The public is invited to a presentation, “DNA 101: An Introduction to Genetic Genealogy,” at the Middlesex County Public Library (MCPL) system’s Urbanna branch on Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. The talk is hosted by local historian and genealogist Bessida Cauthorne White. Refreshments will follow her talk.

This presentation is designed as a beginner’s introduction to DNA testing for genealogical research, and will include an explanation of basic genetic genealogy terms. It will also cover the types of DNA testing that may be used for genealogical purposes and the DNA tests currently on the market, as well as the type of information that they can provide, who should be tested, and the limitations of DNA testing. A DNA resource handout will be provided to attendees.

White, a genealogist and community historian, as well as retired attorney, and lifelong activist, will discuss these topics in addition to her personal experiences with DNA testing for herself and her family. She has been a genealogist for more than forty years and manages DNA test results for forty of her family members and friends. Her recent genealogy projects include the identification of the enslaved at Menokin and at Stratford Hall (both 18th century homes in Virginia’s Northern Neck), and their present-day descendants. For the past several years she has directed the research and application process for multiple historical markers that reference African American history in Eastern Virginia. She is also co-founder and president of Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society, and is a founder of the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society.

Info: 804-758-5717 or email yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com.