In an opinion issued on Wednesday, Jan. 26, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) helped clear the way for the Equal Rights Amendment, according to leading ERA advocates. In January of 2020, under Trump, the OLC issued an opinion arguing that Congress had no power to remove a seven-year timeline for ratification in the preamble of the ERA and that therefore three recent state ratifications were invalid. The OLC opinion issued by the Biden administration strongly affirms the power of Congress to remove the deadline. The opinion follows the overwhelming consensus among constitutional law scholars.

According to a recent amicus brief authored by former Stanford Law School Dean Kathleen Sullivan and signed by Laurence Tribe, Dorothy Roberts, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Catharine MacKinnon and 11 other top constitutional scholars:

“The language of Article V is mandatory: an amendment to the Constitution ‘shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states.’ Nor does the text of Article V envision a role for an executive branch officer to assert his discretion regarding the validity of the amendment. The text requires no additional action by Congress or by anyone else after ratification by the final State.”

This is a press release issued by FamilySearch:

Making personal family discoveries while volunteering online

The Akron Police Department now has more than $2 million to continue with its Akron Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

The department said it received a renewal grant for more than $2 million for its ASAKI program. The money was approved by Akron City Council and with the support of Mayor Dan Horrigan.

The money will allow investigators to continue to identify dangerous, unknown sexual assault offenders, the department said in a news release. The unit uses advanced DNA testing and research to identify cold case sexual assault suspects. Investigators use genetic genealogy testing and a DNA profile in sexual assault kits, and compare results to genealogy databases to find the owner of the DNA profile or close family relatives.

The remainder of this story may be found at: https://bit.ly/3gcjQFD.

The following is a press release written by DNA Labs:

DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. - JANUARY 26, 2022 - DNA Labs International, which specializes in forensic DNA analysis including forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) for law enforcement agencies, government forensic labs, and attorneys, is announcing the release of their newest technology, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) testing with the ForenSeq™ Kintelligence Kit.

Forensic Genetic Genealogy cases can now be processed by an ISO 17025:2017 and FBI QAS accredited forensic laboratory with over 18 years of experience from start to finish. SNP testing that is used for FGG was previously developed for family ancestry testing and required significantly more input DNA than what is needed for traditional forensic DNA analysis. In many cases, crime scene evidence results in limited amounts of DNA, and many cases previously did not yield enough DNA to conduct the SNP testing utilized for FGG.

"This is new technology that we prioritized bringing online at our laboratory because we were seeing so many cases not eligible for analysis with the existing technology.” said Rachel Oefelein, Director of Research and Innovation for DNA Labs International. “We have already experienced the solving power of Kintelligence in casework, and we are thrilled to continue to assist law enforcement in 2022 with new leads on cold cases!"

DNA Labs International was the first laboratory in the country to bring this technology online and is transforming how SNP testing is utilized for forensic genetic genealogy using the Kintelligence system. It was designed with forensic samples in mind to be human-specific and use 10,230 SNP markers specifically selected for FGG purposes. The ForenSeq™ Kintelligence SNP profile is uploaded to GEDmatch PRO for searching, and subsequent genealogy research. GEDmatch PRO is a dedicated portal designed to support police and forensic teams with investigative comparisons to GEDmatch data. This means faster and higher quality results with smaller inputs of DNA!

In October of 2021, DNA Labs International completed the internal validations of three Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms; ForenSeq™ mtDNA Whole Genome, ForenSeq™ Signature Prep Primer Set B, and ForenSeq™ Kintelligence. All three platforms are produced by Verogen utilizing the MiSeq FGx system.
“When we launched the ForenSeq™ Kintelligence workflow, our aim was to expand access to FGG to all operational forensic laboratories.” said Brett Williams, Chief Executive Officer for Verogen Inc. “DLI's validation of ForenSeq™ Kintelligence and GEDmatch PRO will enhance the ability of investigators and forensic scientists to solve unsolvable cases without compromising on medical genetic privacy. We are proud to support our partners, like DLI, in their mission.

About DNA Labs International:
Since 2004, DNA Labs International has been providing clients with exceptional quality service based on open communications, equal attention to the importance of every case, and accurate and reliable results every time. They provide the latest technology available to solve cases, such as Forensic Genetic Genealogy, SpentShellTM ,for fired cartridge casings, the M-VAC®, a wet vacuum DNA collection tool, and STRmix®, a software program that can solve previously inconclusive DNA results. DNA Labs International is accredited by ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the country’s longest established provider of ISO 17025 accreditation to Forensic Sciences testing laboratories in the U.S. http://www.dnalabsinternational.com

To learn more about DNA Labs International’s capabilities, visit http://dnalabsinternational.com/. Stay up to date on the latest in forensics by following DNA Labs International on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Actress, producer and writer Pamela Adlon first discovered she had family members who were murdered in the Holocaust in Tuesday’s episode of the PBS genealogy show “Finding Your Roots.”

The writer, director and star of the FX television series “Better Things” was born in New York to a Jewish father from Boston, writer-producer Don Segall, and a British mother who converted to Judaism. She knew little of the paternal side of her family, but during this week’s episode of the show, Adlon found out that her great-grandparents were born in areas of the former Soviet Union that are now Ukraine, and that their native language was Yiddish.

In 1941, when Nazi Germany invaded Ukraine, then part of the USSR, and began efforts to exterminate its Jewish population, one of Adlon’s great-grand aunts, Clara Berman, was living there with her Ukrainian husband and two children.

After the Nazi invasion, Berman’s husband was called on for military duty, but before he left, he took his wife and two children to stay with his mother in a village outside of Kiev. No one but Berman’s mother-in-law knew she and her two young children were Jewish. Yet when German troops came to the town, Berman mother-in-law turned over her and her two kids to Nazi forces.

You can learn more at: https://bit.ly/3KQY4p4.

The following is a press release from Ancestry.com:

Access to this highly anticipated census collection will be available to search sooner than any previous census collection

Using new, proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) handwriting recognition technology, Ancestry® today announced it will deliver a searchable index of the 1950 U.S. Census to customers faster than ever before.   

The 1950 U.S. Census is set to be released to the public in early April. With handwriting recognition technology, what previously took years to index, now will only take weeks. Ancestry anticipates the indexing of the 1950 Census to be completed and available on Ancestry.com this summer, with states released in real time upon completion. 

Corporate Genealogist Crista Cowan explains the value of census records in powering meaningful discoveries saying, “The 1950 U.S. Census contains the details of names, ages, birthplaces, residences, and relationships of more than 150 million people. This glimpse into American households at a critical time in U.S. history will help people discover even more about the effects the Great Depression, World War II, and the beginning of the Baby Boom had on their families. Many of our customers will see themselves, parents or grandparents' names in this census for the first time, which will bring even more family stories to life.”

Cutting-Edge Technology to Power Discoveries

Ancestry developed machine learning algorithms to power our proprietary AI handwriting recognition technology. Ancestry created AI software that reads handwriting from historical documents and transcribes the data, enabling our community to easily and quickly search historical records. The technology uses a unique and iterative blend of machine and human evaluation which is based on an Ancestry-developed confidence score framework.  

Given the unique nature of the 1950 U.S. Census and the unavailability of images in advance, Ancestry used a novel approach to simulate sample document images to ensure it is representative of anticipated variation in aged, inconsistent or damaged historical documents that may be encountered in order to train the AI. Employees recreated full-size census forms in a variety of handwriting styles before intentionally damaging some of these forms by ripping, burning, and pouring liquid on the forms in order to simulate the wear and tear that historical documents go through over time. Ancestry then re-scanned these forms, using them in our sample set to ensure our unique algorithms are prepared to support the anticipated condition of these 70-year-old historical documents. 

Calling All Family History Buffs
Ancestry and FamilySearch volunteers are partnering to evaluate the handwriting recognition extraction and ensure a complete and accurate index. Those interested in volunteering to help should visit familysearch.org/1950Census to learn more.  

Keep an eye out for additional details around the 1950s U.S. Census and the AI handwriting recognition technology at RootsTech 2022. To register, go to www.RootsTech.org. 

The following announcement was written by Findmypast:

The following is a press release issued by the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG):

— The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG®), the largest organization serving genealogy professionals and related businesses worldwide, with nearly 2,500 members representing more than forty countries, today announced their 2022 leadership. The Board of Directors consists of the elected officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), twelve directors, and the most recent former president willing to serve. The following are the members of the 2022 Board of Directors.

Officers:

President: Annette Burke Lyttle (Florida)

Owner of Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional services in research, education, and writing.

Vice President: Suzanne L. Hoffman (Illinois)

Forensic genealogist specializing in Eastern European research and immigration.

Secretary: Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG (Ohio)

Author, speaker, instructor, columnist; recipient of the APG Laura G. Prescott Award for Exemplary Service to Professional Genealogy.

Treasurer: Pamela Ricciardi Paschke, CPA (Florida)

Retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA), author, speaker, DNA administrator.

Directors:

Jenifer Kahn Bakkala (Massachusetts)

Author of An American Family: Four Centuries of Labor, Love, and Reward; full-time professional genealogist; past president of the New England Chapter of APG.

Cinda Baxter, CG (Minnesota)

Assistant Director of Genealogical Institute on Federal Records, served as course facilitator for both the Boston University (BU) Certificate and BU Principles courses.

John Boeren, LLM, PLCGS [Netherlands]

Graduate of the Tilburg University Law School, full time professional genealogist, speaker at international conferences, and author. Owner of Antecedentia, Genealogy in the Netherlands.

Karin Coppernoll (Washington)

Proprietor of consulting business, Brick by Brick Genealogy.

Alec Ferretti (New York)

Member of Board of Directors of Reclaim the Records; works with the Wells Fargo Family & Business History Center.

Margaret Fortier, CG (Massachusetts)

Certified Genealogist® focusing on New England immigrants; facilitator for certification discussion groups; volunteer with the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Records project at NEHGS.

Melinda Kashuba, PhD (California)

Owner of Kashuba Research Services, author, course coordinator and faculty member at Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, and faculty member at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.

Ricki King (Iowa)

Writer, speaker, mentor, lobbyist; worked with local, state, and federal agencies to help Woodland Cemetery become part of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Nefi Arenas Salazar (Mexico)

Specialist in finding ancestors of Jewish origin in colonial Mexico.

Cathie Sherwood (Australia)

Owner of Family History Academy, an online learning provider offering courses and workshops taught by experienced and respected instructors. Principal and founder of Ancestor Discovery, a professional family history research service.

Jessica M. Taylor (Utah)

President of Legacy Tree Genealogists, co-founder of Genealogy Business Alliance.

Mark A. Wentling, CG (Massachusetts)

Forensic genealogist specializing in unknown heir research and military repatriation, instructor, mentor, writer.

Past President:

Kenyatta Deshire Berry (California)

Author, attorney, lecturer, TV host of Genealogy Roadshow (PBS), contributor to “1619 Project.”

About the Association of Professional Genealogists

The Association of Professional Genealogists (www.apgen.org), established in 1979, represents nearly 2,500 genealogists in various genealogy-related businesses. APG encourages genealogical excellence, ethical practice, mentoring, and education. The organization also supports the preservation and accessibility of records useful to the fields of genealogy and history. Its members represent all fifty U.S. states, Canada, and forty other countries. APG is active on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contact:

Kathleen W. Hinckley, CG

Executive Director

Association of Professional Genealogists

P.O. Box 535, Wheat Ridge, CO 80034-0535

email: admin@apgen.org

The following is a press release written by the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA):

27 January 2022

The Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) is organising a workshop for professional genealogists to highlight the benefits of joining the Association. The meeting will take place online, via Zoom, on Wednesday, 16 February 2022.

AGRA is the largest professional organisation of accredited members in the UK and promotes high professional standards in the field of genealogy and historical research. AGRA also acts as a representative voice in matters relating to genealogy. Members are generally acknowledged to be the best in their field. An Associate category is also available for those entering the profession who aspire to build a career in genealogy.

Membership of the Association brings many benefits for working genealogists in terms of professional development and business growth. Study days, visits and regional network groups enable the membership to learn from one another. While AGRA’s user-friendly website and helpdesks at conferences help its members to connect with prospective clients. Having moved much of its activities online and adapted its application process during the pandemic, the Association is now planning a return to face-to-face events.

AGRA is looking to encourage other established researchers to join its growing community. The online workshop will be an opportunity for prospective Members and Associates to learn more about the changing face of AGRA and gain a better understanding of the application process.

Recent members will discuss their experiences of applying to the Association and the benefits gained since joining. In addition, one of AGRA’s assessors will explain the application process in detail and will be available to answer attendees’ questions.

The workshop will also include discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing professional genealogy practitioners and provide opportunities for participants to share their ideas and experiences.

The number of places for this professional workshop is strictly limited in order to offer attendees a more personalised meeting experience – so prospective attendees are encouraged to book early to guarantee their place.

The attendance fee of £15 will be deducted from AGRA’s first year subscription for anyone attending this event who goes on to make a successful application to join the Association. For more details and a link to the booking form, please see https://www.agra.org.uk/eventprofessional-genealogists-39-workshop-2022-02-16

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For further information please contact Jane Roberts via press@agra.org.uk.

A new database is enabling users to search and find matzeivos of those buried in the Jewish cemetery in the town of Lubavitch in Russia.

For the past several years, the Lubavitch Organization in Russia, under the leadership of shliach Rabbi Gavriel Gordon, has been conducting research and restoration work at the historic Jewish cemetery in Lubavitch. Hundreds of matzeivos were uncovered, raised, cleaned and restored.
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Following the restoration work, the organization set out to compile a database of all the matzeivos and names of those who are buried at the site. The project is fully sponsored by philanthropists Yosef and Penina Batsheva Popack, with the assistance of askan Reb Mendel Levin and the ‘Geder Avos’ organization.

The result of their efforts was the creation of a database where you can easily find most of the kvarim in this historic cemetery.

You can learn more in an article the anash.org web site at: https://anash.org/new-database-provides-a-glimpse-of-past-generations/.