DNA and Genealogy at the Kenton County Library

DNA and Genealogy
When: Tuesday, September 15th, 6:30 - 8:45
Where: Kenton County Library
502 Scott Boulevard
Covington, KY 41011
859-962-4060

Reservations are requested through the Kenton Co. Library website listed below.





Directions/Website: 
http://www.kentonlibrary.org/locations/covington

Program information (September 15 programs, scroll down for link to this program):
DNA and Genealogy 


DNA is playing a more and more ubiquitous role in genealogical research. But Genetic Genealogy can have a steep learning curve. How does a Y-DNA test compare/contrast with a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) test or an autosomal DNA test? Is there an advantage to using one company over the other? I’ve got my results, now what? Come to the Covington Branch of the Kenton County Library and get your questions answered.

The following topics will be discussed:

1. What is DNA? How is it used in genealogy? What kind of information will I receive? How reliable are ethnicity results?
2. What companies process DNA for genealogy? Is there an advantage to selecting one company over another?
3. I've got my results. What can I do with them?

Kathy Reed of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society will be the speaker. She attended a week-long institute on genetic genealogy earlier this summer and has spoken frequently on this topic. We hope to see you then.

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.