10/07/2026
Learn How to Enhance Genealogy Research at the Mason Area Historical Museum on October 14 -- At the next meeting of the Mason Area Historical Society on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. there will be a free presentation about "Enhancing Historic Research with Y-DNA.” Following a short business meeting, Ginger Ogilvie will speak about her research in the Society’s Virginia Schlichter Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. at the Mason Area Historical Museum, 200 E. Ash Street. Admission is free and the public is invited.
This presentation will share more about the history of Y-DNA research and explain practical approaches for utilizing this innovative technology to better understand our past. Ginger Ogilvie is a professional genealogist who is passionate about helping people connect with their roots. As a descendant of Utah pioneers, she has studied several westward migration patterns and researched families in all regions of the continental United States, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Scotland. She has a B.A. in History and completed the Certificate in Genealogical Research course with Boston University.
A member of the Association for Professional Genealogists, Ginger Ogilvie is also a member of the National Genealogical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and several local societies. She loves to incorporate DNA testing into her research and is a founding co-administrator for the Ogilvy Y-DNA Surname Project through FamilyTreeDNA.
In 1998, Dr. Eugene Foster published his findings in the scientific journal Nature, detailing the use of Y-DNA research to confirm that Thomas Jefferson fathered children with Sally Hemings. This groundbreaking study inspired Bennett Greenspan to apply Y-DNA to genealogical research, resulting in the founding of Family Tree DNA. Genealogists are now able to use this tool to discern various patrilineal lines and unite cousins separated by centuries. Historians have been tracing human migration, identifying ancient remains, confirming or refuting descendants and historic figures.
The Mason Area Historical Society is a non-profit organization that is dependent upon memberships and donations. They ask you to please consider donating to allow events like this to continue to be offered in the future.
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