HCGS Technology Interest Group

The HCGS has revived the Computer Interest Group with a new name, Technology Interest Group.  The purpose of the group is to share information about technologies that are changing the way people do genealogy.  Gail Burkholz, Kathy Reed and John Tholking are on the steering committee and Liz Stratton will lead the group.  The interest group will sponsor programs, write articles and blog posts and have informal gatherings to share the latest developments.  If you would be interested in participating, please email Liz Stratton.  You can also sign up online at http://goo.gl/Gtrrp. 

We have planned a series of programs on Blogs for the fall.  Kathy Reed will begin with an overview of blogging for genealogists, followed by hands-on sessions in October.  In November, we will wrap up the series by demonstrating a feed reader to track changes to your favorite blogs, websites, message boards, etc.  For more information, see the online calendar.

The Technology Group would love to know what you are most interested in learning more about.  We have created a short survey that can be completed online, http://goo.gl/cKDgc.   If you would prefer, you can also take the survey by email.  For an email survey, contact Liz Stratton.

Our first informal gathering will be on September 24, just after Kathy’s talk on blogs (about 2 pm).  We will get to know one another and gather ideas about interests and expertise for future activities.

Genetic Genealogy -- What Do You Think?

Disclaimer:  I have no financial interest in 23andme.  The information discussed is provided only as an aid for those who have wondered about the advantages and possible disadvantages of providing a DNA sample for genealogical purposes.  I have also used the services of FamilyTreeDNA.  Each company has its advantages. 

I already knew that several members of our chapter have roots from the Niedersachsen/Oldenburg area of northwest Germany.  After all, this is Cincinnati.  John Tholking, Karen Klaene, Kenny Burck, Leo Christen and I can all trace at least one line to that area.

About a month ago, I had a conversation with John Tholking about my von der Heide line.  When I came to the monthly Board meeting, imagine my surprise when he handed me some research showing not only the von der Heide's, and Cohorst (John's family) surnames crossing paths, but also the Klaene surname.  It makes you wonder.  Are we "cousins?"

Recently I submitted a sample of my DNA to an organization called 23andme.  The "23" refers to the 23 chromosomes that each of us inherits from both our mother and our father.  Their results include genealogical information as well as health information.  In my quest to understand my own results, I wrote a series of posts for my personal blog, Jones Family Matters.

Here are the topics and their corresponding links:
Genetic Genealogy
Anticipating DNA Results
Health Results from 23andme
Looking at Disease Risk with 23andme
Understanding Relative Disease Risk with 23andme

If I could wave a magic wand, all of my cousins would submit a sample so we could see how much we have in common.  I just submitted a sample from my husband, who can trace two lines to that area.  I can't wait for the results.