Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG): More Than Finding Lost or Unknown Family Members

DNA can help identify previously unknown family connections and answer unknown parentage questions in genealogy. Instances of searching for biological parents for adoptees, misattributed parents, or other not-parent-expected mysteries can often be solved with IGG. IGG can also help solve rape and murder cold-cases and identify unknown human remains. During this program, you will learn about cases solved using DNA and how they help explain the correlation between traditional research methods and DNA evidence.

About the presenter: Denise Shoulders has almost 30 years of research experience in the US (Southern and New England) with some experience in Canada, England, and Sweden. Shoulders works at the Logan County archives in Kentucky, where she has volunteered for 22 years, and the Logan County Genealogical Society recently selected her as the organization’s third president in its 44-year history.

Shoulders completed the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research, earned certified credentials from the Board for the Certification of Genealogists, and has 12 years of working with DNA for genealogy. She recently completed multiple professional learning certificates from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. She worked with Firebird Forensic, Inc. (the group responsible for identifying the "Golden State killer"), solving cold case rapes, murders, and unidentified human remains.

The East Tennessee History Center’s Genealogy Program is a partnership between Knox County Public Library and the East Tennessee Historical Society with support from Friends of the Knox County Public Library and East Tennessee PBS.