“Relative Race,” a third genealogy and DNA-based television series, was to return for its second season on March 5. It will continue for nine Sunday episodes and features four couples who are racing against each other to locate relatives of one member of each couple. The people looking for a lost relative, most often a missing father, do not appear to have done any research (the production team has done that) but have submitted DNA samples. In the first episode, they are given clues as in “Hide and Seek” to go to a relative’s house, meet, spend the night, and catch up.
Since one of these kinfolk was a fourth cousin found via DNA testing, it makes one wonder what the couples can learn. The goal is to find lost relatives, win the race, and with that a large financial prize at the end. More details are found at relativerace.com. The program was created by Brigham Young University in conjunction with Ancestry.com and its DNA testing. It is shown via BYUtv, which states it is available via Dish, DirecTV, Comcast, and others, although it is not clear where it's actually carried in metro Atlanta. Check Byutv.org for information about connecting via other devices.
For genealogists, the series raises many questions and does not seem to show people doing any research other than interviewing and having taken a DNA test (not actually shown). If nothing else, it should encourage families to discuss their heritage now, rather than wait until relatives are long gone, either dead or estranged. Families should be more involved, not refuse to divulge facts, or try to wipe out knowledge of one’s parents or other ancestors. This program may encourage many to do DNA testing, which could help more in the long run.
DEKALB CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF COLLECTING
The DeKalb History Center's March 21 Lunch and Learn lecture will feature the organization's anniversary and mission: "Seventy Years of Collecting, Preserving, & Sharing DeKalb's History." Noon. Free. Bring your own lunch. At the Old Courthouse on the Square in Decatur. For more information, check dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088, ext. 23. The center's archives are open by appointment only and contain a rich collection of DeKalb County materials, both manuscripts and books.
NATIONAL GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETS IN RALEIGH IN MAY
The National Genealogical Society's Annual Meeting, always well worth attending, will be in Raleigh, N.C. May 10-13. Registration deadline is March 27. See ngsgenealogy.org to register or learn more details. This is one of the most important annual genealogy conferences and this is about as close as it's going to get to Georgia.
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