Jacqueline Henderson, CGS Programs Director; Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage; and Chris Pattillo, CGS President. All photos taken by CGS Board Member Ron Madson.
Last Friday, CGS hosted its first in-person event since the pandemic began, and it was a big success. Daniel Horowitz from MyHeritage graciously offered to give two live talks on DNA and the tools that MyHeritage offers to help members advance their family history using DNA.
The offer came just a few weeks before the date Daniel was available but that did not deter our able Programs team, led by Jacqueline Henderson; they quickly secured a fabulous venue at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the event. They also arranged everything else needed, including raffle prizes and membership packets to be on hand. Attendees included both CGS members and nonmembers, and people both experienced and new to DNA research. The first talk was a good introduction to DNA research and the second was more advanced. Daniel is an excellent and entertaining speaker who makes all this seem easy to do.
When using DNA as a component of one’s research it is important to remember how interactive it is. The tools MyHeritage offers facilitates our ability to interact with others. They continually change and update their tools making them easier to use and more powerful. Daniel is an excellent speaker–he gives short and clear explanations in response to questions. His explanation of how to map the locations of where groups of ancestors lived over time and follow them as they moved was particularly illuminating for the research I’m doing. I found both talks to be very worthwhile.
Lavinia Schwarz, CGS Member
CGS Volunteers Adelle Treakle and Joanna Shear at the reception desk greeting some of the talk attendees
The cold and rain kept away a few registrants but those who braved the weather were happy they did. It was very apparent that everyone learned something new, and all were enjoying seeing one another. After each talk the attendees asked lots of questions – always a good sign.
Though I’m a longtime subscriber to MyHeritage, I gained new ideas on how to use their unique features to help my research. I also appreciated Daniel’s clear explanations of DNA fundamentals as a model in communicating with others. It was great to see everyone in person – looking forward to more events in the near future!
Joanna Shear, CGS Vice President
Let’s hope this is the first of many in-person educational events for CGS in 2023.
Daniel Horowitz responding to a question during the break.
This post first appeared on California Genealogical Society And Library, please read the originial post: here
