Heddins says Internet, technology gateway to genealogical research

Roland Heddins of Fruitvale will present his program "Using Technology to Preserve our Past" at the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Van Zandt County library.

Heddins will be telling his own story of genealogical research and how he has used photography, audio recording, videography, video production and the Internet to preserve his family history as well as the stories and memories of many of his elderly relatives over the years.

Heddins will also talk about his use of computer graphics scanning and editing software to restore, enhance and share a large collection of old family photographs.

Born in 1960 to Van Zandt County native, Charles R. Heddins and Sulphur, La. native, Barbara (Daigle) Heddins, in Lake Charles, La., he has Van Zandt County and East Texas family roots dating back to the early 1850s.

Heddins' first few years were lived in Louisiana, followed by nearly eight years of his childhood in Argentina. In 1971 he and his family moved back to Southwest Louisiana. Roland graduated from high school in 1978 and then earned an associates degree in Electronics Technology at McNeese State University.

In 1981 he obtained a job with Texas Eastern Transmission Corp., working as an Electrical Technician, first based in Vidor and later Houma, La. In mid-1983 he moved to Lindale/Garden Valley and served with Keith Green's ministry for several years, and was also involved with Youth With A Mission and Mercy Ships which included international travels.

In 2004 he also took on a part-time office job at Community Christian Fellowship (CCF), the church in Garden Valley he has attended for over 30 years. Over the next few years he took on more responsibilities at CCF until he finally went full-time by 2008. His roles there include Director of Technology (I.T.), Missions Pastor (overseeing supported missionaries) and he is also involved in multi-media/video productions. Roland frequently travels internationally serving on short-term mission trips as well as paying visits to missionaries and friends worldwide.

The genealogical society meets the fourth Saturday of every month except December at the main county library. Visitors are warmly welcomed.

 For further information on society membership or activities, contact the Library of Genealogy and Local History at 903-567-5012, or visit the library located in the courthouse annex in Canton.

Library hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with extended hours on Thursday until 6 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

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