Have you tested your DNA for genealogy? I know a few people who have, and they have been quite intrigued with the results. I've even heard of families who have traced their ancestors all the way to Africa and consequently recently visited the continent for the first time to meet distant relatives. What an adventure!
Many times, I've thought of purchasing one of the kits like Ancestry or 23AndMe, but what if I start digging and then uncover a long lost family secret that really bothers me? (Yes, I tend to be more paranoid than most folks!) And on the other hand, suppose I discover a great great uncle who has willed me all his riches? I know... slim chance.. but it's a fun idea that I conjure up often!
Are you thinking about testing your DNA but not quite sure? If so, visit the Genealogy and Local History room at the Central Library in Conroe for free access to their resources and databases that can aid you in family and history searches. This place is a treasure trove of history, and I was surprised to know they have Harris County marriage records from the 1800's, and yearbooks from Conroe High School dating back to 1938, and so much more! Free-to-use databases at the Genealogy and History Room include Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, FindMyPast, and many others.
The Genealogy and History Room at the library also has a Preservation Pad, a service that helps you convert your print, photographic, and analog media into digital format. You can convert all those shoeboxes full of old photos to high quality digital images (my mom has a few boxes that I plan to snag from her at my next visit), transfer your old VHS home videos to DVD, and even convert your old audio recordings on magnetic tape to mp3 format! CLICK HERE to learn about all the services the Preservation Pad can offer.
If you want to do a bit of genealogy digging, plan to start attending the library's frequently held Genealogy events. The Central Library is located at 104 Interstate 45 N in Conroe.
On Thursday, November 14, Genealogy Librarian Carl Smith hosts Getting Started with DNA for Genealogy, a presentation that covers jumping into the new and wild world of Genetic Genealogy. You’ll learn about the different DNA tests to choose from, how to compare between DNA testing companies, and what DNA can (and can’t) do to help you with your tricky genealogy problems.
Other upcoming Genealogy events at the Central Library:
The Genealogy and History Room at the library also has a Preservation Pad, a service that helps you convert your print, photographic, and analog media into digital format. You can convert all those shoeboxes full of old photos to high quality digital images (my mom has a few boxes that I plan to snag from her at my next visit), transfer your old VHS home videos to DVD, and even convert your old audio recordings on magnetic tape to mp3 format! CLICK HERE to learn about all the services the Preservation Pad can offer.
If you want to do a bit of genealogy digging, plan to start attending the library's frequently held Genealogy events. The Central Library is located at 104 Interstate 45 N in Conroe.
On Thursday, November 14, Genealogy Librarian Carl Smith hosts Getting Started with DNA for Genealogy, a presentation that covers jumping into the new and wild world of Genetic Genealogy. You’ll learn about the different DNA tests to choose from, how to compare between DNA testing companies, and what DNA can (and can’t) do to help you with your tricky genealogy problems.
Other upcoming Genealogy events at the Central Library:
- November 19, 2019 - Mining Newspapers for Genealogical Gems
- December 5, 2019 - What's in a Name?
- December 16, 2019 - Genealogy: Researching Your Italian Roots
Registration is required and space is limited. Please contact the Genealogy department at 936-788-8363 x6249, in person, or register for events online at https://countylibrary.org/calendar.htm
