The LACS is proud to present the 15th Annual LACS Cultural Conference:
“What’s DNA Got to Do With It?”
This genealogy-based conference will explore the effects of DNA on the average family history researcher and how the country of Luxembourg fits into the DNA landscape. Join us for what will be a fascinating and practical conference.
Friday, August 13, 2021
This year’s Cultural Conference will offer both a virtual AND in-person viewing option for ALL to enjoy.
This year, all presentations will be pre-recorded with presenters joining in virtually with live question and answer sessions from all across the United States.Those who attend in-person will receive conference materials, lunch, and refreshments during discussion groups. Those who attend virtually will receive digital conference materials.
In-person viewing will take place at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, WI. Times listed are all in Central Time.
Please RSVP by August 3rd.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN. CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER
Conference Schedule:
8:30 am: Registration & coffee for in-person attendees
9:00 am: Conference begins with welcome by LACS Curator Serena Stuettgen
9:00 am: The Five Most Important Things to Know About Genetic Genealogy by Mary Eberle, JD
10:00 am: I thought I was a Luxembourger? By Lisa Oberg
10:45 am: Break
11:00 am: Putting DNA to Use: LACS Member Stories by Serena Stuettgen
12:00 pm: Lunch Break
12:45 pm: Q & A with Mary Eberle
1:30 pm: Break
1:45 pm: Using DNA for More than Ethnicity by Bryna O’Sullivan
2:30pm: Discussion Groups with Refreshments (In-Person Only)
3:30 pm: Conclusion
Cost:
Virtual: $20.
In-Person: $50 LACS Members, $60 Non-Members
Meal Options:*
Speakers:
Mary Eberle, JD
Mary is the owner and founder of DNA Hunters. Over the past six years, she has taught thousands around the world how to harness the power of DNA to solve family mysteries, like adoption, and breaking through brick walls in their family trees. As a former biotech patent attorney and scientist, she knows how to explain complex information clearly. Coming from a long line of teachers helps too!
Lisa Oberg
Inspired by the Bicentennial, Lisa began researching her family history at the age of 12. She’s especially enamored with her Luxembourg ancestors. Lisa received her Master of Librarianship degree from the University of Washington (UW), where she is the Head of Public Service and the History of Science and Medicine Curator for Special Collections in the UW Libraries. Lisa has taught online courses aimed at library staff serving genealogists through the University of Wisconsin’s School of Library and Information Studies and the University of Washington’s Information School. She previously served on the advisory board for the UW’s Genealogy and Family History Certificate program, a certificate she received in 1996. Lisa regularly gives genealogy-related webinars and lectures on topics ranging from preserving your family heirlooms to finding your female ancestors. Lisa chronicles her genealogy adventures on her blog, GeneaGator (geneagator.blogspot.com).
Bryna O’Sullivan
Bryna is a professional genealogist and French to English genealogical translator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and French Literature from Tufts University, a Master of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Arts in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. As proprietor of Charter Oak Genealogy, she has completed the Certificate program from Boston University’s Center for Professional Education, the Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies – Canadian Records from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, the ProGen Study Group, and more. A direct descendant of Luxembourger immigrants John and Anne Marie (Reuter) Hingtgen, Bryna became interested in Luxembourger research in order to better understand their family history.
Serena Stuettgen
Serena is the Museum Curator at the Luxembourg American Cultural Society since April 2019. She holds a Master of Arts in Public History from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, as well as a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in History and Religious Studies. During her time at the LACS, she has helped many people research their own genealogy, as well as delved deeper into her own family history.
Presentations:
The Five Most Important Things to Know About Genetic Genealogy by Mary Eberle, JD
Using DNA for genealogical research can be complicated. Let’s step back and simplify things. These five important tips will help you focus and achieve your goals.
I Thought I Was a Luxembourger?: Understanding Your DNA Ethnicity Results by Lisa Oberg
DNA testing has become an important tool in helping us understand more about our ethnic origins, in combination with researching the paper trails of our ancestors. But DNA results don’t always yield the results we expect. Why is that? We’ll discuss the major DNA testing companies and the science behind how each makes ethnicity estimates. We’ll also explore the limitations of ethnicity estimates and why they are just part of our story.
Using DNA for more than Ethnicity: The Paternity of John Hingtgen by Bryna O’Sullivan
Who was the biological father of John Hingtgen? At his 1817 birth, Hingtgen was registered as Johan Simong, the illegitimate son of Susanna Simong. Many Hingtgen genealogists have described his paternity as impossible to verify, but that is far from the truth. Hingtgen’s later documents reveal two good candidates for his father: Pierre “Peter” Hingtgen and Jean Hansen. This program will introduce sources beyond birth records that may identify parents and explain how DNA can be used to resolve genealogical research problems.
Discussion Groups:
In-person at Blue Harbor Resort
For those attending the conference in-person at Blue Harbor Resort, please join us for refreshments and discussion groups after the speaker presentations! Tables will be set up with different topics and family groups – find the table with the topic of your interest and discuss.