June is NPE Awareness Month

June is NPE (Non-Paternal Event) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of unexpected parentage discoveries. In genealogy, an NPE generally refers to a situation where a person’s expected biological parent is not their biological parent. Today, the term is often used more broadly to include unexpected discoveries involving parentage, adoption, donor conception, or other family relationships revealed through DNA testing.

For many genealogists, the term NPE is unfamiliar until DNA testing enters the picture. Most family historians begin their research focused on records, photographs, and family stories. However, as at-home DNA testing has become more affordable and accessible, researchers are increasingly discovering that genetic evidence can sometimes reveal family connections that differ from long-held beliefs or documented family narratives.

NPE Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that family history is not always straightforward. Research often involves navigating incomplete records, family stories, and new information revealed through DNA evidence. It also highlights the importance of approaching family history with sensitivity, compassion, and respect for the experiences of others.

Whether you are a seasoned genealogist or just beginning your family history journey, remember that every discovery—expected or unexpected—becomes part of a family’s story.