Central Library to Host Free Workshop Monday December 30 on How to Get the Most From Your DNA Ancestry Test Kit

 

Paul Boncella, map conservator for BPL's Southern History Department, will lead the free "Getting the Most from Your DNA Ancestry Test" workshop happening Monday at the Central Library.

Birmingham, Ala. - Did you receive a DNA test kit as a holiday gift? 

If you desire to learn more about genealogy as you prepare to research your family tree, make plans now to take advantage of a free workshop, "Getting the Most from Your DNA Ancestry Test," happening at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, at the Central Library in downtown Birmingham. Class instructor Paul Boncella will provide an overview of DNA testing basics.

The DNA  Ancestry Test workshop will take place in the 4th Floor Computer Center in the BPL Research Library, 2100 Park Place. It is open to both in-person attendees as well as for patrons online. There is no need to register in person. To register online via Zoom, click here.  

In an interview below, Boncella gives a preview of what to expect. 

BPL: Give us an overview of what people can expect at Monday's “Getting the Most from Your DNA Ancestry Test" workshop. 

Boncella: It will cover the specifics of taking the tests and setting up their online accounts, navigating the ethnicity and relative matches mechanisms, opportunities for communicating with matches and posting genealogical information, and well as possibilities for uploading raw data from one company to another for free DNA relative matching.

How do these kits work, and how can they benefit people in their family history research? 

 Boncella: After the DNA sample is processed, the test company posts two general types of results in the customer’s online account. Ethnicity estimates offer insights into ancestral places or populations of origin, and DNA relative matches provide connections to ancestral branches that might not be discovered otherwise. I have used the two together with great success in my own genealogy.

How can one optimize their DNA ancestry experience? 

Boncella: Attending a class like this is a good place to start because it provides a foundation for further exploration of the companies’ websites and discovering their full potential. I offer a number of classes throughout the year that detail the specifics of ethnicity testing and genetic genealogy, as well as two that report on the latest developments in the Big Four DNA test companies. 

What do you believe is behind the growth of DNA ancestry kits?

Boncella: There is an ever-growing interest in identity, and most DNA test consumers are motivated by a curiosity about their ethnic origins. Many of them hope to make a connection to a population or place to which no paper trail leads, and the vast majority of these hope to confirm family stories of Native American ancestry.

BPL: Anything else to add? 

 Boncella: DNA does not reveal names, dates, and places, but the paper trail does. The staff in the Southern History Department offers workshops throughout the year that will show you how to navigate it, including our essential Intro to Genealogy, and our stellar collection of books and databases will lead you to your ancestors!

By Roy L. Williams, PR Director|Birmingham Public Library