Summary List

Explore a range of engaging and informative presentations on genetic genealogy, DNA discoveries, and uncovering family history. Below are some of the sessions I offer, but additional topics are available and can be customized to fit your needs. Feel free to reach out with any questions or inquiries!

Unveiling Family Legacies: Verifying Native American Ancestry and Tribal Affiliation.

Explore the journey of uncovering Native American ancestry, from family lore to historical verification and tribal enrollment. Delve into the distinction between federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribes, shedding light on the significance of the Five Civilized Tribes. Understand the importance of geographical context in tracing ancestral roots and discover the various documentation methods used for Native Americans, including infamous rolls and Dawes Packets. Learn about essential tools and resources, such as tribal websites, for conducting research and verifying ancestral connections. Finally, gain insight into enrollment requirements and the steps involved in establishing a genuine link to Native American heritage.

Exploring Methods and Strategies in autosomal DNA Investigations

Discover various at-home DNA testing options and their relevance to genealogical research, alongside tools aiding in your investigation. Explore the significance of autosomal DNA, Y DNA, and mtDNA, as well as centimorgans' importance. Gain insights into methodologies like the Dana Leeds method, Banyan DNA, DNA Painter, and color coding on Ancestry DNA, alongside essential resources to enhance your research endeavors.

Ancestry Unveiled: Distinguishing Genealogy from Genetic Genealogy

Discover the evolution of genealogy's significance throughout history and its transformation in the era of at-home DNA testing. Explore the emergence of genetic genealogy, its benefits, challenges, and ethical implications. Explore DNA types, documentation, accuracy, limitations, and delve into a case study comparing DNA evidence with conflicting paper trails to determine the accurate evidence.

From Kentucky to Hollywood: The Remarkable Journey of John Lee Morgan Beauregard Ragland

This presentation explores the remarkable life of John Lee Morgan Beauregard Ragland, a man who rose from humble beginnings in Louisville, KY, to become a prominent figure in Hollywood’s golden age. Raised by a single mother in poverty, Ragland's talents as a dancer, truck driver, and boxer eventually led him to success in Vaudeville, Burlesque, and Hollywood. Known for his scandalous love affairs and wild parties with stars like Frank Sinatra, Orson Welles, and Phil Silvers, Ragland left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Sinatra even sang at his funeral and Phil Silvers cried onstage remembering his friend. Though an only child, Ragland married, divorced, and had one known son. His legacy now includes 10 grandchildren and nearly two dozen great-grandchildren, a testament to a life of resilience, talent, and unforgettable charisma.

Navigating Freedom's Waters: Sandusky's Role in the Underground Railroad

Sandusky, Ohio, played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad as a port city on Lake Erie. Its strategic location facilitated the passage of freedom seekers traveling north to Canada. With support from abolitionists and sympathetic residents, escaped slaves found refuge in Sandusky before continuing their journey to freedom. Notable figures like Salmon P. Chase and Captain John Brown were instrumental in providing assistance to fugitives. Sandusky's abolitionist heritage is commemorated through various historical markers and community events, honoring its significant contributions to the fight against slavery.

Identity Unveiled: Navigating the Path from Shock to Serenity

Follow along with a misattributed parentage case study, as Aimee Rose-Haynes embarks on the journey to identify the unknown birth father of Dr. Nicole Price, who encounters a surprising revelation in her ancestry DNA test results. We'll explore her journey from the startling revelation that her father isn't her biological father to the process of coming to terms with the situation, leading to a satisfying resolution in the end.

Unlocking the Past: Using DNA to Solve a 1920s Adoption Mystery

We explore how modern genetic genealogy unraveled a century-old family secret. Driven by a desire for medical history, identity, and connection, the family embarked on a journey to uncover their ancestor’s birth parents. Through historical records, DNA testing, and persistence, we identified the birth mother and traced the birth father’s lineage back to England. The presentation highlights the challenges posed by an incorrect birth certificate, limited DNA matches, and the transition between testing platforms to expand genetic connections. This case study illustrates the power of DNA in overcoming historical barriers, ultimately leading to a bittersweet but enlightening resolution.