The Cobb County Genealogical Society will host a seminar on “Using DNA in Your Genealogy.”
The one-day event, scheduled for April 21, is geared toward beginners, as well as those who already have taken a DNA test and gotten results, but don’t know what to do next. The seminar will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, 189 Church St., from 9:20 a. m. until 4:30 p. m. Check in is at 9 a.m.
Four sessions are planned. Dianne Bean Barfield will begin with the need for basic traditional genealogy research to go hand in hand with DNA testing. Larry W. Thomas speaks next on “Basic DNA for Beginners and the Three Largest Testing Companies.” Participants will be on their own for lunch.
This columnist begins the afternoon sessions with “Case Studies: How I have used DNA to Unlock Brick Walls and other Discoveries in my Genealogy.” I will focus on four case studies using both Family Tree DNA and Ancestry.com DNA results. The final session includes all three speakers in a “DNA Discussion Panel.” We will answer questions from the audience. Registration is required, either online via PayPal or by mail, with the deadline extended to April 13. Cost is $15 for Cobb society members, $25 nonmembers. See cobbgensoc.org and then “calendar.” Or mail a check to Cobb Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 1413, Marietta, Ga, 30061-1413. For information, call 770-316-7109.
Sitting Up With the Dead
The Sybil Wood McRay Genealogy and Local History Collection, in Gainesville, will be open late on April 13. Patrons who arrive by 5 p. m. for the event can stay until midnight. They can thus research their ancestors undisturbed on this special evening in the genealogy room. Cost is $11, space is limited. The registration form is online at hallcountylibrary.org, then see the “Sitting Up With the Dead” banner. Click the banner to see registration and payment options at the bottom. Call 770-532-3311 ext. 116 for more information. The library is located at 127 Main St. N.W., in downtown Gainesville, and is well worth a visit anytime. It has a great genealogy collection, with many books not found in most Georgia libraries, and especially good material on Maryland and North Carolina.
Madison’s historic cemeteries
Madison’s cemetery commission has a new website with lots of interactive parts showcasing cemeteries in the Georgia town. It’s a great example for others to strive for, and the commission is still working on its features. See madisoncemeteries.wixsite.com/cemeterycommission. It includes walking tours, maps, lists of and links to war dead and obituaries.
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