If your family tree has a few branches you’ve never been able to trace, Tyler has a free event for you next weekend. The 24th Annual Family History Conference runs Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Douglas R. Mehling II Event Center at Breckenridge Village. Doors open at 8 a.m., sessions run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and general admission is free for anyone 11 and older.

The day includes 16 breakout sessions and four hands-on workshops covering genetic genealogy, DNA interpretation, research technology, and practical methods for tracking down records. Topics range from beginner-friendly starting points to deeper dives for people who already have a paper trail going. General admission and the adult breakout sessions cost nothing, while each of the optional hands-on workshops is $25.

Registration is required, so it’s worth signing up before the week gets away from you. East Texas families have generations of history woven into this region, and a lot of those records are closer than you’d think. Whether you’re chasing a specific ancestor or just curious about where you came from, this is a low-cost way to get started with people who know what they’re doing.

What’s the one family story you’ve always wanted to prove or disprove? Let us know.