The Genographic Project

Who are we? Where did we come from? Though we look so different, are we all related?
People. Men and women. Young and old. Whoever we are. Wherever we live. We all share a common birthplace: Africa.

About 60,000 years ago, a small group of our ancestors left Africa. Over time, their descendants populated the world. The paths they took are reflected in our genes, our DNA. The Genographic Project aims to unravel the remarkable tale that our genes can tell: where we originated. How we came to populate the Earth. And the stories we share, hidden in our DNA. Join us for this special exhibition in partnership with the National Geographic Society and submit your own DNA for the project by purchasing a Public Participation Kit in the Museum Store!
 

Special Lecture: "Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project"

Dr. Spencer Wells, the National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence who has spearheaded the Genographic Project, presented a special lecture for our members at the Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan Theater at the San Diego Natural History Museum on November 11, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. This scientist, author, and documentary filmmaker has dedicated much of his career to studying humankind's family tree and closing the gaps in our knowledge of human migration.