Come learn how to translate those DNA test results into your own family history!  Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. He is the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist. He also wrote The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, and co-authored the award-winning Genetic Genealogy in Practice, the world’s first genetic genealogy workbook (with Debbie Parker Wayne).  Along with Judy Russel, he also published “Genetics for Genealogy” in 2018’s Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards (ProGen PPS) (Elizabeth Shown Mills, Author and Editor).

Bettinger will be presenting two lectures:

• Utilizing mtDNA and Y-DNA
  Y-DNA and mtDNA testing have helped genealogists break through thousands of stubborn brick walls. Learn about the unique inheritance of Y-DNA and mtDNA in your family, how these tests can be used to explore your ancient ancestry, and how the results can identify your relatives both close and distant.

• Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries
  Even though our 18th and 19th century ancestors have been dead for decades, their DNA still survives in their descendants. Learn how to use autosomal DNA to attack and potentially solve genealogical mysteries and brick walls for ancestors who were born or lived in the 1800s, 1700s, and beyond.

The Missionary: William Levington, Founder of St. James First African Protestant Episcopal Church

Presented by Lawrence Jackson

Register Here 

Join Professor Lawrence Jackson to learn about the life and times of the first ordained African American priest in the American South, William Levington, who founded the St. James First African Protestant Episcopal Church in Baltimore in 1824. The church, now known as St. James in Lafayette Square, recently celebrated its 200th anniversary.

Event Details:

• Speaker: Rhys Burns, Reference Archivist at the Maryland State Archives

• Topic: Explore the lives of notable Anne Arundel County residents through the Maryland State Archives' collections.

• Learn about genealogical records available at the Archives.

About the Presentation: Dive into the rich history of Anne Arundel County through the Maryland State Archives’ collections. Rhys Burns will illustrate the lives of notable local figures using various records such as land deeds, probate files, military documents, newspapers, personal papers, and art. Discover how these historical resources can deepen your understanding of Anne Arundel County’s past and enhance your knowledge of the collections available at the Archives.

Speaker Bio: Rhys Burns is a Reference Archivist at the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis. He holds a degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has extensive experience working with the Archives’ collections, including the Blacks of the Chesapeake Special Collection. His expertise in processing and digitizing historical records makes him uniquely qualified to present on this fascinating topic.

Register: 

     AAGS Members: You will receive the Zoom link via email before the event.

     Non-Members: Please email programs@aagensoc.org to register and receive the Zoom link. Please register no later than Wednesday, December 11, so we can email you the link in a timely manner.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore local history and enhance your genealogical research skills!

Registration for RootsTech 2025 is now open. The paid in-person conference will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 6–8, 2025. The online RootsTech conference will be available for free.

Early registrants will qualify for these fun RootsTech gifts:

• For just $99, you can secure your spot for the in-person conference with an early bird discount. Be among the first 1,000 in-person registrants and receive a limited-edition RootsTech pin to wear at the conference or trade with other attendees. 
• Register online and get an exclusive digital badge to show on your favorite social platforms—just a fun way to tell the world you’re a dyed-in-the-wool, dedicated family history fan.