Southington Genealogical Society Hosts X-DNA Research Program

The Southington Genealogical Society is set to host a program focused on X-DNA research on October 28, 2023. The event will take place at the Southington Historical Society, located at 239 Main St., starting at 6:30 p.m.. Attendees will have the option to participate in-person or via Zoom.

Robin Michel, representing the Southington Genealogical Society, announced that the program will feature insights from X-DNA expert Mary Beth Krafcik. Krafcik’s presentation draws on extensive research originally crafted for a family newsletter and later adapted for publication in the newsletters of both the Italian Genealogical Society of America and the Italian Genealogical Group. Michel emphasized that this presentation represents years of original research sourced from multiple avenues.

The session will cover various aspects of X-DNA, including its biology, recombination processes, inheritance patterns, and inactivation. Additionally, Krafcik will share her personal experiences and examples related to her own X-DNA findings.

Krafcik, a former long-time resident of Southington, has familial roots in the United States that trace back to the early 20th century. While researching her ancestry in Italy and Slovakia, she developed a keen interest in the applications of DNA for genealogy. As a former board member of the Italian Genealogical Society of America and a member of the Italian Genealogical Group, she has published articles in their newsletters, including pieces on topics such as “Affinity” and her discovery of a sixth great-grandfather through the Antenati website. These contributions have garnered recognition from the National Genealogical Society, which reviewed her work for its 2025 Large Society Newsletter award.

Krafcik’s ongoing research interests include analyzing immigration patterns of ancestors who arrived in America during the early 20th century and understanding how Southington residents are interconnected.

Founded in 1984, the Southington Genealogical Society Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the accurate recording, research, and preservation of family histories. The society holds monthly meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Southington Historical Society.

Individuals interested in attending the program via Zoom can request a link by emailing [email protected]. This event promises to provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of X-DNA and its applications in genealogy research, appealing to both seasoned researchers and newcomers alike.