Colleen Fitzpatrick, a nationally known expert on genealogy, will discuss "Forensic Genealogy: A Different Kind of DNA Talk" at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

The presentation is free of charge and open to the public.

DNA is not as difficult to understand as one might think. Whether you are having trouble spelling deoxyribonucleic acid or you are an old hand at genetic genealogy, this talk is geared for you. Understanding DNA results, connecting with long lost cousins, and gaining insight into family history through DNA has become easier than ever.

And what if your DNA is different from the rest of the members of your family? Should you hide under the bed? Refuse all incoming phone calls? No! You have a terrific opportunity to discover interesting family history if your DNA doesn’t match anyone else’s in your family.

In this talk, participants will learn the basics of DNA, how to ‘do’ genetic genealogy, and what can be derived from DNA results. Colleen Fitzpatrick explains how DNA can be combined with paper genealogy to provide a more powerful toolbox for solving genealogical mysteries. Fitzpatrick also gives success stories in tracing otherwise lost family history-unexpectedly connecting a group to a geographical region and to historical events occurring there.

Colleen Fitzpatrick is author of "Forensic Genealogy" and "DNA & Genealogy," two best-sellers in genetic genealogy.