Regular Meeting of East Texas Genealogical Society, Tyler, TX Saturday, January 12, 2008 Tyler Public Library - Taylor Auditorium 2:00 p.m. Speaker: Dreanna Belden Program: "Research, Rummage, and Reconnoiter: Online Exploration at the Portal to Texas History" The Portal to Texas History offers students, genealogists, and lifelong learners a digital gateway to the rich collections held in Texas libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, and private collections. The online materials encompass books, manuscripts, and other historic materials from over seventy collaborative partners. This free resource opens many sources to genealogists as well as to other serious researchers and scholars and can be accessed on home computers. Ms. Belden holds a MLS from the University of North Texas, and her interests include exploring how digital cultural heritage collections can most effectively be used in education, and working with museums and libraries to place their materials on line. She is currently serving on the 2008 Texas Library Association (TLA) Conference planning committee, Co-Chair of the 2009 TLA Conference Planning Committee, and Chair of the TLA Digital Libraries Round Table, and Chair of the Training Group of the Texas Heritage Digitization Initiative. Following a short refreshment period, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Computer Interest Group of the East Texas Genealogical Society will meet. Tecora Steen will give a short program about "Using Photo Shop." Information on upcoming programs can be found at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~txetgs/meetings.html ETGS will hold their annual seminar September 13, 2008 with Desmond Walls Allen. More information can be found at our web-site at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~txetgs/meetings.html East Texas Genealogical Society represents six counties which are Anderson, Gregg, Henderson, Panola, Rusk and Smith counties. ETGS publishes the "East Texas Family Records" four times a year which features articles and records concerning our six counties and a monthly newsletter "The Bulletin" which features information about our society, things of interest to our members and information about our six counties. ETGS has a First Families of East Texas covering our six counties. To find out about this program go to following link: http://www.rootsweb.com/~txetgs/FirstFamilies/firstfam.html For more information, you may contact me at everheart@suddenlink.net or go to: http://www.rootsweb.com/~txetgs/ Submitted by June Everheart, 1st Vice-President.