Interested in searching for your ancestors? Join us on the 2nd Thursday of each month for our All Things Relative: Finding Family at the Library, as we explore a different genealogy topic with Historian and Librarian Kathy Nielsen. This month’s topic will be DNA: The Key to Uncovering Your Family History. DNA has had a major impact on the traditional study of genealogy and on law enforcement.  Adoptees employ DNA to locate their birth families and law enforcement agencies use DNA to identify potential suspects.  Join us as we explore what DNA might reveal about our own ancestors and living relatives. We will examine test options, identify DNA companies, interpret results, discuss how to connect with “cousins,” and touch on the future of this fascinating science.

Kathy Nielsen: Kathy Nielsen is a reference librarian and an educator. She is currently a popular genealogy speaker on the Monterey Peninsula. She has been featured on Lisa Louise Cooke’s weekly YouTube program, Elevenses. She is a co-founder of the Monterey County Genealogy Society’s special interest writing group, Off the Charts. Kathy incorporates her skills as a historian, storyteller, and librarian in her search for her family’s history.

Upcoming topics:

• September 9^th, 2021: Every Home Has a Story: Researching Yours and Your Ancestors’ Homes
• October 14^th, 2021: What to Do with All of Your Family Stuff? Heirlooms and Research
• November 11, 2021: Share Your Family’s Stories….Just Jump In and Do It

This program takes place on Zoom, or participants may join by phone. Registration closes an hour before the program. The Zoom access information will be sent to registered participants shortly before the program begins. Use of video camera and level of participation is determined by each person.