LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
Keith Allred sits in Kurth Memorial Library's
Genealogy Department flipping through pages of his family's past and present.
"I wanted to know about my family,"
said Allred.
Allred has devoted a decade of his life to
discovering his family's history. In that time the genealogical society member
has managed to publish four books about his family history dating all the way
1838 when the first Allred came to Texas.
"Once you get started in it, its an
addiction you want to know more," said Allred.
"It just kind of gives you an
idea of who you are, knowing where you came from," Cindy McMullen, Genealogy
Department, Kurth Memorial Library.
Cindy McMullen has worked in the
genealogy department for 16 years helping people discover their family history,
but hasn't had too much success finding her own. She believes with technology
advancing every day she'll soon find the connection she needs.
"Sometimes its just a matter of
finding that one person who has Bible records or some key that you need to
break through your brick wall," said McMullen.
Genealogy experts say family is the best place
to start.
"Try to find out names dates. If you can
get pictures," said Allred.
That information can launch the search
that will lead you in the right direction.
Wednesday the library will
host a genealogy party where anyone can come in and research during an all-day
workshop from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday,
Angelina College will host their 16th annual genealogy conference.
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