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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 SAG has an Introduction to DNA Testing Webinar available for purchase through the SAG online shop, which will introduce you to using DNA testing as a tool in your research. Learn the basics required to get started: the types of tests, who to test, where to test, how to test, how much it costs, what you get and practical applications.

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.   

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.

The SAG also has the following webinars available for purchase in the shop which are considered the base skills needed for those wishing to undertake DNA research:

  • DNA Research, Key Concepts. This webinar aims to summarise some of the underlying key concepts that DNA researchers need to understand to be effective.

In addition to webinars, the SAG hosts lectures and hands on computer workshops focussed on practical applications using DNA sites and third party tools. Please check the Events Calendar for details of upcoming activities.

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

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

Here is a list of upcoming DNA sessions 

Upcoming events

  • WEBINAR: DNA Research Group - Beginners

    • 25 Jul 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 84
    Register

    Learn the basic DNA concepts and the first steps of interpreting your DNA test results. This session covers a few basics and then looks at third party tools such as Gedmatch, DNA Painter and DNAGedcom. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

    This is an online session.

    Skill level: Beginners     Presenter: Christine Woodlands    

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

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: Introduction to DNA reconstruction (concepts & tools)

    • 11 Aug 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place!
    • 100
    Register

    Kevin Borland is the founder and president of Borland Genetics. This session focuses on introducing the 4-step reconstruction process of phase/map/extract/merge and the tools that are used to achieve each stage of the process to mathematically reconstruct your ancestor's DNA using kits of living relatives.  See: https://borlandgenetics.com/  https://isogg.org/wiki/Borland_Genetics

    Skill level: All     Presenter:  Kevin Borland

    Show details

  • GROUP: DNA Research Group - Intermediate, Tools in Practice

    • 22 Aug 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 100
    Register

    Are you looking to break down a brick wall in your tree through DNA and don’t seem to be able to find a breakthrough? Our panel from the Advanced DNA group will examine 2-3 member case studies in the workshop and demonstrate tools that can be used to help. There will be time for questions about other challenges faced by participants and advice regarding possible strategies you can implement for your brick wall.

    This session will NOT be recorded, so you must attend live.

    Skill level: Intermediate     Convenor: Veronica Williams

     

    Show details

  • GROUP: DNA Research Group - Advanced

    • 22 Aug 2020
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 100
    Register

    The genealogical proof standard suggests five key points that need to be met when drawing conclusions about your research. When using genetic evidence how do you ensure you have met the standard? Does your analysis stand up to scrutiny? How do we validate our DNA conclusions? At what point can we consider our ‘hypotheses’ proof? Is it possible to draw any conclusions without detailed segment data? How do you ‘test’ your theories before indicating a MRCA is ‘DNA confirmed’.

    This session is a facilitated discussion on the issues and implications. It requires pre-work by participants that will be distributed before the meeting. Participants are encouraged to present a conclusion for critique at the meeting.

    This session will NOT be recorded, so you must attend live.

    Skill level: Advanced     Presenter: Michelle Patient

     

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: GEDmatch course - Part 1

    • 18 Sep 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 100
    Register

    Session 1 shows how to download DNA from the testing companies and upload it to GEDmatch and then explains the Legend, Resources, Information and Forum areas. All the variations of the One-to-many and One-to-one utilities are demonstrated, as well as the very useful tool “People who match both, or 1 of 2 kits”.

    GEDmatch is a three part course. Book using this event listing if you just want to attend this session. If you want to book for all three of the sessions with the course discount of $60 members, $90 non-members, please book using the event called WEBINAR: GEDmatch - Full course. 

    Skill level: All     Presenter:  Sue Dobson

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: GEDmatch - FULL COURSE

    • 18 Sep 2020
    • 10:30 AM (UTC+10:00)
    • 16 Oct 2020
    • 12:30 PM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place
    • 200
    Register

    The GEDmatch course is a three part online course being held on Fridays 18 September, 2 October and 16 October, from 10.30am-12 noon. Full details of each session can be found in the individual listings for those sessions.

    Book using this listing if you wish to attend all three sessions at the discounted price.

    Skill level: All     Presenters:  Sue Dobson & Kerry Farmer

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: GEDmatch course - Part 2

    • 2 Oct 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 100
    Register

    Session 2 concentrates on the remaining free tools (Admixture, 3-D Chromosome Browser, etc) as well as the Ancestor Projects. We will also look at the tools for uploading a family tree to GEDmatch and searching and comparing with the family trees of others.

    GEDmatch is a three part course. Book using this event listing if you just want to attend this session. If you want to book for all three of the sessions with the course discount of $60 members, $90 non-members, please book using the event called WEBINAR: GEDmatch - Full course. 

    Skill level: All     Presenter:  Kerry Farmer

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: DNA Research Group - Beginners

    • 10 Oct 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place
    • 100
    Register

    Receiving your DNA test results is an exciting time but that excitement can quickly turn to confusion. This session will look at some essential basics and then focus on test results and how to interpret the data so you can start finding those new cousins. We will also look at some of the tools to aid you in your DNA research.

    Skill level: Beginners     Presenter: Melissa Hulbert  

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: GEDmatch course - Part 3

    • 16 Oct 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place
    • 100
    Register

    Session 3 explains and demonstrates the powerful Tier 1 tools of GEDmatch. (These require a subscription of US$10 for a month’s usage.) These include Segment Searching, Phasing, Triangulating, as well as combining and analysing multiple kits at the same time. The Lazarus tool will also be explained, which can create a kit of some DNA from a deceased ancestor using the DNA of their descendants and relatives.

    GEDmatch is a three part course. Book using this event listing if you just want to attend this session. If you want to book for all three of the sessions with the course discount of $60 members, $90 non-members, please book using the event called WEBINAR: GEDmatch - Full course. 

    Skill level: All     Presenter:  Kerry Farmer

    Show details

  • GROUP: DNA Research Group - Intermediate, Tools in Practice

    • 28 Nov 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place
    • 150
    Register

    Topic to be advised closer to the date.

    DNA sessions are not usually recorded and should be attended live.


    Skill level: Intermediate     Convenor: Veronica Williams

     

    Show details

  • GROUP: DNA Research Group - Advanced

    • 28 Nov 2020
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place
    • 150
    Register

    Topic to be advised, closer to the date.

    This session will NOT be recorded, so you must attend live.

    Skill level: Advanced     Presenter: tba

     

    Show details

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Our office is at Richmond Villa, 120 Kent St, Sydney.

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