DNA and Genealogy at the OGS Conference

Note: This post is a copy of a post written for the OGS Conference Blog. 

You can visit the Conference Blog at http://ogs.org/blog.

Have you considered using DNA to support your genealogical research? Have you had success? Are you overwhelmed by the science? Afraid of possible revelations about your health? I can answer yes to all of these questions. However, it's something that I think will become an increasingly useful tool in our genealogical toolbox -- and something I want to understand better.

In keeping with the theme of this conference, the planners included a track on DNA and genealogy.

Colleen Fitzpatrick is leading half of the sessions in this track. As I was not familiar with her, I was led to do a little research. Colleen is the author of Genetic Genealogy and DNA and Genealogy, two best-sellers in genetic genealogy. Despite her expertise, she lists her talks as appropriate for "all levels."  Her talks are "appropriate for you whether you are having trouble spelling DNA or are an old hand at genetic genealogy." She has been involved in the ID of an unknown child on the Titanic, and work related  to Amelia Earhart and Abraham Lincoln. To quote her bio, she has done "extensive professional work on DNA identification with the military, law enforcement, the Center for Human Identification, Harvard University, and many other well-known organizations."

Ugo Allesandro Perego is presenting two sessions. I was able to find a link to his site. A member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. He, too, has an extensive resume. Nora Galvin will discuss DNA testing for genealogical purposes, the testing process, what the results look like and what they mean.

There will also be a DNA Roundtable sponsored by Family Tree DNA. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn which DNA test to take, decide how many markers to test and determine how to best utilize the results.

All for the price of one conference admission!  Hope to see you there.

Submitted by:
Kathy Reed

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