INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Library has announced it will host a comprehensive genetic genealogy event aimed at helping the public break through historical “brick walls” and trace their ancestry using modern science.
The Summer Lecture Series: DNA Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Led by professional genealogist Angela Guntz, a specialist from the Central Indiana DNA Interest Group, the intensive four-hour program will guide both amateur and experienced researchers through the intricacies of genetic data.
The event will be hosted in the library’s historic History Reference Room. It is completely free and open to the public, though organizers emphasize that pre-registration is strictly required. For individuals who cannot commute to downtown Indianapolis, a virtual attendance option is available via registration, though the library noted that the sessions will not be recorded for future viewing.
A Roadmap of the Day’s Sessions
The workshop is structured into three distinct educational blocks, designed to build a researcher’s confidence from basic understanding to advanced case analysis:
- Understanding the DNA Testing Landscape: Guntz will kick off the day with a clear overview of different testing methodologies—specifically autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA. The session will feature a side-by-side comparison of major commercial platforms, including AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and FamilyTreeDNA, mapping out which services best align with specific historical goals.
- Solving Mystery Matches You Can’t Easily Place: The second block focuses on the common genealogical hurdle of “mystery cousins.” Attendees will learn practical data-management strategies, such as genetic clustering and targeted research techniques, to systematically organize unknown matches and establish their placement within a family tree.
- Breaking Through Brick Walls (A DNA Case Study): The final session will walk through a real-world investigation involving unknown parentage and missing ancestors. Guntz will demonstrate how to properly construct a research question, map out a DNA testing strategy, and evaluate evidence using the industry-standard Genealogical Proof Standard.
Continuing Education Credit: Indiana librarians who attend the workshop are eligible to receive Professional Growth Experience points via Leading Education Units (LEUs).
Event Logistics and Parking
To make the downtown event accessible, the Indiana State Library is offering full parking validation for all registered attendees. Visitors can utilize the Senate Avenue parking garage, located directly across the street from the library, and bring their physical parking ticket inside the building to be validated by library staff.
For additional details, accessibility accommodations, or to reserve an in-person or virtual seat, patrons can access the event portal directly through the official Indiana State Library events calendar.
