California Genealogical Society blog: Blaine Bettinger

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18 March 2018

Putting the Gene in Genealogy

Posted by Jennifer Dix

Blaine Bettinger with CGS past president Linda Okazaki in Berkeley, March 3

On March 3, CGS hosted “A Day with the Genetic Genealogist,” a daylong seminar with Blaine Bettinger at the David Brower Center in Berkeley. The sold-out event addressed “Getting the Most Out of Your AncestryDNA Matches,” gave an overview of Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA, and looked at new third-party tools for genealogical DNA analysis. Bettinger also led a smaller seminar at CGS the previous day, where he examined in detail such topics as the need for ethics and standards in DNA testing, a “genealogical proof standard” for genetics, and how to interpret non-European DNA evidence.

Blaine Bettinger was first bitten by the genealogy bug in middle school, when a family history assignment sparked a fascination that would continue through his life. He was a graduate student at SUNY Upstate Medical University, studying molecular biology and biochemistry, when the first affordable direct-to-consumer tests for ancestral DNA came on the market. “This was combining my two loves, microbiology and genealogy,” he remembers. Soon he had discovered his passion. After grad school, he decided to pursue a law degree, reckoning that “would allow me to pursue my love of science and reading and writing, without being at the bench every day. So I went right from grad school to law school, and it's been a terrific career.” In 2007, he launched a website, The Genetic Genealogist, one of the earliest blogs on the topic.

Self-described as “an intellectual property attorney by day and a DNA specialist by night,” Dr. Bettinger soon became one of the go-to authorities on ancestral DNA. He’s been interviewed and quoted by national publications such as Newsweek, New Scientist, and Wired. He’s also gained something like rock-star status in the genealogical community for his entertaining presentations, which are both informative and lucid enough for the layperson.

While limited population samples currently hinder the study of ancestral DNA, especially for those of non-European heritage, Bettinger anticipates great leaps and bounds in DNA analysis in the near future. “The way the databases are growing, it’s just incredible,” he says. He’s enthusiastic about the development of such tools as DNAPainter, GEDMatch, and the Chrome extension MedBetter, which make it easier to understand and compare DNA results. In April 2018 he plans to launch a new “DNA Central” project to help subscribers keep abreast of the latest developments in genetic genealogy.

You can learn more about Bettinger’s work at his website, TheGeneticGenealogist.com.

27 December 2017

Happy New Year, Genealogy Fans!

Posted by Shannon Reese

Happy New Year! As we end 2017, the California Genealogical Society & Library would like to extend a warm "thank you" to our members, volunteers and visitors throughout the year. Our genealogy community continues to grow and evolve by focusing on the future of genealogy while honoring our past.

We hope you had the chance to enjoy our collection of manuscripts, maps, and books or that you participated in one of our classes, events, field trips or seminars in 2017.

2018 is our 120th Anniversary and February 12th is the kickoff
Come to our Annual Meeting and Birthday Celebration on January 13th and meet new members, see old friends and learn what's happening in the new year.

In addition to our Jan 13th meeting, you can look forward to our Saturday classes as well as plans for two guided research trips, three off-site events and several field trips. Visit our Eventbrite page to get the latest classes and events on offer.

Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist, will be here on Saturday, March 3rd in Berkeley for an unforgettable genetic genealogy seminar focused on DNA. There are only a few tickets left, so get your seat while you can.

Another great learning option is to get involved with one of our Special Interest Groups (SIG's). The topics covered are Family Tree Maker, San Francisco History and RootsMagic, with a few more in the works.

Checklist for 2018
Visit: In addition to our classes and events, please remember to visit our resource-packed genealogy library to take advantage of our varied collections.

Volunteer: Volunteer and help us make the society even better, we have many jobs in need of good people.

Donate: Your generosity helps us cover the cost of real estate, genealogical resources and many other expenses - thank you.

2018 promises to be an exciting year, so join us as we search for our ancestors and discover something new!

04 December 2017

Annual Appeal: You Make Our Society Amazing

Posted by Shannon Reese

"I want to thank each and every one of you that have donated or have volunteered in some way this year. Without your incredible dedication, none of this would be possible,” says out-going President, Linda Harms Okazaki.

Why is the money needed?
Membership fees only cover 40% of The California Genealogical Society’s operating expenses; most of the rest comes from special events and tax-deductible donations from members like you.

Treasurer Kathie Jones stated, "The cost of real estate in the San Francisco Bay area continues to be our number one expense for the society---meaning our rent consumes about 70% of our budget." If you haven’t already done so, please consider contributing to the society.

Our library, with thousands of volumes, is one of the premiere genealogy libraries on the West Coast, and is one of the main reasons that many of you joined the society. We also learned through our member survey results that The California Nugget, our biannual genealogical magazine, is another huge draw for our members.

2018 Goals
This year, the goal was again set at $15,000 to help us continue offering quality trips, classes, events and speakers for you, such as a first-ever event by the indomitable genealogy lecturer Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

Judy G. Russell with Linda Okazaki

We had a great turnout for her all-day seminar that received rave reviews from the attendees. Linda said, “It was a delight to have Judy talk to us about everything from copyright to enemy aliens, and from black sheep in the family to DNA."

Linda also wants to remind you to check your mail to see if you have received the Annual Appeal letter that was sent out in mid-November. Don’t forget that there’s a 2017 tax deduction created by contributing before year-end.

How much have we raised?
Here’s the latest numbers: so far we have raised 41 percent — $6,200 — of our $15,000 goal. We’re currently on-track to meet it (thank you all). However, we still need your help to reach 100%.

What’s ahead in 2018?
Member Lisa Gorrell will lead our 18th annual genealogy research trip to Salt Lake City in April and on March 3rd we will play host to the amazing Blaine Bettinger, also known as The Genetic Genealogist. We hope you’ll consider one or both of these amazing genealogical experiences. Visit our Eventbrite page for registration.

Both of these exciting offerings help us raise needed funds for the society and library. We also have an interesting and constantly evolving slate of classes for you to choose from in the New Year.

Our genealogy community is amazing
In order to ensure that our society remains a leader in the genealogy field (in February, we'll reach our 120th anniversary), your help is needed.

You may be aware that we also have our Capital Campaign that has been raising money all year and will come to a close in Feb 2018. If you’ve contributed to this effort, then let me be the first to say “thank you”. I want to stress that the Capital Campaign is for our long-term security, but our Annual Appeal is for our day-to-day expenses. Either way, the money will be put to good use.

Even with all the constant, rapid advances in technology, we’re managing to stay current and remain a relevant resource for scholarship, education and community because of your generosity.

Please donate today.

You make our success possible.

Thank you.

24 October 2017

Celebrating the Past and the Future: 2018 Genealogy Events and Education Plans

Posted by Shannon Reese

by Maureen Hanlon

Our 120^th Anniversary in 2018 is a great milestone --- we’ve planned a number of events and classes to both delve into our heritage and leverage the science that allows us to understand that past even better.

Currently, we are scheduling our five part Records Series and four part Skills Series. Your suggestions are most welcome for ideas on classes and events as we continue planning for 2018 continues. Come to our January 13th Annual Member Meeting and Birthday Party to hear more details and enjoy a talk about ancestors.

NOTE: Our free Introduction to Genealogy on the first Saturday and the popular San Francisco Special Interest Group and Family Tree Special Interest Group will continue meeting on the third Saturdays.

DNA

DNA will be a major focus as we have engaged Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist, to come for an amazing event on March 3rd. Get ready for Blaine's event by attending Pam Miller's previously held three foundation lectures on the major DNA tests, Ancestry, FamilyTree and 23 and Me on January 27th, February 3rd and 10th, respectively.

Then check our schedule for a talk by Eva Goodwin from Ancestry to be held later in the year on DNA, Adoptions and Unknown Parents. We will also continue the monthly first Saturday meetings of an ongoing DNA study group for those who have completed the foundation series.

Heritage

Our fortune and that of our ancestors lies in California’s rich geography. We’ve scheduled the popular Melinda Kashuba, author of Walking with Your Ancestors: a Genealogist’s Guide to Using Maps and Geography for April 14th.

We’re also celebrating the diversity of our state and its early settlers with a Chinese Ancestry Day in May, which is Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. Grant Din, Marisa Louie Lee and others will talk, plus we are exploring a tour of Angel Island. Look for Stewart Traiman's class that will share insights and strategies for Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender (LGBT) genealogy on June 23rd.

The online CGS Irish Ancestry Network will hold its second anniversary get-together on March 24th with an informal meet-up and an afternoon lecture by Cath Trindle on Irish Townlands.

Trips and Tours

In addition to our annual Salt Lake City Research trip being held April 22nd-29th, Jane Lindsey will lead a trip for intermediate genealogists in August to the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne Indiana, home of the most extensive genealogy periodical collection. We also have plans in the works to visit Sutro Library and events with The California Historical Society.

Updates, more information and registration links will be published on our EventBrite page at least two months prior to the events.

It's going to be a wonderful year of genealogy and celebration at The California Genealogical Society. We hope you'll be a part of the magic!

04 October 2017

Judy G. Russell Event: A Smashing Success!

Posted by Shannon Reese

If you weren't able to make it, then check out the photos and see what you missed. Come to our next big event - make plans now to attend our upcoming Blaine Bettinger, aka The Genetic Genealogist, event in March 2018. It should be available on our Eventbrite site by mid-October.

What happened
Judy G. Russell, aka The Legal Genealogist, was the featured guest lecturer for our September 23rd all-day seminar at the David Brower Center in Berkeley. It was a wonderful genealogy event! If you're not familiar with her, then check out one of her recent posts which highlighted our genealogical collections and resources at our genealogy library.

The California Genealogical Society (CGS) had tons of committed volunteers, thanks to Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen Beitiks. Add in a great venue, delicious food, a friendly vibe and a speaker with so much to talk about and we got genealogy magic that day. Many attendees commented on how much they enjoyed the day. The great photos you see were shot by member Ron Madson---thank you Ron!

A special thank you goes to Mary Mettler, a long-term member of CGS and a member of La Puerta de Oro–San Francisco Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) of San Francisco, California. Mary's commitment to genealogy and her generosity (helping to underwrite the event) benefitted all who attended.

See you at the next event!