Join Barbara Rae-Venter, someone who has used Investigative Genetic Genealogy to solve real life cold cases, for this presentation to learn new ways to use DNA to trace your roots!

Barbara Rae-Venter identified the mother of Lisa Jensen, abducted in infancy and then abandoned by her abductor as a 5 year old. This was the first use of what is now known as Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) in a criminal case. Identification of who Lisa’s mother was led to the discovery of the true identity of Lisa’s abductor and suspected murderer of the Allentown [New Hampshire] Four.

Using the same technique as she used to identify Lisa and Rasmussen, Barbara assisted the FBI, detective Paul Holes, and the Sacramento DA’s office in identifying Joseph James DeAngelo as the notorious Golden State Killer. IGG is now being used to solve hundreds of previously “unsolvable” cold cases. For her work, Barbara was recognized by the journal Nature as one of “10 People Who Mattered in Science in 2018.” She was also recognized as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019.

This event will take place on Zoom online. You can also join us at the Downtown Branch Library, where we will be live streaming the event.