DNA and Genealogy

Sharon Watson, Stephanie Winchester, Lois Fair, and Ken Watson 

View from the Huenefeld Room at the Cincinnati Public Library, Main Branch
Photo credit:  Bill Reed

Saturday, January 25th, was the day set aside for our Genealogy and DNA Seminar. Lots of planning and technology went into this event co-sponsored by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Unfortunately, we experienced a four-inch snowfall during the night before along with freezing temperatures. 


A few brave attendees drove in all the way from Piqua. They are part of the Miami Valley Chapter of OGS. However, Cincinnatians were advised not to travel unless it was necessary, and many took that advice.

Photo Credit: Patricia Van Skaik

Liz Varga and Kathy Reed
Photo Credit: John Tholking

The seminar was in three sessions. The first two dealt with the genealogical aspects of DNA and was presented by Kathy Reed. Her daughter, Liz Varga, presented the third session. She is a Certified Genetic Counselor and was able to speak to the Health Results that have been a part of the 23andme analysis.

Since the event there have been emails wondering if the the event will be repeated due to the inclement weather. If that ends up being a possibility, we will let you know.

Special thanks is due to Jenny Davis (Digital Resource Director), John Tholking, and Gail Burkholz for their untiring efforts to enable us to post talks such as these on our website. In addition, none of this would be possible without our library partners, including Patricia Van Skaik and Chris Smith.

Submitted by Kathy Reed

Using Online Historical Newspapers

Mark your calendar! The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and the HCGS Tech Program Committee are co-sponsoring a half-day event on Saturday, January 26th from 10:00 - 12:45. Participants will come away with a better understanding of how to access historical newspaper databases to aid their genealogy research.

Patricia Van Skaik, Manager of the Genealogy and Local History Collection at PLCH will present the Pro Quest Historical Newspapers collection. This collection has full-text and full-image articles, including obituaries, birth and marriage announcements, and more. Of particular interest to genealogists researching in Hamilton County: Cincinnati Enquirer - 1841-1922 and Cincinnati Enquirer - 1999- current.

Steve Headley, Chief Indexer for the Genealogy and Local History Department at PLCH, will present the Chronicling America historic newspapers collection. This collection is a similar archive but with different newspapers, including The Daily Press -- Cincinnati, 1859-1859, Cincinnati Daily Press -- Cincinnati, 1860-62, and the Labor Advocate, Cincinnati, 1912-1937. Steve will also present Newsdex, the library's index to local newspaper articles.

Finally, Kathy Reed, HCGS Recording Secretary and Tech Programs team member will present Toppling Your Brick Wall Using Newspapers. Kathy will share how she utilized historical newspapers to break through a genealogical "brick wall" and discovered a thrice-buried ancestor along the way.

So join us on Saturday, January 26th from 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM at the Main Library in the Huenefeld Tower Room on the 3rd Floor. Refreshments will be provided during two breaks. No RSVP is needed.

Submitted by Jenny Davis and Kathy Reed

Introduction to Family History Blogging

The HCGS Technology Interest Group was reactivated last year so that members could learn about the tools that are available to assist members with their genealogical research.  "Blogs" such as the one you are reading can be a great vehicle for sharing research with family and other stakeholders. 

Kathy Reed has been blogging about her own family's history for more than two years.  The more she has become involved in the blogging community, the more she has recognized the value in organizing her research and sharing it with others.  In conjunction with the PLCH, Kathy will be offering a series of three classes on blogging about your family history.

An overview of the process was presented at an introductory session today at 1:00 PM.  The same talk will be presented at the "Ask the Experts" Day at 10:00 AM on October 1st.  At 1:00 the first hands-on session will be held in the Technology Lab associated with the Genealogy Local History Department.

Sessions 2 and 3 are scheduled for November 12th and December 3rd from 10:30 - 12:00.  Registration is required for participation in the lab sessions. Call the Genealogy Desk to register.

All participants should be fairly comfortable with computers including the ability to conduct searches, add attachments and pictures.  Resources and support will be provided to participants so that they can continue with their own projects between sessions.

Questions?  email Kathy at khreed@cinci.rr.com and put "Blog support" in the subject line.

Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) - Samford

Irish Group 2011

This past summer, Mary Ann Faloon and I  had the pleasure of attending the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR). IGHR provides week-long intensive genealogical training at Samford University.

The experience was somewhat of a cross between a monk-like sabbatical and a college road trip! Mary Ann and I had a great time on the drive down and back and at the sessions. As we approached the campus memories of college  intruded - traipsing down the hall to take a shower was not at the top of my list of pleasurable memories!  We were pleasantly surprised to see that the dorm rooms had in-room bath and shower facilities. Although spartan, the rooms were clean and welcoming. It was a nice change to have all meals provided in the dining hall!

Military 2 Group

The experience was wonderful - genealogy from sun-up to sun-down! Meals were spent meeting other participants and talking about, what else, genealogy! We met many old friends and made new ones. I now have a face to go with the name 'Dear Myrt'!  Next year HCGS is the local sponsor of the The National Genealogical Society Conference giving us all the chance to immerse ourselves in genealogy in the Queen City.  We look forward to hosting our genealogy friends and meeting HCGS members from across the country.

In the meantime, there is a great line-up of local events to keep us happy, including two presentations this Saturday, September 24.  At 11 am Doug Magee will feature the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Map Collection and at 2 pm, Kathy Reed will give an introduction to blogging.  Hope to see you!

Many more events are planned for later this Fall, see the Calendar for further details.