Grand Prairie Genealogical Society April 2026

"The Importance of Oral Histories."

The program is tailored for grandparents to teach the younger generation about genealogy.  

HOME is where my heart is, and it is definitely in my family and the conversations I have had with them. I am fortunate enough to have recordings of their voices and copious letters, cards, stories, and poems they have written through the years. These are very precious artifacts that I am able to revisit again and again.  In today’s day and time, young people need to hear the voices of those who have experienced life to its fullest. Those who have lived through difficult times and have gone on to survive and thrive and remember the good times as well. These are the voices our children need to hear. The voices of hope.

BECKY VILLAREAL, a grandmother of three and retired teacher, is a family genealogist, speaker, and author of multiple children’s and young adult books.  Born in Dallas, Texas in 1954 to Missionary parents, she traveled throughout the Southwest with four siblings. Through her experiences as a child, she has learned the benefit of being multicultural in a diverse society. She loves working on her family history and incorporating her skills into her writing. Becky travels throughout the country working with libraries and genealogical societies to encourage family participation in genealogical research. She also loves to read, color, spend time with her family, and help other novice writers.