Learn forensic genealogy

WAYNE COUNTY, PA — In January 2007, The Wayne County Genealogy Group will begin a series of programs designed to get new genealogists off on the right foot. Anyone with an interest in researching family history will benefit from these programs, but beginners are especially welcome. The four-month series has been dubbed “CSI: Wayne County,” and will explore the basic techniques of genealogical research and innovative methods in the nascent field of forensic genealogy, using the terminology of detectives on the trail of an elusive criminal.

Beginning at the regular meeting on Thursday, January 25, researcher Hank Loftus (curator of the Dorflinger Museum) will chair a discussion entitled “What’s Your M. O.?” Loftus and the group will explore motives for embarking on a family history quest, how to find clues and how to make the most of them.

On Thursday, February 22, Gloria McCullough, Wayne County Historical Society Research Librarian, will discuss how to line up “The Usual Suspects,” including an All Points Bulletin for those elusive aunts, uncles and cousins, and begin the “interrogation” process—to get the facts and nothing but the facts. Once the information has been gathered, it’s time to “Evaluate the Evidence,” and Ken Parks, well-known actor/singer and dedicated genealogist, will open the case file on Thursday, March 22. The discussion will center on how to judge the reliability of the evidence gathered, and since it really is all in the blood, Ken will offer some valuable insight into the use of DNA in genealogy.

These regularly scheduled meetings take place at 4:30 p.m. in the research library of the Wayne County Historical Society. Admission is free and the public is invited.