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Virtual Genealogy

Using DNA to Reconstruct Enslaved Families

Discover how DNA testing can transform your family history research. In this presentation, Shannon Christmas will explore how genetic evidence and historical records can work together to overcome genealogical roadblocks, identify enslaved ancestors, and help restore missing chapters of family narratives.

A professional genealogist and biological family reunification specialist, Shannon employs expertise in genetic genealogy, adoption/unknown parentage research, kinship determination, colonial American, and African American genealogy to identify genetic ancestors (including unknown parents), solve genealogical mysteries, and develop lineage society DNA evidence policies. Shannon, a genetic genealogy influencer, educator, practitioner, and thought leader featured on BBC, NPR, Radio Sweden, and The Atlantic, finds family. He is a former Research Manager for Ancestry’s research arm, AncestryProGenealogists,  and served as the inaugural Genetic Genealogist Program Director for Descendants United. Shannon is the Genealogical Research Chair on the Black Pearls of Genealogy’s Board of Directors. A former 23andMe Ancestry Ambassador and Ancestry.com Ace, Shannon manages The Captain Thomas Graves of Jamestown Autosomal DNA Project and serves as a co-administrator of The Hemings-Jefferson-Wayles-Eppes Autosomal DNA Project and The Macon DNA Project. A genetic genealogy instructor on the faculty of The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute, Shannon has a special interest in harnessing the power of autosomal DNA to verify and extend pedigrees, investigate oral history, and reconstruct ancestral genomes.