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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

    • 06 April 2024
    • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 491
    Register

    GEDmatch is a 3rd party site that provides tools to analyse your DNA and compare it with the DNA of others (including those who tested at other companies). In this presentation Kerry Farmer will introduce you to the site, including how to upload your DNA test results and use the free tools.


    About the Presenter:

    With a background in science as well as humanities, Kerry worked in computer programming before starting teaching family history classes in 1997. She has worked as a genealogy researcher and presented at many family history events in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

    Kerry has also served on SAG’s Education Committee from 2004 to 2023, including many years as convener. Kerry has also previously served on the Society's Diploma and Certificate Committee. Kerry joined the SAG Board in 2018.

    Kerry is a past Director of Australian Studies for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She has authored DNA for Genealogists (2011) and Arrivals in Australia from 1788
    (2015) as well as various genealogical Handy Guides for Unlock the Past.

    This webinar will be recorded so you can join live or watch the recording later.

    • 20 April 2024
    • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 498
    Register

    If you've already taken a DNA test, Kerry will guide you through the powerful paid tools available on GEDmatch. Learn how to harness these features to unearth a wealth of additional information from your test results.

    About the Presenter:

    With a background in science as well as humanities, Kerry worked in computer programming before starting teaching family history classes in 1997. She has worked as a genealogy researcher and presented at many family history events in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

    Kerry has also served on SAG’s Education Committee from 2004 to 2023, including many years as convener. Kerry has also previously served on the Society's Diploma and Certificate Committee. Kerry joined the SAG Board in 2018.

    Kerry is a past Director of Australian Studies for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She has authored DNA for Genealogists (2011) and Arrivals in Australia from 1788
    (2015) as well as various genealogical Handy Guides for Unlock the Past.

    This webinar will be recorded so you can join live or watch the recording later.

    • 01 June 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • online via Zoom
    • 498
    Register

    Have you tested your DNA at MyHeritage or uploaded your DNA data to this website and not sure what to do next?

    This webinar will provide an introduction to the MyHeritage DNA website and explore the various DNA features available to help you analyse your DNA matches.

    The webinar will look at the how to make the most of features such as Labels and Theory of Family Relativity and will also explore the power of the Chromosome Browser and Autocluster tools to gain new insights and make important discoveries.

    The concept of segment triangulation at MyHeritage will be explained with examples on how to locate triangulated groups.

    The scheduling of this session has been timed to complement the Analysing your DNA using Chromosome Analysis course being presented by Veronica Williams, however, anyone is welcome to attend.

    There will be time for participants to ask questions.


    Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate  Presenter: Vicki Hails

    This webinar will be recorded so you can join live or watch the recording later.

    • 15 June 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 498
    Register

    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!

    This is an online session using the ZOOM platform.

    It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.


    Skill level: Beginners

         Presenter: Melissa Hulbert    

    Note: Members need to be logged in to the site to make an event booking.

    • 29 June 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 497
    Register

    Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT) User Group

    If you already have DNA chromosome analysis skills and are using the GDAT database tool to manage your DNA information, you might wish to join our new user group.  SAG user groups are aimed at ‘members helping members’ so this is a collaborative working group aimed at sharing information and knowledge.  You must be a SAG member to join this group.

    Sessions will include a short presentation on a specified topic identified by the group, followed by discussion between group members, then round table Q&A regarding the product.  We will meet on Saturdays at 10.00-12.00 using the Zoom platform.  We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

    Important things to note:

    1. Discussion will be focussed on utilising the GDAT software for DNA analysis;
    2. Members must have an understanding of the principles of chromosome analysis before joining the group;
    3. Chromosome analysis questions WILL NOT be discussed, except in the context of using the GDAT product.

    Pre-requisite Knowledge for using GDAT:

    1. Be computer literate;
    2. Have the ability to work with spreadsheets and large data sets;
    3. Have been working with DNA results at GEDmatch, FamilyTree DNA, My Heritage, or 23andMe for over 12 months;
    4. Understand the concepts of chromosome analysis and can apply them in practice, in particular:
      1. Be able to differentiate between shared matches and shared segments;
      2. Be able to interpret when matches are ICW on a segment;
      3. Understand triangulation concepts and how to identify Triangulated Groups at each DNA site.

    Before joining our user group, it is best if you have already:

    * Watched the video and undertaken all the tasks in the Quick Start Guide (Setting up) - https://sites.google.com/view/genealogical-dna-analysis-tool/home/video-tutorials#h.t5ehfiqzxea3

    * Read how the developer (Becky) approaches her DNA analysis, recognising the tool allows for multiple variations - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iO5BceetmtucroYUJeyWsMSjslV4IQYH/view

    * Set up at least one profile, added a pedigree for that profile and have uploaded segment data from at least one DNA company, such as GEDmatch, FTDNA, 23&Me or My Heritage.  GEDmatch is probably the easiest to start with, utilising Tier 1 tools is recommended for the triangulation report  (but not essential).

    Any issues arising consult the user guide

    https://www.getgdat.com/home

    If it's not covered in the user guide submit the question for discussion at the next meeting by posting in the SAG GDAT User Group, or if the enquiry is more urgent utilise the Facebook GDAT User group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dnatool


    Skill level: Advanced DNA knowledge    

    Group Lead: Veronica Williams

     This session will not be recorded. Please only register if you are able to attend at the advertised time.

    • 06 July 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 495
    Register

     Topic: TBA

    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


    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    • 06 July 2024
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 495
    Register

    Topic: TBA

    This session will be a facilitated discussion session. It requires pre-work by participants and information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. All participants are expected to contribute to the discussion.

    Skill level: Advanced

     Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    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.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.

    • 07 July 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 23
    Register

    Christine will share her "Top 10" techniques for working with AncestryDNA. This session is ideal for those who are taking a first look at their AncestryDNA test or thinking about testing at 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.

    This session is limited to 25 participants.

    This session will conducted on through Zoom and will not be recorded. Participants should be available at the advertised time.


    Skill level: Beginner

    Presenter: Christine Woodlands 

    • 21 September 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 497
    Register

     Topic: TBA

    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


    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    • 21 September 2024
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Topic: TBA

    This session will be a facilitated discussion session. It requires pre-work by participants and information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. All participants are expected to contribute to the discussion.

    Skill level: Advanced

     Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    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.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.

    • 28 September 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 25
    Register

    Christine will share her "Top 10" techniques for working with AncestryDNA. This session is ideal for those who are taking a first look at their AncestryDNA test or thinking about testing at 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.

    This session is limited to 25 participants.

    This session will conducted on through Zoom and will not be recorded. Participants should be available at the advertised time.


    Skill level: Beginner

    Presenter: Christine Woodlands 

    • 02 November 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 497
    Register

    Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT) User Group

    If you already have DNA chromosome analysis skills and are using the GDAT database tool to manage your DNA information, you might wish to join our new user group.  SAG user groups are aimed at ‘members helping members’ so this is a collaborative working group aimed at sharing information and knowledge.  You must be a SAG member to join this group.

    Sessions will include a short presentation on a specified topic identified by the group, followed by discussion between group members, then round table Q&A regarding the product.  We will meet on Saturdays at 10.00-12.00 using the Zoom platform.  We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

    Important things to note:

    1. Discussion will be focussed on utilising the GDAT software for DNA analysis;
    2. Members must have an understanding of the principles of chromosome analysis before joining the group;
    3. Chromosome analysis questions WILL NOT be discussed, except in the context of using the GDAT product.

    Pre-requisite Knowledge for using GDAT:

    1. Be computer literate;
    2. Have the ability to work with spreadsheets and large data sets;
    3. Have been working with DNA results at GEDmatch, FamilyTree DNA, My Heritage, or 23andMe for over 12 months;
    4. Understand the concepts of chromosome analysis and can apply them in practice, in particular:
      1. Be able to differentiate between shared matches and shared segments;
      2. Be able to interpret when matches are ICW on a segment;
      3. Understand triangulation concepts and how to identify Triangulated Groups at each DNA site.

    Before joining our user group, it is best if you have already:

    * Watched the video and undertaken all the tasks in the Quick Start Guide (Setting up) - https://sites.google.com/view/genealogical-dna-analysis-tool/home/video-tutorials#h.t5ehfiqzxea3

    * Read how the developer (Becky) approaches her DNA analysis, recognising the tool allows for multiple variations - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iO5BceetmtucroYUJeyWsMSjslV4IQYH/view

    * Set up at least one profile, added a pedigree for that profile and have uploaded segment data from at least one DNA company, such as GEDmatch, FTDNA, 23&Me or My Heritage.  GEDmatch is probably the easiest to start with, utilising Tier 1 tools is recommended for the triangulation report  (but not essential).

    Any issues arising consult the user guide

    https://www.getgdat.com/home

    If it's not covered in the user guide submit the question for discussion at the next meeting by posting in the SAG GDAT User Group, or if the enquiry is more urgent utilise the Facebook GDAT User group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dnatool


    Skill level: Advanced DNA knowledge    

    Group Lead: Veronica Williams

     This session will not be recorded. Please only register if you are able to attend at the advertised time.

    • 02 November 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 499
    Register

    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!

    This is an online session using the ZOOM platform.

    It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.


    Skill level: Beginners

         Presenter: Melissa Hulbert    

    Note: Members need to be logged in to the site to make an event booking.

    • 07 December 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 497
    Register

     Topic: TBA

    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


    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    • 07 December 2024
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Topic: TBA

    This session will be a facilitated discussion session. It requires pre-work by participants and information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. All participants are expected to contribute to the discussion.

    Skill level: Advanced

     Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    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.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.

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