Blaine Bettinger: The Genetic Genealogist, will again be presenting at the NGS 2026 Family History Conference. But this time he won’t be speaking about DNA! This year he will be speaking about two other passions (see the program schedule for times and locations):
FR22 Postcards and Plants: Finding and Preserving These Heirlooms
Discover how postcards and heirloom plants preserve family stories, enriching genealogical research with memories that are both written and living. Learn how these overlooked heirlooms can bring the past to life and keep family traditions flourishing.
SA30 The Latest in Ethical Issues Associated with Generative Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI can be a powerful partner in genealogical research—but it also raises new ethical questions. This session unpacks issues like plagiarism, copyright, and accuracy so you can use AI confidently, responsibly, and with integrity.

Blaine T. Bettinger, PhD, JD, is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence. In 2007 he started The Genetic Genealogist (www.thegeneticgenealogist.com), one of the earliest blogs on the topic. Blaine is the author of The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, and co-author with Debbie Parker Wayne of the award-winning Genetic Genealogy in Practice, the world’s first genetic genealogy workbook. He also co-authored “Genetics for Genealogy” with Judy Russell in 2018’s Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards (ProGen PPS) (Elizabeth Shown Mills, Author and Editor).

Blaine is or has been an instructor for genetic genealogy courses at every major institute. He is a graduate of ProGen Study Group 21, a trustee for the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and a member of the DNAngels Board of Directors since 2022 (President since January 2023). In 2017 he founded the Facebook group Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques (90,000+ members) and in 2023 he founded the Genealogy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Facebook group (20,000+ members).

Conference registration is now open at conference.ngsgenealogy.org/2026registration/