Genealogy is a fascinating reflection of our family’s background and heritage. Knowing where we come from is fundamental to understanding who we are, allowing us to develop a deeper appreciation for the ancestors who came long before us. Whether you’ve been studying your family tree for years or know nothing about your heritage, there is always more to learn when we dive into the past. Over the last several years, genetic testing with a genealogy-focused approach has gained immense popularity due to its accessibility and profound insights, empowering thousands to trace back their family heritage to near prehistoric times. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about how this technology connects us with the past, join the NJ State Library for their latest upcoming webinar, “Diving Deep into Genetic Genealogy.”
On Wednesday, August 2nd, the New Jersey State Library will host a deep dive into genetic testing and genealogy. The webinar will be held virtually on Zoom from 12:00 pm through 1:30 pm. This event is free to attend, although advanced registration is required. If you plan on attending, you can register by visiting the link here: Register – Webinar. Once registered, sign onto the portal the day of the webinar, and you’ll be ready to learn!
Throughout the afternoon, guests can go beyond the basics with Melissa Johnson, a certified genealogist, writer, and editor. Johnson will explore the importance of genetic testing and how it can serve as a meaningful supplement to traditional paper-trail genealogical tracing. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover the ins and outs of the websites of various testing companies, learn how to leverage third-party tools to analyze your results further, and develop targeted testing plans to resolve genealogical problems and overcome brick walls.
Guests of this webinar will be under the tutelage of Melissa Johnson, an expert in the field. She has expertise in researching families with origins in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and England and works on forensic cases, dual citizenship matters, and lineage society applications. She is also proficient in using DNA test results to break through ancestral brick walls. Melissa serves on the board of the Genealogical Society of New Jersey and the International Society of British Genealogy and Family History. She is the Reviews Editor of the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly (APGQ) and editor of the GSNJ Newsletter, a publication of the Genealogical Society of New Jersey.
Her work has been published in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, New York Genealogical & Biographical Record, NGS Magazine, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and numerous other publications. Johnson currently serves as the Program Director for Boston University’s Genealogy Studies programs and frequently teaches in courses at genealogy institutes throughout the country.
For those who have wondered about the “how” behind this incredible technology, this webinar is the perfect one-stop shop to start your research journey. If you have any questions before the event, please get in touch with the New Jersey State Library at (609) 278-2640 for additional details. Register today if you’re ready to find the next branch on your family tree!