DNA: Cracking the Ancestor Code

Most of us know where our grandparents came from and some of us even know the names of our great great grandparents. But have you ever wondered where your ancestors were living at the time of Julius Cesar or during the Ice Age? There's a new breed of scientist that is helping to answer such questions. Archaeogeneticists are combining the fields of anthropology, history and genetics to trace the origins and migrations of our ancient ancestors across the planet. This complex and wonderful story is hidden in our DNA!

Since beginning the earlier Immigrants All! project in 2004 we have tested the ancestral DNA of 200 CSUEB students, faculty, staff and affiliates. Our exhibition presents their migration stories, information on the science behind ancestral DNA analysis, and artifacts relevant to various migration histories.

Begin your journey in Africa 60,000 years ago by following the genetic footprints of your ancestors into the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, and across the Bering Strait into the Americas. Celebrate the diversity of our community and experience the variety of pathways that have led us here to the East Bay. Visit the C.E. Smith Museum of Anthropology and begin your own "genetic excavation" today!

March 2 - June 15, 2007
M - F 10 - 4