Click here to register for our 2026 webinar series.

Click here to register for our 2026 webinar series.

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Speakers
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM

Michael D. Lacopo, DVM

DNA Testing Methodology and Skills Places and Ethnicities Switzerland, United States Virginia

Dr. Michael D. Lacopo is a retired small-animal veterinarian and professional genealogist born and raised in northern Indiana. Researching since 1980, he has lectured internationally and written for numerous periodicals and journals. A self- described “all-American mutt,” his research skills cover a broad range, with specialties in German research, Mid-Atlantic American research, genetic genealogy, social history, and advanced problem solving.

Michael's Upcoming Live Webinars (1)

Methodology and Skills
Advanced Genealogical Problem Solving: A Case Study
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
Wed, November 4 2026: 20:30 UTC
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Advanced Genealogical Problem Solving: A Case Study
Wed, November 4 2026: 20:30 UTC
How do we critically assess both the evidence we have—and the gaps where records are missing? How can one document point the way to another, and how do we strengthen our hunches and hypotheses with DNA analysis? In this case study, we will search for the parentage of Eliza Ann Sample Keister (1827-1876) through a wide range of records. Join the journey, test your own analytical skills, and see if you can spot the “next step” that just might topple the brick wall.
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
Methodology and Skills
Advanced Genealogical Problem Solving: A Case Study
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
How do we critically assess both the evidence we have—and the gaps where records are missing? How can one document point the way to another, and how do we strengthen our hunches and hypotheses with DNA analysis? In this case study, we will search for the parentage of Eliza Ann Sample Keister (1827-1876) through a wide range of records. Join the journey, test your own analytical skills, and see if you can spot the “next step” that just might topple the brick wall.
Wed, November 4 2026: 20:30 UTC
Register for free

Michael's Webinars (3)

Advanced
1:16:47
Methodology and SkillsPlaces and Ethnicities
“She Came From Nowhere…” – A Case Study Approach to a Difficult Genealogical Problem
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
1.3K views
CC
“She Came From Nowhere…” – A Case Study Approach to a Difficult Genealogical Problem
This lecture illustrates the joys and pitfalls of Virginia research as well as a employing a problem-solving approach utilizing social history, female research, and family analysis to identify the parents of Elizabeth Stith, the ancestor "from nowhere." One need not have Virginia ancestors to see the Genealogical Proof Standard at work!
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
Methodology and SkillsPlaces and Ethnicities
“She Came From Nowhere…” – A Case Study Approach to a Difficult Genealogical Problem
CC
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
1.3K views
This lecture illustrates the joys and pitfalls of Virginia research as well as a employing a problem-solving approach utilizing social history, female research, and family analysis to identify the parents of Elizabeth Stith, the ancestor "from nowhere." One need not have Virginia ancestors to see the Genealogical Proof Standard at work!
Wed, October 25 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
Advanced
51:40
Places and Ethnicities
The “Forgotten” Immigrants: The Swiss to America
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
1.0K views
CC
The “Forgotten” Immigrants: The Swiss to America
It is estimated that over 400,000 Swiss immigrants have come to North America since its settlement. With over 80% of them being German speaking, they often get lumped into "Germans to America," but the records found in Switzerland can be vastly different, and the Swiss that came to our shores can have very different backgrounds.
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
Places and Ethnicities
The “Forgotten” Immigrants: The Swiss to America
CC
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
1.0K views
It is estimated that over 400,000 Swiss immigrants have come to North America since its settlement. With over 80% of them being German speaking, they often get lumped into "Germans to America," but the records found in Switzerland can be vastly different, and the Swiss that came to our shores can have very different backgrounds.
Fri, April 14 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
1:23:35
DNA Testing
Using Mitochondrial DNA Testing for Genealogical Problem Solving
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
2.1K views
CC
Using Mitochondrial DNA Testing for Genealogical Problem Solving
Utilizing this form of DNA testing in genealogy garners a lot of negative advice. Learn how vitally important this kind of testing can be when you use DNA as an active tool in the genealogical toolbox. This case study will show you how pairing good research and DNA testing can be the perfect marriage.
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
DNA Testing
Using Mitochondrial DNA Testing for Genealogical Problem Solving
CC
Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
2.1K views
Utilizing this form of DNA testing in genealogy garners a lot of negative advice. Learn how vitally important this kind of testing can be when you use DNA as an active tool in the genealogical toolbox. This case study will show you how pairing good research and DNA testing can be the perfect marriage.
Wed, February 1 2023: 19:00 UTC
Register for free