National DNA Day April 25

On April 25,  people across the nation observe National DNA Day. Each year on National DNA Day, students, teachers and the public are encouraged to learn more about genetics and genomics.  Share your ideas about National DNA Day using #NationalDNADay on social media.

NATIONAL DNA DAY HISTORY

National DNA Day was first celebrated in the United States on April 25, 2003, by proclamation of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as a one-time celebration.  Each year after 2003, National DNA Day celebrations have been organized by the National Human Genome Research Institute.

DNA AND GENEALOGY

DNA has become an essential tool for genealogists. Here are some resources for learning how to put DNA to work for you in your research:

• Thomas MacEntee, a well-known genealogist, blogger, educator, author, social media connector, marketer, and network builder, is hosting a National DNA Day website that invites us to "come celebrate National DNA Day and learn more about DNA testing for genealogy and family history research." Watch that website for daily news, contests, and webinars.
  
• PCGS has a DNA SIG that meets the second Saturday of every month from 10am-12pm. SIGs are open to PCGS members only. Visit the PCGS Calendar on our website for dates and locations of the meetings.
  
• PCGS has a limited supply of Genetic Genealogy in Practice, the first workbook on genetic
  
  genealogy, for sale. Written by Blaine T. Bettinger, Ph.D., JD, and Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, and published by the National Genealogical Society, the book provides easy to understand information, and worksheets, that researchers can apply to their research. Books may be mailed to you for a fee or picked up at the monthly meeting. The publication is $25 for members to pick up at the meeting or $25 plus $4.25 for shipping. Non-members may purchase for $30 plus $4.25 for shipping. Head over to the PCGS Marketplace to place your order. Orders placed before 3 pm the Friday before the monthly meeting may be picked up at the next meeting. No sales will take place at the meeting.
  PCGS Members: be sure to sign in to receive special pricing.

PCGS Members: DNA Special Interest Group Meets Saturday December 6th

DNA SIG meets this coming Saturday, December 6, from 1-3 PM in a new location, UMC Room 2406. The subject will be “How DNA confirms my paper trail medieval lineage back to 450 AD” with the sources I used. Also if you need help exploring your DNA, bring your kit number and password and see what we can find.  Seating limited to 30.   Paul Duffey

Directions to UMC Room 2406

1.     Enter main door of Hospital at top of horseshoe drive.

2.     You are facing a wall of square glass bricks – turn left.

3.     Jog a slight left into the hallway.

4.     Pass the pharmacy.

5.     Go through the last door on the right before the

double glass door exit. This is 115 feet or 42 man paces from the front door.

6.     Enter the first room on the left 2406.

See you there!

DNA Workshop Saturday, May 3 from 9:00 am to 12 Noon in Dining Rooms 2500 C and D.

After a brief review of the basics of working with autosomal DNA, we will use your data to take a more in depth look at any aspects of the methodology or utilities on which there are questions. If you would like help on your spreadsheet of downloaded DNA segment data, either bring it on your thumb drive, laptop, or email to me by May 2nd at karen.zander@gmail.com. Please use the subject "PCGS DNA workshop". 

May 3 from 9:00 am to 12 Noon in Dining Rooms 2500 C and D.