The Historical Society of Pennsylvania presents Lost and Found: How DNA Helps Rebuild Ancestral Histories

Join the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP), in partnership with the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania (GSP), as they host author of The Genetic Genealogist, Blaine Bettinger, as its 200th Anniversary signature speaker for the theme What’s Your Story? Chronicling Families and Communities. The signature talk, Lost and Found: How DNA Helps Rebuild Ancestral Histories, explores the remarkable ways DNA advancements allow us to reconstruct the stories of forgotten populations—those affected by family disruptions and incomplete records. This conversational lecture will highlight how genetic tools fill the gaps left by missing paper trails, using relatable success stories to show how DNA brings hidden histories to life. Attendees will gain insight into how DNA connects fragmented families and illuminates ancestral roots, offering a fresh perspective on the possibilities of genetic genealogy without diving into technical processes.