ABCs of DNA | Disconnected Connections: A case of Family Lore and an MPE

The ABCs of DNA is an ongoing series of in-depth presentations on various DNA topics, presented by well-known speakers as well as knowledgeable AGS members.

Topic: Disconnected Connections: A case of Family Lore and an MPE

Presenter: Debbie Smyth

Description: In genealogical circles, the acronym MPE stands for a misattributed parentage event. A misattributed parentage event encompasses those situations where parentage has been attributed to the wrong person. For example, learning that daddy wasn’t really the biological father. Finding an MPE can be an unexpected or upsetting matter. Truth is, those times when family lore, DNA and documents diverge happens more frequently than we think. This presentation will begin with a discussion on DNA testing, identifying a misattributed parentage event, exploring some research strategies, and considering the ethics involved. It concludes with a case study to explore my own personal MPE finding, my research process, and the ethics involved.