DavisDNA and Family Research

09/09/2025

A Flower Traveled In My Blood - If you're curious about the early days of genetic and forensic - and I mean the 1980s - then this is a must read. Also, if you're not familiar with the brilliant accomplishments of Mary-Claire King, this is a great way to rectify that!

09/09/2025

THIS WEEK! For more information about our programs, please visit www.mymcpl.org/genealogy/programs

09/09/2025

09/09/2025

September is National Cold Case Month.

As we reflect on the thousands of cold cases still awaiting answers and resolutions, we encourage IGG practitioners to take the accreditation exam. Accreditation not only strengthens the credibility of the field of IGG, but also builds public trust in the work we do.

IGGAB’s mission is to ensure that IGG is practiced with the highest standards so it can remain a tool of both delivering justice through the identification of human remains, the identification and conviction of violent criminals, and the exoneration of the wrongfully convicted.

Take the next step during National Cold Case Month. Become accredited and help shape the future of this vital work.

https://www.iggab.org/exam.html

09/09/2025

Every once in a while, I just have to post this photo of an incredible moment: touching the burned stones from when the British burned what we know as the White House in 1814! I’m with my former boss, Jim Lighthizer, and former colleague Paul Coussan. This was just under a decade ago and was one of two times. I have been in the West Wing and in the older building. 😮

09/09/2025

Nicole and Diana discuss the critical steps to ensure a productive genealogy research trip. They emphasize the importance of thorough preparation to avoid frustration and wasted time and money, hig…

09/09/2025

In 1915, the United States had not yet entered World War I. But Jane Addams (middle) was bound for Europe, headed towards the Hague for the Women’s Peace Conference, which would call for mediation between warring nations as well as suffrage for all women.

Although the war would continue and the United States would eventually join the fight, Addams continued her work as an activist for peace and social improvement. In 1931, she became the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The NHPRC first supported access to her papers in 1985, with a 82-reel microfilm edition of the Jane Addams Papers.

In our digital era, the NHPRC has continued to support access to online editions of these papers. In 2024, the NHPRC awarded a one-year grant to the Jane Addams Papers Project which includes digitizing, creating metadata, and transcribing 1,200 documents.

Learn more about Jane Addams and explore the currently available documents: digital.janeaddams.ramapo.edu

Image, original caption: “Miss Jane Addams leads American delegation to Women’s Peace Congress at the Hague. L to R: Mrs. E. Pethic Lawrence, Miss Jane Addams, Mrs. Louise F. Post. The Congress convened April 24, 1915.” catalog.archives.gov/id/45526524

Jane Addams Papers Project

09/09/2025

Twenty-five years after the body of an unidentified little girl was discovered in a 55-gallon drum...

09/09/2025

Investigators with the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit are scheduled to hold a news conference Monday morning regarding the breakthrough in the Terry Rasmussen case.

09/09/2025

Ready to transform your DNA match chaos into organized progress?
Join us, and discover the systematic approach
that's helped so many others finally make sense of their DNA results. https://hubs.la/Q03Hh0Yp0

09/09/2025

In the Spotlight: Birth Indexes

The New York City Birth Index is a searchable database of birth records from the five boroughs, primarily covering the years 1911–1934. It includes names, birth dates, and certificate numbers—key details for locating original birth certificates: https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/online-records/collection/new-york-city-birth-index

The New York State Birth Index contains images of the official State birth index produced by the New York State Department of Health, organized by year and with names arranged alphabetically by the first letter of the last name, from 1881 through 1942: https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/online-records/collection/new-york-state-birth-index

09/09/2025