Identity Quest

Identity Quest Symposium: What’s in Your DNA?

Sat, Nov 15, 2025 | 9am - 1:30pm

Guest Speaker
Kathleen Brandt

If you're curious about your DNA, guest speaker Kathleen Brandt will explore how testing can uncover family history, trace your family's story and connect you with relatives. Brandt is a professional international genealogist, private investigator and consultant and is a published freelance writer for genealogy magazines and columns, Archives.com and AARP magazines. She is the author of the a3Genealogy.com an educational and skill building blog that explores various cultural and ethnic folk life, traditions, history, genealogy research tips and provides educational and informational articles on history, genealogy and research methodology.

Whether you’re new to genealogy or already exploring your roots, this program will guide you through the fascinating world of genetic testing. Learn how DNA tests work, the results you can expect, and how to use them to uncover relatives and ancestors. You’ll get practical tips on DNA tools, testing companies and the benefits of joining DNA groups.

We encourage you to stay for Noon roundtable discussions where you can ask questions and connect with others on the same journey of discovery. Noon-1:30pm will also be a great time to talk more with exhibitors.

Identity Quest Schedule

Sat, Nov 15, 9am-1:30pm
Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
Marvin Auditorium
(Livestreamed sessions in bold)

Catch the Live Stream Here

9-9:25am - Exhibitor Fair/Coffee
9:25-9:30am - Welcome (Sherri Camp)
9:30-10:30am - SESSION 1 (Kathleen Brandt):
DNA for Beginners: How Testing Can Grow Your Family Tree
Learn how DNA can help you confirm family lines, discover unknown relatives, and add depth to your genealogy. This session introduces the main types of tests, the strengths of each, and what you can realistically expect from results.

Topics Covered:
• Types of DNA and their uses in genealogy
• What ethnicity and ancestry reports reveal
• First steps for interpreting your test results
• Ethical considerations when testing family member
10:30-10:45am - Break (coffee/exhibitors)
10:45-11:45am - SESSION 2 (Kathleen Brandt):
Beyond the Basics: Using DNA Results to Build Your Family Tree
Already taken a DNA test but not sure what to do next? This session takes you one step further, guiding you through the practical use of your DNA results in genealogical research. We’ll explore tools, case examples, and strategies for interpreting your matches and integrating them into your family tree. Designed for those who understand DNA basics. Start solving genealogical puzzles.

Topics covered:
• How to analyze and sort DNA matches
• Using DNA tools and databases effectively
• Understanding ethnicity estimates vs. genealogical evidence
• Why joining DNA projects and groups can enhance your research
11:45-12pm - Break (coffee/exhibitors)
12-1pm - ROUNDTABLES:
• 23andMe - Ron Ray
• GedMatch - Sherri Camp
• AncestryDNA - Jill Frese
• MyHeritage - Marty Flanagan
• Organizing Your DNA - Marcia Philbrick
1-1:30pm - Exhibitors Fair/Wrap up