, events like this genealogy class highlight the importance of libraries as community anchors. Fort Bend County Libraries is leading the way by equipping residents with the tools to connect with their past—and by extension, their identity.

For more info, visit FortBendLibraries.gov