HOW DO I USE DNA IN FAMILY HISTORY?

Curious about DNA? Thinking of Testing?

There are a number of sources of information about DNA testing on the web, including Facebook and YouTube. Major testing companies such as FamilyTree DNA, Ancestry DNA and 23andMe etc have useful resources, including webinars.

The Federation of Family History Societies in the UK has released a paper to help family historians understand more about DNA testing. While Australian laws may operate differently it contains some worthwhile advice and is included here courtesy of the Federation.

The SAG hosts lectures and group meetings focussed on practical applications using DNA sites and third party tools. If you would prefer a live event where you can interact with the presenter and ask questions we also run a quarterly online session called Beginners Introduction to DNA where attendees can learn all about the different types of tests, which companies sell them and what to consider before testing. Please check the Events Calendar for details of upcoming activities.

Tested and want to know what to do next?

To be effective in DNA research you firstly need to be familiar with the evaluation tools provided by your testing company, and secondly be aware of some of the key concepts that underpin the analysis process. Testing companies such as Family Tree DNA, AncestryDNA, 23andMe, My Heritage etc all provide a range of educational items to assist with their product and all new users should gain familiarity with the relevant testing company's site.

If you would like to start your DNA journey visit our DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice webpage for links to some great introductory websites and blogs belonging to SAG members.

The below image shows the recommended learning pathway for those attending courses at the SAG.

Diagram prepared by Andrew Redfern based on earlier versions by Veronica Williams & Christine Woodlands, 2023

Want to dig deeper into your DNA results, expand your tree or break down a brick wall?

The SAG has two DNA Research Groups which you can attend to learn more about DNA.

Here is a list of upcoming DNA sessions

Upcoming events

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WEBINAR: Plan, manage and organise your family history research using Notion

When
06 February 2025

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Location
Via Zoom

Spaces left
422

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Learn how the free online app, Notion, can help you plan, manage and organise your family history research and writing. Use Notion to plan your research, and keep track of research tasks and source citations. Use it to connect your research plans with your research notes and evidence documentation, improving research outcomes. Use it to plan and coordinate your writing projects and tasks, such as coursework, articles, blog posts and social media. Feel more in control, save heaps of time and improve the quality of your family history.

Presenter: Danielle Lautrec

Where an event is recorded the recording link will be emailed to registrants within five working days of the live presentation.

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WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA

When
22 February 2025

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Location
Via Zoom

Spaces left
10

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This session is ideal for people who are starting to work with their AncestryDNA test results. We’ll cover the reporting features for testers who don’t have an Ancestry subscription and then the additional features that come with subscriptions. Christine will share her "Top 10" techniques for working with AncestryDNA.

Demonstrations and case studies will be featured in the session. There'll be plenty of time for questions. Reference material will be available after the session.

Participants should have an understanding of the different types of DNA tests and how they can be used. This is covered in Beginners’ Introduction to DNA. When you register, we’ll send you a link to a pre-recorded webinar if you’d like a refresh.

This session is limited to 25 participants.

Skill level: Beginner

Presenter: Christine Woodlands

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LECTURE: Beginners' Introduction to DNA

When
15 March 2025

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location
Level 2, 379 Kent Street, Sydney

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30

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This is an in person event at the SAG Family History Research Centre & Library.

Online sessions of this presentation will be available on other dates in 2025.

Receiving your DNA test results is an exciting time but it can quickly become confusing. This session will look at the different types of tests available, which one is right for you and which companies do these tests. We will look at some basics to help you understand and interpret your matches and there will be plenty of time for questions so you can start finding those new cousins!

Skill level: Beginners

Presenter: Melissa Hulbert

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GROUP: DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice

When
29 March 2025

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location
Via Zoom

Spaces left
486

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Topic: Working with Artificial Intelligence for DNA Research

This session will briefly outline the various AI Platforms that members are finding useful in increasing their productivity for their DNA research. Members of the DNA Research Group will demonstrate some routine activities they have been able to automate through the use of these tools. Any Member who has a tool they would like to demonstrate should contact the convenors at least 7-14 days prior the session. Following the session we aim to share these tools by creating a SAG library of custom GPT’s (ChatGPT) or artefacts (Claude) for use by society members.

The DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice is a collaborative group designed to assist researchers with the analysis and interpretation of genetic genealogy results.

The group is designed to meet the needs of attendees with an intermediate level of knowledge of genetic genealogy.

Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

NOTE: We will confirm soon whether this session will be recorded or not

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GROUP: DNA Research Discussion Group

When
29 March 2025

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location
Via Zoom

Spaces left
495

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Topic: What repetitive DNA tasks could be replaced by AI tools to help us increase our productivity?

Facilitator: Sharon Watson

Presenter: Christine Hingerty

Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

This session is a facilitated discussion session which seeks to identify a list of manual repetitive tasks members would find useful in improving their research productivity and ranking them in terms of priority. The session will also seek volunteers to work in small groups to progress the development of the identified tools with the view to adding them to the SAG shared library of AI DNA tools. Information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting, it requires pre-work by participants with all attendees expected to contribute to the discussion.

Please note: The topics and tools discussed at this group are pitched at an advanced level and the Research Discussion Group meetings are not recommended for those just beginning their DNA journey.

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