• Genealogy & DNA Info Session

The Celtic Arts Foundation is pleased to partner with the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society for this exciting DNA Info Session! Have you had your DNA tested to learn more about your ancestry or are considering doing it? Join us on Saturday, June 8th 10:00AM-3:00PM and learn more about how to interpret your results, the differences in products, and investigating your results! Participants will enjoy a day structured in three different segments. First, we will begin with an Introduction to DNA, going over a brief scientific overview of DNA structure. Students will review reproduction and some important definitions that are helpful when taking DNA tests. Next, students will learn about the relationship between testing and ethnicity. Learn about the various testing companies and their approach to ethnicity estimates. Students will find out more about the differences and similarities among several companies and their methodologies. Finally, the day will conclude with information on how to interpret your results and where to go from there. Several resources popular in the genealogy community will be highlighted and students will learn how matching systems work, how to connect with your matches, and explore some interesting tools for ethnicity interpretation. This info session will be presented by Barbara Gorham Johnson of the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society. Barbara has been researching her family tree for over 20 years and has often traveled to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City as well as her ancestors’ homelands to continue her research, most recently to the British Isles and Eastern Europe. She speaks frequently to local genealogical societies about DNA and Genealogy. She has a degree in Microbiology, has done research at the University of Washington, taught science with the Pacific Science Center, and is a retired Park Ranger. She lives in Mount Vernon and is active in the Washington State Genealogical Society and Clan Johnston/e in America. She volunteers for the Skagit Valley Highland Games and is a proud Celt. Members of the Celtic Arts Foundation save 20% on tickets to this event! To receive the discount code, please call 360-416-4934 or email events@celticarts.org. Not a member? Join or renew today! Participants have the option of purchasing a boxed lunch to be brought to the Littlefield Celtic Center. Lunches include a generously sized deli sandwich, chips, pickle, cookie, and water bottle. For students who would like to take advantage of this option but have dietary restrictions, we ask that you please contact the Celtic Arts Foundation at 360-416-4934 or events@celticarts.org with your requests at least two weeks prior to the event. The Littlefield Celtic Center is conveniently located in downtown Mount Vernon and within walking distance to a number of restaurants for those who choose not to purchase a boxed lunch. We are pleased to provide participants with discounted lodging at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Burlington (about a ten minute drive from the Littlefield Celtic Center). To save 15% on the best available rate, please use the link on our website or call 360-757-7100 and mention the Celtic Arts Foundation. Information about cancellations, refunds, and exchanges can be found on our Ticket Policy page.