DNA Testing: Pros, Cons, Costs, and Features

• Covering Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal testing
• Discusses differences, advantages, disadvantages, data analysis, pricing, and subscription options

Building and Understanding Family Trees 

• Difference between pedigree and family group trees
• Techniques for gathering accurate genealogical information
• Understanding and analyzing familial relationships

Genealogical Research: Expanding Your Family History 

• Locating historical records and documents
• Utilizing databases such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Newspapers.com, and Fold3 (military records)

DNA in Genealogical Research

• Fundamentals of genetic genealogy
• Leveraging DNA matches to enhance your family tree research

Ethnicity and Migration

• Understanding ethnic origins, migration patterns, surname changes, and naming sequences

Adoption and the Search for Biological Family

• Tools and strategies for locating biological family members
• Working with adoption agencies, requesting information, DNA testing, and research techniques

Each program runs approximately one hour and includes a narrative of my personal journey as an adoptee discovering my biological family, followed by a Q&A session. 

The presentations utilize PowerPoint, accompanied by my narration, and incorporate insights from over 30 years of genealogical research.

These programs have been very well received and have had very positive feedback from library staff and the participants.