INDIANAPOLIS – This summer, the Indiana State Library will host three lectures featuring genealogy and local history speakers as the Summer Lecture Series returns to the library.
The lectures are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
On Saturday, June 8, at 1 p.m., Angela Guntz and Andrea Ackermann from the Central Indiana DNA Interest Group will present two sessions, “Unraveling the Mysteries of Your DNA Match List: A Guide to Understanding Your Genetic Connections” and “Genetic Genealogy Made Easy: Artificial Intelligence as the Expert Tutor.” The former, presented by Guntz, will delve into understanding a DNA match list and explore the various tools and techniques that can aid one in deciphering the web of genetic connections. The latter, presented by Ackermann, will teach effective communication strategies with AI platforms and explore topics such as ethnicity estimates, shared matches, identifying unknown ancestors, and deciphering DNA test results.
Read more about the June 8 lectures and register here.
On Saturday, July 13, at 11 a.m., professional genealogist John Barr will present “Getting the Lay of the Land: How Land Platting Can Help Your Genealogy.” By studying or creating plat maps, genealogists can gain insight into the lives and movements of their ancestors. Barr will show how to use platting to establish family connections, trace migrations, understand land ownership, and locate ancestral homesteads.
Read more about the July 13 lecture and register here.
On Saturday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m., author Stephen Terrell will present “Murder in the Family Tree: An Author Talks Event.” While busying himself in the early months of the pandemic by exploring family genealogy, Terrell stumbled upon a murderer in his family tree. Terrell will discuss his upcoming historical true crime book, “The Madness of John Terrell: Revenge and Insanity on Trial in the Heartland,” which details how his great uncle John Terrell’s life quickly unraveled in a tumultuous spiral of murder, a sensational trial and a descent into madness.
Read more about the Aug. 10 lecture and register here.
Indiana library staff can earn two LEUs for the June 8 lecture, and they can earn one LEU each for the July 13 and Aug. 10 lectures.
