Restoring Names: How DNA and IGG are Piecing Together Cold Case Puzzles
Tuesday, September 17th at 7:00 p.m.
Note: This is the THIRD Tuesday of the month, instead of our usual Fourth.
Hybrid: In-person at the Austin Dispute Resolution Center, 5407 N IH-35, Suite 410, Austin, TX 78723 (Chase Bank Building) and via Zoom.
Register HERE
The DNA Doe Project in 2017 was co-founded by Margaret Press, PhD, with Forensic Genealogist Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick to answer her burning question “How can investigative genetic genealogy help identify John and Jane Does?”. After months of work hunting down labs, experts, bones and donations, they tackled their first case in September 2017 and incorporated as a non-profit the following month. The subsequent success stories have provided the answer: persistence, patience, and a team of skilled and spirited volunteers.
We’re excited to welcome Rhonda Kevorkian, Executive Director of Human Resources and Education for the DNA Doe Project, to present on the work of this dynamic group.
About our speaker:
Rhonda Kevorkian launched her professional business, Tracing You, to help adoptees identify and find their birth parents by offering traditional and genetic genealogy assistance as well as mentorship. For eleven years she has worked unknown parentage cases on her own and for volunteer organizations such as Search Angels. Helping families connect became her priority. When she heard about the use of investigational genetic genealogy, Rhonda joined the DNA Doe Project (DDP) to help identify John and Jane Does. Her role as a team leader allows her to help law enforcement name the nameless and give families closure through these identifications. As Executive Director of Human Resources and Education for DDP, she onboards employees and volunteers to the organization and oversees the education department as well as day to day operations. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and has previously served as the President of the South Central Chapter.
Coming up…
Tuesday, October 22nd, 7 pm – Topic to be determined
Tuesday, November 19th, 7 pm – Topic to be determined
Need more reasons to join? Check out the last year of presentations, many recorded and available behind the member wall!
June/July 2024 -WikiTree Basics pt I & II – Sarah Kroh
May 2024 – Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries – Blaine Bettinger
April 2024 – AI & Genealogy: Trouble Ahead? – Thomas MacEntee
March 2024 – Roll Call! Researching Your Veteran Ancestors: Civil War, WWI and WWII – Melanie McComb
February 2024 – European Immigrant Ancestors – Nancy Loe
January 2024 – It Might Be Time…To Write That Book – Shirley Salzmann Meyer
November 2023 – Cyndi’s List in Practice – Cyndi Ingle
October 2023 – Oktoberfest and German Immigration – Richard Gruetzner
September 2023 – Genealogical Travel – Pat Murphree and Diane Harvey
July 2023 – Who Says So? Genealogical Documentation – Diana Crisman Smith
June 2023 – Mapping Out Your Family History with Maps – Sydney Cruice
And so much more!
The Austin Genealogical Society gives you the tools to be a better genealogist.
Here’s how we do it:
• SIGs: AGS had several special interest groups (SIGs) that met regularly, and we launch new ones as our members want them. You can find notifications of DNA North at their Facebook page, Capital Area DNA SIG. If you are interested in others, or want to help with starting one, let us know!
• Saturday Morning Drop-In: The third Saturday of each month we have experienced genealogists on hand to assist in solving genealogical issues from basic to complex. Members also come to work collegially. No charge. (on hiatus)
• Monthly Membership Meetings: We showcase an expert on genealogical research methods and new technology. All presentations are designed to help our members become better genealogists. Meetings are typically held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 PM (with exception of some international speakers or special events on 4th Saturday afternoons) and are free. We are currently meeting in a hybrid model, at the Austin Dispute Resolution Center, 5407 N IH-35, Suite 410, Austin (Chase Bank Building in Capital Plaza, 4th floor) and via Zoom.
• Research Trips: Further your research by visiting genealogy libraries and archives across the US. Our fall trip in October 2019 was to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. We’re looking forward to more trips in the future.
• Our Summer Seminar: We bring in a known expert for an extended seminar. In 2023, we welcomed Diahan Southard once again. In October 2025, we are planning to welcome Blaine Bettinger.
Visitors are always welcome at any of our meetings. So please come, and bring a friend!
