Discover Your History with DNA Genealogy: A Lecture Series
Learn how consumer DNA testing can find connections, recent to ancient, that greatly extend your family and genetic history. Session 1 covers types of DNA and patterns of inheritance, forensics, risks, and advice on tests. Session 2 covers autosomal DNA testing to uncover recent family history, ethnicity, and large-scale American migrations. In session 3, mitochondrial and Y DNA reveal ancestors' paths from human origins in Africa, to the Bronze Age, to medieval clans. Bring your own records and genealogical puzzles for discussion after each presentation.

Speaker Bio
Rob Spencer is a Mystic resident and retired Pfizer biochemist and software developer. Genetic genealogy is a hobby that perfectly suits his skills and interests. He is a project admin at Family Tree DNA, presenter at multiple conferences, and author of SNP Tracker. Explore his tools, research reports, and presentations at http://scaledinnovation.com.

Session 1: Introduction to Genetic Genealogy

Tuesday, April 18 from 5:30 to 7:00 

We will discuss common goals in genealogy and the limitations of traditional sources. Then we review the three types of DNA used in genealogy (autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y chromosome), their strengths and limitations, how they're inherited, and the types of markers (mutations) used in genealogy. Forensic DNA is discussed, as well as privacy concerns. Finally, we review the different types of consumer DNA tests available with recommendations.

Session 2: Autosomal DNA

Monday, April 24 from 5:30 to 7:00 

Autosomal DNA tests are the least expensive and most widely used; they apply to any ancestor but extend only about 8 generations into the past.  We discuss how autosomal results can bridge genealogical gaps and how vendors create ethnicity reports.  We show how autosomal DNA reveals huge patterns of American westward migration, the tracks of enslaved Africans, and specific pockets like Mormons, Acadians, and Scandinavians.

Session 3: Monoparental DNA

Monday, May 1 from 5:30 to 7:00

Mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome are passed down exclusively from mothers and fathers, respectively, without dilution or recombination. Their specialized DNA tests extend our reach to human origins 240,000 years ago; we show how anyone can track their own maternal or paternal line from paleolithic Africa to the Fertile Crescent, through the Bronze Age, Roman, and modern eras. DNA has rewritten anthropology and history as illustrated by the impact of the Beaker invasions of western Europe. We conclude with case studies of how testers can connect to specific medieval clans.
Separate registration is required to attend these programs. We will meet in-person in the Ames Room. Register on our online events calendar or by calling the Library.

Contact us by phone during our operating hours at 860-536-7721. View the Library catalog on our website www.mysticnoanklibrary.org to place holds on materials or to sign up for programming. 
Our operating hours for these services are from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday and Wednesday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.