The Georgia Archives will hold its third annual Georgia Archives and Genealogy Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24. The event is free and open to the public.

There will be two tracks. In one, Laura Carter of the Georgia Genealogical Society will teach an all-day beginning genealogy class covering all aspects of how to get started.

The second track will consist of four speakers on various topics: Joanne Smalley, retired archivist, on Colonial Georgia land records and the genealogist; Lisa Bratton on facts about enslavement that you won’t find in the history books; Jennifer Dondero, professional genealogist, on the Daughters of the American Revolution Library; and Dianne Barfield of the Cobb County Genealogical Society on how to use church records.

The final session will be to answer questions from the audience.

The event is co-sponsored by the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (Atlanta Chapter), the Georgia Genealogical Society, Friends of Georgia Archives and History, Association of Professional Genealogists (Georgia Chapter) and the Cobb County Genealogical Society. Each will be present with literature about joining their organization. Other genealogical societies are encouraged to have a table as well.

Lunch is on your own, or you can purchase pizza slices there. Registration is required only for the beginning genealogy track by emailing archives-describe@usg.edu by Oct. 22. To register for a table for your group, call the Georgia Archives at 678-364-3710. For more information on the Georgia Archives, its location in Morrow, and the event, check georgiaarchives.org.

DNA puzzles

Diahan Southard has a great article about how to weigh the various DNA tests for genealogy purposes in the October-November issue of Family Tree Magazine. Included are a comparison chart, a good case study and other tips. This issue is available now at newsstands and bookstores or at familytreemagazine.com. Southard has some DNA Quick Guide handouts (to purchase) on each test that are some of the best. See yourdnaguide.com.

Welsh roots

The same issue of Family Tree Magazine includes "Welcome to Welsh Roots" by Rick Crume. It's well worth reading, as he provides wide-ranging research advice and links to many websites, including welshgenealogy.net.

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