I have a question. None of my living relatives knows the answer to this question. I have not found the answer to this question in any public records, nor have I been able to find the answer in cemeteries. I have read a few magazine articles and Internet pages about the topic, but none of them have directly answered the question.

The question is… “Why do we study genealogy?”

What makes anyone so curious about his or her family tree? What drives us to dedicate time, effort, and sometimes expenses to go find dead people?

What is it inside of us that makes us spend hours and hours cranking reels of microfilm, then we go home and report to our family members what a great day we had? 

I must admit that I have asked that question of many people and have received several answers. Some people report that it is simple curiosity… and I tend to believe that is a part of the answer. Others report that it is part of an intriguing puzzle that they wish to solve.

The theory on the puzzle bothers me. First of all, I am devoted to genealogy, but I could care less about other puzzles. I don’t do the daily crosswords in the newspaper, I don’t put together those picture puzzles, and I do not seem very interested in any other form of puzzles. If genealogy is solely a puzzle, why would I be attracted to it and yet not to other puzzles? That doesn’t make sense to me. In short, I think there is more to genealogy than there is to a crossword puzzle.

The simplest and most direct answer for many people is because it is a religious requirement. Indeed, members of the LDS Church are encouraged to find information about their ancestry for religious purposes. And yet, of all the LDS members that I meet at most genealogy conferences, most met their religious requirements years ago but continue to look further and further back. In fact, many of them become so addicted that they help others do the same.

Yes, I can accept that religion is a major motivator, but I believe there is still more. I constantly meet people, LDS members and non-members alike, who keep searching and searching, further and further back. Why?

I do not have all the answers, but I do have an observation or two. I believe that most all humans have a natural curiosity. We are curious about many things, but for now, I will focus on our curiosity about our origins and ourselves.

It seems to me that we are all curious about who we are. When I say, “who we are,” that includes questions about our origins. Where did I come from? How did I end up being born where I was? What trials and tribulations did my parents go through in order to give birth to me and my siblings and to raise a family? What did their parents go through to do the same for them? And how about their parents?

All of this is an inverted pyramid. It all comes down to me. Each of us is walking around with an invisible inverted pyramid on our heads. Each of us is visible but each of us is also the result of the many people in the invisible inverted pyramid. After all, each of us is the product of our ancestors.

I will point out that there are two different kinds of genealogists. There are name gatherers, and then there are family historians. Let me tell you a story about an acquaintance of mine. This is a true story; I couldn't possibly make this up.

I have known my friend for years. I'll call her Linda, although that is not her true name. I knew Linda before she became interested in genealogy and even helped coach her a bit when she first started. This was many years ago, when I was just beginning my family tree searches as well. At that time, I only knew a little bit more about genealogy than she did.

I only see Linda once every few years. Every time that we meet, the conversation quickly turns to genealogy as we bring each other up to speed on our latest triumphs and failures. I always enjoy talking with Linda. She is bright, articulate, and very enthused about genealogy.

The last time I saw Linda, she proudly announced, "I have almost finished my genealogy!"

I was speechless. I am sure I stood there with my mouth hanging open, blinking my eyes. I don't recall anyone else every saying they were "finished" with their genealogy searches. How can you be finished? Every time you find one new ancestor, you immediately gain two new puzzles to be solved.

Linda and I had a rather extended conversation. I'll skip all the details and simply give the bottom line: Some years earlier Linda had purchased a blank pedigree chart that had room to write in eight generations of ancestors, including names, dates and places of birth, marriage, and death. 

I suspect you know what a blank pedigree form is. Typically, on the extreme left there is room to write in your own name plus dates and places of your own birth and marriage. (Hopefully, you won't be filling in data about your own death.)

Just to the right of the space for your entry, there is room for data entry for two more people: your parents. To the right of that, there is space for data about your four grandparents. Moving further to the right, there is room for information about eight great-grandparents, sixteen great-great-grandparents and so forth. In the case of the chart that Linda had obtained, there was room for eight generations, a total of 255 individuals.

At the time I was talking with Linda, she only had two blanks left to be filled on her form, both in the eighth generation. She had found all of her ancestors through seven generations and even all the eighth generation ancestors except for two. She was working diligently to find those last two.

Apparently Linda's goal was to fill in the eight generations. That was her definition of "finished." I asked her, "What about the people in the ninth generation or even earlier?" She replied, "Oh, I don't care about them."

I was speechless for a moment. 

I recovered and then probed a bit further. Linda's ancestry is French-Canadian, and so is much of my own. Most people with French-Canadian ancestry are related. Any two French-Canadians usually can find common ancestors in their pedigree charts if they go back enough generations. As I looked over Linda's pedigree chart, I found several of my own ancestors as well as those of Celine Dion, Madonna, and probably half of the players in the National Hockey League. Since I was familiar with some of these ancestors and their history, I started commenting on their lives.

"Oh, here is the man who was killed in bed by a jealous husband who returned home unexpectedly and found his wife and our ancestor in an indelicate position."

Linda said, "Really?"

I said, "Here is an ancestor who was captured by the Mohawk Indians and tortured unmercifully." 

Linda said, "How do you know that?"

The conversation continued on for a while, discussing more and more of our common ancestors. 

OK, here is the next bottom line: Linda had expended hundreds, possibly thousands, of hours and a significant amount of expense traveling to various libraries and repositories. She even took a couple of trips to Quebec province. Along the way she collected eight generations of her ancestors' names, places, and dates, and NOTHING ELSE.

She did not know anything about the lives of these people; their triumphs, their sorrows, the trials and tribulations they endured to raise families that eventually resulted in the births of Linda, me, and many others. She did not know their occupations, the causes of their deaths, or even how many children each had. 

I ask you: Is Linda a family historian or a name collector?

If asked, she probably would protest that she is a genealogist. The term "genealogist" isn't terribly specific, so perhaps that is a true statement. But I will suggest that she is not a family historian. She also does not know how she "fits in" with the rest of the world. 

Now for my next question: Which side of the fence do you fall on? Are you merely collecting names, or are you studying family history? 

The fact that you are reading this article suggests to me that you are probably a family historian, not a name gatherer.

In fact, I believe that most family historians are motivated by a desire to understand how we are ALL related to each other. We all can see the “big picture” in various history books: the Pilgrims, the Mayflower, Jamestown in Virginia, the Dutch in New York City, the waves of immigration from Europe in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and well into the twentieth centuries, the wars, the politicians, the movement westward opening up new lands, and all that. Pick up any good history book and you can learn about the history of our people.

But that book will not answer one question: How do I fit into all of this?

Studying history is a very useful thing, but it is only half the story. The second half is defining where you and your ancestors were involved. Was your family one of the early colonial settlers? Did your ancestors arrive in the waves of later immigration? If so, which wave? Did your ancestors cover the plains in a covered wagon and fight off Indians? Did that result in your being alive today? What would have happened if only one Indian had better aim?

Even closer to the “real you,” what values did these ancestors bring with them and then pass on to their descendants? Are you a religious person today because of the strong spiritual upbringing that you had? Are you politically conservative or liberal because of your parents’ and grandparents’ ideals and morals that they passed on to you?

Are you devoted to education or music or the arts or to homemaking or to other personal interests because of the morals given by your great-great-great-grandparents to their children, then passed on to their children, and so on and so on?

I believe that much of America’s work ethic, religion, and respect for the rights of others is based upon ideals brought to this country centuries ago, and then passed on over the dinner tables and in front of fireplaces for generations.

I believe this is the answer to the question: many of us who are true family historians study our family heritage in order to not only learn about our ancestors, but also to learn more about ourselves.

What motivates your family search?

Richard Sommerhalder. Credit: Othram

On May 28, 1976, deputies were dispatched to the scene of a suspicious death near Aptos Village Park in Santa Cruz County, California. There, they discovered the body of a young woman. The death was quickly ruled a homicide, and the victim was identified as Karen Percifield. She was only 25 years old. At the time, detectives collected forensic evidence from the crime scene and pursued numerous investigative leads, but the case eventually went cold when no suspects could be definitively linked to the crime.

More than forty years later, in 2019, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's investigators revisited the case and submitted several items of evidence to the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services for traditional forensic DNA testing. A male DNA profile was successfully developed from the evidence, but the individual was not in any criminal DNA database, leaving investigators without a name.

In the fall of 2023, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas so that a DNA profile could be developed from the forensic evidence. Othram scientists successfully used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown individual. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile to generate new investigative leads in the case.

Through this process, investigators used these new leads to identify Richard Sommerhalder as the person responsible for Karen Percifield’s murder. Back in 1976, Richard Sommerhalder had been considered a person of interest in the case, but there was not enough evidence at the time to pursue charges. Just months after Karen’s murder, in September 1976, Sommerhalder was arrested for two other murders in Santa Cruz County. He served eight and a half years in prison before being paroled and moving out of California. Years later, as detectives sought to revisit his involvement in Karen’s case and attempt to collect a reference DNA sample, they discovered that Sommerhalder had passed away in 1994.

While Sommerhalder will never face trial for this crime, detectives were able to bring a measure of resolution to Karen’s family. “No matter how much time has passed, we will never stop seeking the truth,” said Sheriff Chris Clark. “Advances in DNA technology continue to provide new opportunities to deliver justice and closure to victims and their families. This case is a powerful example of how those advancements can give us the answers we’ve been searching for.”

Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell echoed the sentiment: “Despite the passage of time and the death of the perpetrator, the closure that solving this murder brings to the Percifield family is incredibly important. The Sheriff’s Office is to be commended for their diligence and commitment to solving this crime.”

Members of Karen’s family also shared their gratitude. Her daughter said, “To the detectives, and forensic team, I appreciate them not giving up. This has been weighing on me my whole life, not having a memory of my mom and just wondering who it could have been, this just means so much. I’m just so grateful you didn’t give up.” Her sister added, “It’s nice to know this is finally not an open case, even though it was closed in my mind. It just proves that DNA is a good vehicle to solve these things and put things to rest. I was so young then and wasn’t equipped to understand everything and I’m just so grateful it’s finally over.”

This case is a reminder that every piece of preserved evidence has the potential to unlock long-awaited answers. If you’d like to support efforts to solve more cases like Karen’s, consider contributing your DNA data to the DNASolves database which aids law enforcement in identifying perpetrators and giving families the answers they deserve.

This identification represents the 59th publicly announced case in California where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual.

• Kevin McMahon and Ross McMahon were born in Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, N.Y., on May 26, 1960

• Carol Vignola took a DNA test and learned in October 2020 that her brother, Kevin McMahon, was not biologically related to her. Kevin confirmed his DNA in January 2021 and learned he and Ross were switched at birth

• Kevin is now suing Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for alleged medical malpractice over the "preventable tragedy"

A New York man discovered his mother and father weren’t his biological parents over 60 years after his birth, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Kevin McMahon, 64, filed a lawsuit against Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, N.Y., in 2021, on a claim of medical malpractice for allegedly switching him at birth with Ross McMahon on May 26, 1960. Ross and Kevin were both tagged “Baby McMahon” and born within an hour and 45 minutes of each other, Kevin's attorney Jeremy Schiowitz told PEOPLE. They were then allegedly given to the incorrect set of parents.

Kevin learned his true identity after the woman he'd grown up with as his sister, Carol Vignola, 66, submitted their DNA to Ancestry.com in October 2020. Vignola learned of a biological brother, whom she was unaware of, per the court documents.

The test results confirmed Vignola and Kevin’s longtime suspicions that he was not biologically related to his family. Vignola began speculating whether Kevin was her biological brother when she was 7 years old, she told the New York Post.

Vignola then told her brother of the discovery, who was shocked by the revelation.

In January 2021, Kevin took and submitted his own Ancestry.com test, which confirmed his identity. He also discovered that he had a biological brother, Keith. Later, Kevin, Keith, Vignola and Ross took additional tests to confirm their genetic relationships.

“[It was] like a shock reaction. I literally couldn’t come to terms with the information,” Kevin told the Post. “For a long time, I’m like, I’m not really Kevin McMahon. I’m really Ross McMahon... I thought to myself, ‘I’m nobody... I don’t exist.’ "

Stock image of a newborn baby boy at hospital with identity tag on feet

Kevin told the outlet that throughout his childhood, he was tormented by family members who suspected he wasn’t a blood relative. “It was like the missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle,” Kevin said. “[It] explained everything about why my childhood was the way that it was.”

He told the Post that his paternal grandmother and his father suspected he wasn’t related to them and treated him so. Due to Kevin’s olive skin and brown eyes, his grandmother suspected his mother had cheated on his father. “She seemed to hate me,” Kevin said. “She believed that I was not my father’s child, and she was correct.”

“I had certain interactions with my grandmother that were abusive, physically abusive, and I learned to fear her and just stay away from her, really, to stay out of arm’s reach,” Kevin said, adding that he feared his late father.

Genealogy buffs in the Hatton and Reynolds areas interested in tracing the roots of their family trees are in luck.

More than 45,000 pages from the Hatton Free Press spanning more than 90 years and more than 5,300 pages taken from the long-since-closed Reynolds Enterprise from 1898 through 1926 have been published online.

Jack Ludwig of Hillsboro, a volunteer with the Traill County Historical Society, spearheaded efforts to digitize additional issues of the Hatton Free Press as well as the Reynolds Enterprise this winter.

Ludwig and his late wife, Rosalind, were instrumental in digitizing issues of the Hillsboro Banner seven years ago, which led to editions of the paper from 1882 through 2019 appearing online.

“It’s fun to look through the papers for people who really get into their family histories,” Ludwig said. “But you have to be careful because you can fall down a rabbit hole when you first start out.”

A new digital archive of Threshold, one of Northern Ireland’s longest-running literary periodicals of the 20th century, has been digitised and made available online from University of Galway Library Archives.

The new digital archive includes more than 3,000 pages of all published issues of the journal, including special themed issues on topics ranging from W.B. Yeats to Irish-America to literature during the Troubles. The archive also includes a selection of wider letters, pamphlets and advertisements from the journal’s archive.

First published in 1957 by its founding editor, Mary O'Malley of the Lyric Players Theatre, Belfast, the journal provided an outlet for leading and emerging writers across poetry and fiction, as well as topical essays, reviews, and criticism for over thirty years. Its final issue was published in 1990.

The Threshold digital archive will be formally launched during the Cúirt International Festival of Literature alongside an exhibition of original issues, photographs and correspondence relating to publication and from the wider Lyric Theatre/O'Malley archive.

It can be viewed at https://digital.library.universityofgalway.ie/p/ms/categories?collection=629

Catriona Cannon, Head of Heritage Collections and Digitisation at University of Galway Library, said: "Threshold holds a special place in the literary history of Ireland, offering a platform for some of the most influential Irish voices of the 20th century over its thirty-three year run. We're excited to share this invaluable resource with a global audience online. By preserving over 3,000 pages of poetry, fiction, and essays, we ensure future generations can continue to engage with the journal's rich cultural legacy.”

Conor O’Malley, son of Pearse and Mary O'Malley, said: “We are delighted that the full content of Threshold will now be accessible online to researchers from whole of Ireland and beyond. University of Galway Library is to be warmly congratulated on its initiative and vision.”

University of Galway Archivist Dr Barry Houlihan said: “The new digital archive of Threshold opens up a hugely significant part of our literary heritage and an important journal of new writing since it was founded in 1957. Through its online archive Threshold will find a new global readership today.”

Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer of the Lyric Theatre, said: “University of Galway Library Archives are providing a wonderful resource for students and enthusiasts of Irish theatre and literature with this welcome online presence of Threshold. It is an astonishing source of inspiration and another reason to celebrate the long-reaching and all-embracing vision of Lyric Theatre founder Mary O’Malley.”

The Threshold archive launch events coincide with other activity at University of Galway as part to Cúirt International Festival of Literature, including those featuring students and staff, such as:

The Threshold journal archive lies within the wider Lyric Theatre/O’Malley archive at University of Galway Library, which documents and preserves a richly detailed history of theatre production, design, art, and music at the Lyric since its foundation.

Overt the course of more than three decades, Threshold welcomed contributors and guest editors including Seamus Heaney, Mary Beckett, Kate O'Brien, Gerald Dawe, John Hewitt, John Montague, among others.

Volume 1 of Threshold was introduced with the following foreword: “The History of Irish periodicals is not encouraging. Despite high literary standards and imaginative presentation of general topics, few have survived. No one, however, would deny the value of their contribution to creative writing and objective criticism.”

Preparations continue for the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies conference to be held this year at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Registration is now open.

About 1,000 people are expected to attend the organization’s 45th annual conference on Aug. 10-14, which in recent years was held in Philadelphia and London, according to a Visit Fort Wayne news release.

The educational conference provides an opportunity for participants to learn, research and share tips and information. This year’s keynote speaker is CeCe Moore, an American genetic genealogist who has appeared on the PBS show “Finding Your Roots” and was featured in the ABC show “The Genetic Detective.”

Visit Fort Wayne said the reputation of the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library and its director of special collections, Curt Witcher, were instrumental in drawing the conference to Fort Wayne. Witcher is the former president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society and the founding president of the Indiana Genealogical Society.

“IAJGS is no stranger to the Genealogy Center at ACPL with its global status and reputation, so presenting the complete package with the award-winning hosting capabilities at the Grand Wayne Convention Center made a strong case for bringing their 2025 event to Fort Wayne,” Josie O’Donnell, senior sales manager at Visit Fort Wayne, said in the release.

The local chapter of the Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogist Society and its representative Irv Adler also helped land the conference, Visit Fort Wayne said.

Learn more about the genealogy conference and sign up at IAJGS2025.org.

Ever wondered where you truly come from? DNA tourism is the latest travel trend that takes you beyond beaches and city breaks. It’s all about diving into your heritage, uncovering your family’s story, and walking in the footsteps of your ancestors. At The Travel Tinker, we’re passionate about helping you turn these discoveries into extraordinary travel experiences. With companies offering at-home DNA tests and personalised heritage tours, connecting to your roots has never been easier — or more exciting. Let’s explore the fascinating world of ancestry travel and discover how it can add a whole new dimension to your adventures.

What is DNA Tourism?

You’ve probably heard of genetic testing, but did you know it’s becoming a passport to personalised travel experiences? Neither did I until I started doing a little digging! DNA tourism, also known as heritage or ancestral tourism, combines genetic testing with travel planning to create deeply meaningful journeys to your ancestral lands. Travellers use there DNA results to explore their ancestral homelands, visit historical sites, and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage.

Why is DNA Tourism Booming?

DNA Testing

DNA tourism has captured the hearts of travellers everywhere. It’s not just about checking off destinations on a map, it’s about discovering the stories that make you, well, you. Imagine reconnecting with long-lost family traditions, walking in the footsteps of your ancestors, or uncovering personal histories that turn ordinary trips into deeply meaningful adventures. This kind of journey is where exploration meets self-discovery, making every step unforgettable, and I think it’s a wonderful thing!

• Growing Interest in Family History: Websites like Ancestry.com and 23andMe have sparked curiosity about personal heritage.
• Affordable DNA Testing Kits: Prices have dropped significantly, making tests more accessible.
• Unique Travel Experiences: People crave meaningful journeys that connect them to their identity.
• Emotional Fulfilment: Discovering your roots can be deeply moving and enlightening.

How to Start Your DNA Tourism Journey

Step 1: Take a DNA Test

 

DNA tests are your starting point. Order a kit from a trusted company like 23andMe or MyHeritage, provide a saliva sample, and send it back. In a few weeks, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of your genetic origins. Simple!

Step 2: Analyse Your Results

 

Your DNA report will highlight regions where your ancestors likely lived. Look for key locations or ethnicities that resonate with you.

Step 3: Plan Your Trip

 

Collaborate with heritage travel specialists or plan a DIY trip using online resources, like The Travel Tinker. Focus on:

• Historical Sites: Castles, towns, or landmarks tied to your lineage.
• Local Archives: Libraries and genealogical centres can offer invaluable insights.
• Cultural Experiences: Traditional music, festivals, or cuisines from your heritage.

Other Guides: Travel Health & Wellbeing

Popular Destinations for DNA Tourism

Early morning sunlight on the 'Dark Hedges' - an avenue of ancient trees in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.

Ireland

• Why Visit: Known for its rich Celtic heritage and stunning landscapes.
• Must-Do: Explore ancient castles and participate in traditional Irish music sessions.
• Fun Fact: Ireland’s National Archives hold records dating back centuries.

Italy

• Why Visit: Famous for its Roman history, cuisine, and passionate culture.
• Must-Do: Visit ancestral towns, enjoy local delicacies, and trace records in church archives.

Africa

• Why Visit: Many African Americans use DNA tourism to trace roots disrupted by the transatlantic slave trade.
• Must-Do: Discover cultural villages, participate in naming ceremonies, and connect with local communities.

Scandinavia

• Why Visit: Dive into Viking ancestry and the beauty of Nordic landscapes.
• Must-Do: Tour ancient Viking sites and learn about Norse mythology.

Benefits of DNA Tourism

From what I’ve seen, DNA tourism opens doors to an extraordinary kind of travel that blends history, science, and personal exploration. It’s about more than visiting places, it’s about rediscovering your identity and building connections that bridge generations. Whether it’s walking through ancestral towns or uncovering family legends, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. It really does sound that simple! Benefits:

• Personal Growth: Understanding your history can provide a sense of identity and closure.
• Stronger Family Bonds: Share discoveries and experiences with your loved ones.
• Cultural Appreciation: Gain a deeper understanding of the customs, traditions, and struggles of your ancestors.
• Unique Travel Stories: Every trip becomes a tale of discovery and connection.

What will you discover?

DNA tourism can be one of the most rewarding ways to connect with your roots, but like any journey, it’s not without its hurdles. By understanding the potential challenges and preparing ahead, you can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and discovery.

Challenges

 

• Incomplete Records: Some historical archives may be missing or inaccessible.
• Complex Histories: Ancestry can reveal unexpected or sensitive information. You might not like what you find!
• Overwhelming Choices: Narrowing down destinations can be tricky.

Tips

 

• Do Your Research: Prepare with books, documentaries, and online resources.
• Hire Local Guides: They can provide insights and access to lesser-known sites.
• Stay Open-Minded: Be ready for surprises, good or bad.

What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:

• • Our Travel Tips
  • How to Save for a Trip
  • How to Plan a Trip

The Emotional Side of DNA Tourism

I was speaking with a few friends of mine that have done the whole DNA tourism thing and they describe their DNA tourism journeys as life-changing. Walking through the streets where your ancestors lived, or meeting distant relatives, can evoke powerful emotions. It’s not just about travel… it’s about connection.

From what I’ve seen and heard, DNA tourism is more than a trend, it’s a journey of self-discovery that combines science, history, and travel. Whether you’re exploring your Irish roots, uncovering Viking ancestry, or reconnecting with your African heritage, DNA tourism offers something truly unique and to be honest I’d never heard of it until I did a little research! So why not let your genes guide your next adventure?

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has identified a 1996 murder victim using forensic genetic genealogy.

On July 18, 1996, police said human skeletal remains were found in a wooded area near Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The remains were taken to the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office, where the victim was determined to be a woman. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. Despite efforts to identify the victim through conventional means, detectives were unsuccessful.

In 2022, police said the remains were sent to Raleigh for an osteological examination by a forensic anthropologist. With funding from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation, bones were sent to Othram Labs in Texas for advanced DNA testing. The first attempt to obtain DNA was unsuccessful due to the condition of the remains.

In 2024, the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office sent additional bones to Othram Labs for another DNA extraction. With continued funding from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation, Othram Labs succeeded in obtaining a genetic profile. The victim’s profile was loaded into two consumer genealogy databases, GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA, which cooperate with law enforcement.

The CMPD Cold Case Unit partnered with Ramapo College of New Jersey’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center (IGG) to perform investigative genetic genealogy research. The IGG team quickly identified the victim as Betty Benton. Detectives then contacted her family members, learning that Benton had not been heard from since the early 1990s. A DNA profile from a family member confirmed that the victim was Betty Benton.

Betty Jean Benton was born in Louisiana on Feb. 27, 1954. She spent most of her life in Chicago. She was reported missing in 1992 and last contacted family members in February 1991, telling them she was in North Carolina. Detectives have been unable to find any record of Benton in North Carolina.

Police are asking for the public’s help in this case. Anyone who may have had contact with Betty Jean Benton in North Carolina is urged to contact detectives. Her murder is still under investigation by the Cold Case Unit under complaint number 19960718-1043-00. Those with information should call 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with a detective.

As of April 4, 2025, the CMPD Cold Case Unit is still working to identify at least nine other victims, whose remains were discovered as far back as 1932.

The Benton County Genealogical Society had been calling the annex building home since 1991.

After more than 33 years in the annex building near Philomath Museum, the Benton County Genealogical Society has moved. The organization’s collection of family history books and materials can now be found on the third floor of the main building, which is the former Philomath College constructed in 1867.

George Davidson, BCGS board president, said that the organization received notice in November from the Benton County Historical Society that it wanted to rent out the annex and requested the move.

“We packed all of the books up and then we had to get movers to move all the books and shelving over here,” Davidson, 81, said.

The BCGS library is open from 1-3 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month but researchers can also reach out to the organization’s Lois Courtney to make an appointment for access by calling 541-760-0405 or emailing Loiscourtney@cmug.com.

“We’re hoping that once we get organized and set up, we’ll have volunteers at least two or three days a week,” Davidson said. “When we were in the annex before COVID hit us, we were open weekends and a weekday.”

The pandemic took a heavy toll on the organization’s membership with a drop from around 70 to today’s 37.

“We need to have a membership drive,” Davidson said. “If we can get a grand opening for this place, then people can come in and see what we have to offer and maybe we can get some new members.”

The group does not have a specific date set up just yet for the grand opening but Davidson is thinking sometime this summer.

“We’ll invite the public to come and see us and probably have a desk set up here with business cards and applications for membership and we’ll have the computers going,” he said.

Membership dues are $20 per year for an individual or family.

Davidson, who was adopted and got interested in genealogy while searching for his biological father, has been the BCGS president for the past eight years.

“We had an election for new officers in 2017 and the previous president was moving back to the East Coast so I volunteered to be on the ballot and since then, I’ve been kind of stuck,” he said with a laugh.

Titles in the BCGS collection are out of boxes and on the shelves at the new location. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

The organization had been known as the Mid-Valley Genealogical Society before the name change occurred in the 1990s. The group had been meeting at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library and then the First Christian Church in Corvallis before looking for a new home.

The Benton County Historical Society stepped forward with the offer to use its annex building and the move to Philomath occurred in 1991.

The Benton County Genealogical Society offers monthly programs to the public eight months out of the year — January through April and September through December.

“Depending on who the speaker is, we will have anywhere from 25 to 30 and we’ve had 40 and 50,” Davidson said about past attendance of the events.

The next program for BCGS will be an April 12 presentation by Joe Fulton, who this past year published a book entitled, “Oregon’s Little Eden: A History of Kings Valley Through the Newspapers, 1855-1955.” 

As for the organization’s library collection, they have donated some materials that are now available online to the Albany Public Library. The BCGS library has computers available for use.

“I have two computers over there and then I’m going to have a third one I’m going to put over here,” Davidson said, motioning to different parts of the room. “I’m trying to get Ancestry.com to give us a discount so that we can have access … but if people have their own Ancestry account, they can come and sign in and do research.”

The BCGS makes a donation to the historical society for use of the space, Davidson said.

By the way, Davidson tracked down his biological father, who had been stationed at Camp Adair during World War II, while he was doing research in the 1990s. He was alive in Iowa at the time and Davidson met him just a year before he passed away from lung cancer.

“I have a picture of him and I together and you would think we were twins,” Davidson said.

Others searching for people from the past have their own stories — whether they involve incredible discoveries or hitting research roadblocks. But it can be a fascinating journey to experience with the BCGS library representing an option for folks who have connections to this region.

Daniel Horowitz, the resident genealogy expert at MyHeritage, will be giving a bunch of lectures in the Cleveland area late this month and one more lecture early next month. 

Daniel is a great speaker. (I’ve attended more than a half-dozen of his lectures.) If you are in the Cleveland area, you will want to attend at least one (maybe more) of his lectures.

Here is his schedule:

Monday April 28 -- East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society

6:30 pm

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 32895 Cedar Rd, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

The Funny Side of Genealogy

Laugh a little with Daniel as he shares some of the more bizarre techniques and resources he’s utilized as a genealogist.

Everyone is welcome - For information on the talk contact Stacie: murrystacie@yahoo.com

Tuesday April 29 -- CIAO Cleveland Italian Ancestry Organization

6:30 pm

Parma Library 6996 Powers Boulevard, Parma, Ohio 44129

If I Only Knew Then What I Know Now! Doing Genealogy The Right Way

An unexpected fact forced Daniel to retrace his steps, discovering details he’d missed before. Now he shares the lessons learned to avoid the same mistakes. Everyone is welcome - For information on the talk contact Stacie: murrystacie@yahoo.com

Sunday May 04, -- JGS of Cleveland

3:00 pm

Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122, USA

AI-Assisted Genealogy: The Family History of the Future

Learn how to utilize AI tools to boost your research, and enjoy a peek into the future of AI-assisted genealogy.

About Daniel Horowitz:

Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, Daniel was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project "Searching for My Roots” in Venezuela for 15 years. He is involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects and holds a board-level position at The Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA). Since 2006 Daniel has been working at MyHeritage liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers, and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world.

Come learn about the latest developments in genealogy