Our October Speaker: Linda Serna

Sunday, October 21, 2018

I have been involved with genealogy in researching and writing family stories for over 35 years and was privileged to work as a genealogist for the first season of the PBS Genealogy Roadshow program. Currently, I belong to several genealogical organizations and societies, as well as having served in the past for the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Orange County California Genealogical Society. Over the last 9 years, I’ve spoken on various topics for different groups in California and New Mexico. My loves, in addition to public speaking, include history, writing, and traveling. I especially like seeing how individual family stories fit in and make up the fabric of history.


“Native American Research” addresses looking at your Native American ancestors, including DNA’s role, identifying tribe, and finding records. Examples of record groups and how to use them are given.


“What Do You Do When Your DNA Doesn’t Match Your Paper Trail: A Case Study” follows the steps Linda took when she discovered through DNA that her husband’s ethnicity wasn’t what they thought it was. Even though this is one family’s story, it should have ideas for anyone who finds themselves in this situation by touching on DNA and how a case is pursued.