The Genealogy Event to discuss scientific breakthroughs in human genomic study

Scientific breakthroughs in the study of the human genome coupled with online access to massive genealogical records have opened the doors of ancestral investigation to include all those interested in unearthing their roots and, on October 26-27 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, The Genealogy Event will feature exciting learning opportunities and resources for both novice and professional enthusiasts.

"Technology has revolutionized genealogical research and can take you back more than 100,000 years," said Bridget Bray, organizer of the event. "Uncovering the mystery and discovering your own history doesn't have to mean hours of pouring over dusty record books locked in courthouse basements. So much of your family's past has been right there in your own DNA, waiting for science to catch up and read it."

"DNA testing and analysis has evolved dramatically in recent years casting the widest net possible to one's genetic matrix," said Ken Chahine, SVP and General Manager of AncestryDNA, sponsor of The Genealogy Event. "AncestryDNA has merged this new technology with the millions of family trees and billions of records on Ancestry.com providing exciting new family history discoveries for those new to the hobby as well as the most dedicated researcher."

According to Family Tree DNA President Bennett Greenspan, exhibitor and speaker at The Genealogy Event, "Through an examination of the Mitochondrial DNA for women the Y-Chromosome for men, we can look at the direct female and male lines—genealogically and anthropologically—back to the first woman and man who lived in Africa more than 100,000 years ago."

The Genealogy Event will feature 40 expert speaking sessions including ones that demonstrate how an analysis of your DNA can also provide a breakdown of ethnic percentages and reveal the parts of the world from which an individual's ancestors came. Testing could even bring to light distant relations around the globe going back 400 years.

Attendees will also connect with a host of companies, organizations and societies that offer essential services to the genealogical industry.

According to Bray, "People have always been fascinated by where they come from, telling and retelling the stories handed down from their elders. Popular shows like Finding Your Roots with Henry Gates, Jr. and Who Do You Think You Are? which trace the heritage of famous personalities have underscored this interest and demonstrated how science can help to expose unknown ethnicities, dispel family myths and reveal even more thrilling truths."

"New York City is a melting pot within a melting pot and we are thrilled to present The Genealogy Event—NYC's only event of its kind—to put people in touch with their pasts. And it's all for about the price of a movie ticket," she said.