June 26, 2005

Library Resources as Finding Aids for Genealogists by Marje Harris

Not only is she knowledgeable, having obtained an MLS (Master of Library Science) from Texas Woman’ University and a BA in Library Science/Education from the University of North Texas, she is also a very proficient and entertaining speaker.  Her credentials are long and varied from being a certified Genealogical Records Searcher, by the Board of Certification of Genealogist, to teaching classes at Rice University’s continuing education program and Houston Community College.

She continues her education by taking classes from the National Genealogical  Society, the Institute for Genealogical Research, the Houston Genealogical Institute, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and has completed the genealogical Home Study Program through the National Genealogical Society.

Her interest includes  many patriotic and hereditary societies of which she is a member including: Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Magna Carta Dames, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.

Ms. Harris has worked for the Houston Public Library for twenty-six (26) years and has been at Clayton Library for twenty-one (21) of these years.  She is very qualified to speak on any subject concerning genealogy or the Library.  Other topics that she has spoken about include: Colonial Records of Virginia, Introduction to Research in England, Afro-American Research, Immigration, Naturalization and Migration, Civil War Research, Probate Records, Research in Texas During the Time of Spain and Mexico, Migration Trails, Military Records, and Problem Solving Techniques.