DNA

The DNA Group focuses on the growing role of genetic testing in genealogy, allowing participants to exchange results, tips, and advice on interpreting DNA data.

The Group, led by Diane Kuster, meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30pm.

For September we have a talk by Mandy Geary: 

DNA Another Tool for Family History

An introduction to DNA testing for family historians, aimed at making some of the terminology and results a little less daunting. We look at inheritance and ethnicity estimates, choosing a testing company, understanding DNA matches and predicted relationships, using shared matches and clustering, and how DNA can work alongside traditional genealogical research.

Mandy will explain

• What DNA testing can, and can't tell us about our family history
• How DNA is inherited, including why siblings can inherit different DNA and have different matches
• Ethnicity estimates, what they actually mean and why results vary between testing companies and over time
•  Choosing a DNA testing company and understanding the different strengths of the major providers
• Understanding DNA matches, shared centiMorgans (cM) and predicted relationship labels
•  Using shared matches and clustering to organise matches and identify family branches
• Testing strategically, including why older relatives, siblings, half-relatives and cousins can be particularly valuable
• Combining DNA with traditional genealogy to investigate and support family relationships