Genealogist to present program on DNA Testing at Library March 29 Family lineage riddles can be solved through the process of DNA Testing. A program to explain the process will be given by genealogist John Abney at the local branch of Ozark Regional Library on Thursday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. The program is sponsored by Ste. Genevieve Project Pioneers and everyone is welcome. "I am a genealogist, not a geneticist," Abney sets the record straight. The presentation is meant as an introduction to the subject of genealogical DNA testing and, as such, is mainly concerned with the use of DNA testing for genealogical purposes. Abney's presentation touches briefly on the medical side of DNA testing. An overview of the last 10 years in DNA studies will be presented in slides. Abney will explain the makeup of DNA and the Human Genome. One outstanding fact, he says, is that "We are all related. Over 99 percent of our DNA is the same, across all the world's population." Multiple people would have to take the test to prove relationship. Also, surprises may turn up due to adoption, illegitimacy or infidelity. Abney has attended state and national seminars on the use of DNA testing in genealogy and has read related books, but has no actual experience with using DNA testing. He has been involved in the field of genealogy for the past 14 years, having volunteered at Family History Centers in Fairborn, Ohio, and Farmington, Mo. He has attended multiple state and national genealogy conferences, and completed Course 2, Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, Samford University, Birmingham, Ala. Abney, who lives at Annapolis, Mo., is secretary of Iron County, Mo., Genealogy Society. He is affiliated with Missouri State Genealogical Association, National Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists and the Center for French Colonial Studies.