Overflow crowd turns out to learn about DNA

"Find DNA Ancestors and Cousins" with genetic genealogist Diahan Southard turned out to be a hot topic with over 60 (plus nine via Internet) attending on Nov. 10 at UCF Hillel.

Jointly sponsored by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO), the University of Central Florida (UCF) Judaic Studies Department, and the Central Florida Hillel Center for UCF Jewish Life; many members of the Central Florida Genealogical Society (CFGS) also attended. The attendees were nearly evenly split with about half interested in having their DNA tested, and the rest looking to understand test results already received. With 17 years experience in the field, Diahan was able to clearly explain the difference between the three choices of tests, and what to make of the results as far as relationships and ancestral origins. Her most important message of the evening: Get the oldest living generations in your family tested while they are still around-"it helps weed out genetic mutations." Diahan will return in April with a followup Workshop "Analyze your DNA results."

The next in the "My Jewish Roots" series of monthly workshops will be "Conduct U.S. Research" with Marlis Humphrey, president of the IAJGS returning as speaker. It will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Roth JCC. The workshop is free and open to the public. There will be a drawing for a free annual subscription to Ancestry.com World Explorer at the meeting. Please bring your own laptop if you would like to participate in the lab portion.  It is also possible to attend LIVE via the Internet.

Pre-registration is required to participate either in-person or online: www.jgsgo.org/MyJewishRoots.