The Idaho Genealogy Society and the Idaho State Historical Society have partnered with FamilyTreeDNA to host a DNA Conference Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel in Boise from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The all-day event, “Solving Mysteries through DNA”, will examine three types of DNA testing: tracing one's ancestors when a paper trail runs dry, genetic testing for health issues, and forensic DNA to solve crimes and help locate missing persons.

Cost for the conference is $35 for IGS and ISHS members and $45 for non-members for those registering by April 30. After April 30, registration is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. The price includes a sack lunch. Checks can be made payable to the Idaho Genealogical Society and sent to P.O. Box 1854, Boise, Idaho 83701-1854.

Keynote Speaker is Emily Aulicino, a retired teacher from Portland, Oregon and family genealogist for over 35 years. Ms. Aulicino currently serves as the Northwest Regional Coordinator and Speaker of the International Society of Genetic Genealogists (ISOGG) for the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. She manages eleven DNA projects through FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) including six surname projects, two genealogical society projects (financially benefiting the society) and three geographical projects, including the entire country of Ireland.

In addition to her involvement with genetic genealogy, Ms. Aulicino is a member of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon and has authored a booklet entitled: “Memoing” My Memories: A Simple Technique for Writing Your Family Stories”.

The Oregonian will give three presentations: DNA Your Paper Trail, Comparing the Big Three Genetic Genealogy Companies, (FTDNA, DNA Heritage, and Ancestry), and Comparing DNA: Apples, Oranges and Bananas, (Genetic Genealogy, Health, and Forensic Testing).

Certified Genetic Counselors, Patricia Dock, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Cancer Center, and Anne Spencer, Genetic Clinic at St. Luke's Children's Specialty Center, will each present a one-hour lecture on their individual specialties before joining forces on a combined genetic presentation.

Genetic Counselors are specially trained healthcare professionals with expertise in helping people understand how inherited disease and genetic screening/testing could affect them and their families. Genetic Counselors are most commonly board-certified specialists with a Masters degree in human genetics. They work as part of a health care team in conjunction with specialty trained doctors, social workers, nurses, medical geneticists or other specialties to help families make informed decisions about their health. They also work as patient advocates, helping individuals receive additional support and services for their health care needs. Ms. Dock's field is prenatal and cancer; while Ms. Spencer's is pediatric and (adult) genetics.

Boise State University Biology Graduate student Michael Davis will give two talks: “The Science and Technology of DNA Testing” and “The Basque Ancestry and DNA”. Mr. Davis has been studying the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), inherited from the mother, of many Basque immigrant families who settled Idaho, Oregon and Nevada. His research focuses on how closely related they are to each other, and to their relatives in Europe. The ancestors of the Basque settled northern Spain and southern France in pre-Roman times.

Dr. Greg Hampikian, BSU Biology and Criminal Justice Professor and Director of the Idaho Innocent Project, will speak about forensic DNA and the Idaho Innocent Project. More than 220 men and women have reclaimed their lives after being freed by DNA evidence. Dr. Greg Hampikian is a nationally recognized expert in DNA forensics and the co-author of Exit to Freedom, with Calvin Johnson. The book tells Mr. Johnson's miraculous tale of being freed from prison by DNA evidence after 17 years behind bars.

Mr. Hampikian's research and outreach activities have been covered by New Scientist, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and Good Morning America.

Local forensics experts will feature Ada County Coroner Erwin Sonnenberg, Detective Jaimie Barker, Ada County Sheriff's Department, Captain Gary John, Canyon County Sheriff's Department, Sergeant Chris Rowe, and Criminalist Christine Cannon, both with the Nampa Police Department.

FamilyTreeDNA is offering a special DNA genetic testing price for members of IGS and ISHS. Tests and prices can be assessed at the following website: http://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?Group=IdahoStateGS

The DNA kits must be ordered. There will be no DNA on-site testing at the conference.

DNA testing for one's genealogy helps determine relationship between two people or a common ancestor. It will help connect with others who share a surname. It may prove or disprove a research theory or hypothesis that has run in the family for years. Most importantly, if the research has run into a dead end, it will help you network with others that match your DNA who might have a connected paper trail.

The DNA “Fair” will be held at the Doubletree Riverside, 2900 Chinden Blvd., Boise, Idaho 83714; 208-343-1871, (http://boiseriverside.doubletree.com). A block of rooms has been set aside for the conference.

If anyone has questions about the DNA Conference, they can contact Juvanne Martin CG, Conference Chairman, (208-461-8866); Juvanne@earthlink.net, or Laila Suter, IGS Treasurer, (208-377-9186); lailakay@cableone.net.