One-stop shop for learning about DNA testing, whether you’re a beginner or an expert on DNA. Topics include Y-DNA, mt-DNA, Autosomal DNA, third-party tools, methodology, organization, and much more.
MyHeritage has been breaking new ground with genetic genealogy research technology since the MyHeritage DNA test was first introduced in 2016. Join MyHeritage Product Manager Gal Zrihen for an overview of all the new and exciting developments in MyHeritage’s DNA features and capabilities.
MyHeritage has been breaking new ground with genetic genealogy research technology since the MyHeritage DNA test was first introduced in 2016. Join MyHeritage Product Manager Gal Zrihen for an overview of all the new and exciting developments in MyHeritage’s DNA features and capabilities.
Covering Your Bases: An Introduction to Autosomal DNA Coverage
Wed, April 5 2023: 18:00 UTC
Autosomal DNA tests are utilized in genetic genealogy to solve historic research questions by exploring the genetic traces left by deceased ancestors in the genomes of their living descendants. Any given descendant only inherits a portion of their ancestor’s DNA, and different descendants inherit different portions of that DNA. Based on the relationships between tested descendants of a research subject, it is possible to estimate how much of an ancestor’s DNA is represented in any given database. This information can help in prioritization of testing candidates and can also aid in interpretation of shared DNA between multiple groups of individuals.
Autosomal DNA tests are utilized in genetic genealogy to solve historic research questions by exploring the genetic traces left by deceased ancestors in the genomes of their living descendants. Any given descendant only inherits a portion of their ancestor’s DNA, and different descendants inherit different portions of that DNA. Based on the relationships between tested descendants of a research subject, it is possible to estimate how much of an ancestor’s DNA is represented in any given database. This information can help in prioritization of testing candidates and can also aid in interpretation of shared DNA between multiple groups of individuals.
Solving Unknown Parentage Mysteries with MyHeritage DNA
Thu, April 13 2023: 21:00 UTC
DNA testing has transformed the options available to people with unknown parentage or other unknown ancestor mysteries. This presentation will explain how to use DNA results from MyHeritage to help with solving these previously unsolvable enigmas. Michelle will guide you through how to use the tools and features provided by MyHeritage specifically for unknown parentage situations from investigating MyHeritage matches, utilising the detailed shared match lists on offer, building master research trees for your projects, using the 30 helpful color-coding labels to cluster and organise mystery matches right through to identifying links and obtaining solutions. She will provide practical demonstrations of the core techniques you should employ and genuine case studies and success stories will be included to show how DNA results from MyHeritage can be used in tandem with traditional research to solve mysteries and gain answers.
DNA testing has transformed the options available to people with unknown parentage or other unknown ancestor mysteries. This presentation will explain how to use DNA results from MyHeritage to help with solving these previously unsolvable enigmas. Michelle will guide you through how to use the tools and features provided by MyHeritage specifically for unknown parentage situations from investigating MyHeritage matches, utilising the detailed shared match lists on offer, building master research trees for your projects, using the 30 helpful color-coding labels to cluster and organise mystery matches right through to identifying links and obtaining solutions. She will provide practical demonstrations of the core techniques you should employ and genuine case studies and success stories will be included to show how DNA results from MyHeritage can be used in tandem with traditional research to solve mysteries and gain answers.
An Introduction to Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Fri, April 14 2023: 17:00 UTC
Investigative, or Forensic, Genetic Genealogy (I/FGG) is the relatively recent application of traditional genetic genealogy skills, tools, and resources with the objective to assist Law Enforcement agencies in identifying unidentified human remains or suspects of violent crimes, among other cases. With this introduction, we will learn how I/FGG started, how it works, how is it different from traditional Forensic DNA Typing, and other traditional genealogical and genetic investigations used in criminal justice, and what changes are in place to ensure that I/FGG can be done safely, ethically, legally, and without compromising the privacy and integrity of the genetic genealogical community.
Investigative, or Forensic, Genetic Genealogy (I/FGG) is the relatively recent application of traditional genetic genealogy skills, tools, and resources with the objective to assist Law Enforcement agencies in identifying unidentified human remains or suspects of violent crimes, among other cases. With this introduction, we will learn how I/FGG started, how it works, how is it different from traditional Forensic DNA Typing, and other traditional genealogical and genetic investigations used in criminal justice, and what changes are in place to ensure that I/FGG can be done safely, ethically, legally, and without compromising the privacy and integrity of the genetic genealogical community.
Using Multiple WATO Analyses to break through a Brick Wall
Wed, May 3 2023: 18:00 UTC
Maurice Gleeson has been experimenting with Multiple WATO (What Are The Odds) Analyses as a technique to break through Brick Walls in family trees at the 1750-1800 timepoint. With Multiple WATO Analyses, all possible scenarios for an ancestral relationship are explored (hence the “multiple” in the title). So if there are 3 individuals born about the same time, the various scenarios to explore are: 1. are they all brothers? 2. are they all half-brothers? 3. are two brothers and the third a 1st cousin to the other two? 4. are two half-brothers and the third a 1st cousin? 5. are they all 1st cousins? etc. etc. etc. And each scenario above is assessed from the perspective of all descendants involved in the analysis … so if there are 10 Scenarios and 8 descendants there will be 28 pair-wise comparisons in each scenario so 280 comparisons in total. Maurice will present several examples of how this technique has been used in practice to break thru Irish Brick Walls.
Maurice Gleeson has been experimenting with Multiple WATO (What Are The Odds) Analyses as a technique to break through Brick Walls in family trees at the 1750-1800 timepoint. With Multiple WATO Analyses, all possible scenarios for an ancestral relationship are explored (hence the “multiple” in the title). So if there are 3 individuals born about the same time, the various scenarios to explore are: 1. are they all brothers? 2. are they all half-brothers? 3. are two brothers and the third a 1st cousin to the other two? 4. are two half-brothers and the third a 1st cousin? 5. are they all 1st cousins? etc. etc. etc. And each scenario above is assessed from the perspective of all descendants involved in the analysis … so if there are 10 Scenarios and 8 descendants there will be 28 pair-wise comparisons in each scenario so 280 comparisons in total. Maurice will present several examples of how this technique has been used in practice to break thru Irish Brick Walls.
Fishing in Your Match List with MyHeritage DNA Tools
Tue, May 23 2023: 18:00 UTC
MyHeritage’s AutoClusters are a great way to start exploring the clusters of your genetic cousins and narrow in on potentially pertinent genetic cousins, but sometimes AutoClusters can only take you so far. Learn to leverage MyHeritage’s Theories of Family Relativity, shared matching and DNA match labeling to isolate pertinent genetic cousins for a research question and solve your family history mysteries.
MyHeritage’s AutoClusters are a great way to start exploring the clusters of your genetic cousins and narrow in on potentially pertinent genetic cousins, but sometimes AutoClusters can only take you so far. Learn to leverage MyHeritage’s Theories of Family Relativity, shared matching and DNA match labeling to isolate pertinent genetic cousins for a research question and solve your family history mysteries.
Discovering More From Your Next Generation Sequence (NGS | Big Y) Test
Wed, June 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
For years researchers have been identifying family history using YDNA, especially those interested in where their specific line may originate. Upgrading to a next Generation Sequence test (NGS) can help bring information that could be 200k years old into a more workable timeframe is what these tests are all about (and then some). We will take a look at the NGS test at the tools for discovery available today and apply them in a case study.
For years researchers have been identifying family history using YDNA, especially those interested in where their specific line may originate. Upgrading to a next Generation Sequence test (NGS) can help bring information that could be 200k years old into a more workable timeframe is what these tests are all about (and then some). We will take a look at the NGS test at the tools for discovery available today and apply them in a case study.
Author and speaker Richard Hill, founder of the DNAFavorites.com website, will review his ten favorite DNA features included with the MyHeritage DNA test. He will show how these features support the basic functions of genetic genealogy, including (1) finding previously unknown relatives, (2) identifying the common ancestors responsible for our genetic matches, and (3) estimating the mix of ethnicities inherited from our ancestors. Using examples from his personal account, Richard will demonstrate these features and show how they can be used productively by genealogists, adoptees, and anyone curious about their family history or ethnic background.
Author and speaker Richard Hill, founder of the DNAFavorites.com website, will review his ten favorite DNA features included with the MyHeritage DNA test. He will show how these features support the basic functions of genetic genealogy, including (1) finding previously unknown relatives, (2) identifying the common ancestors responsible for our genetic matches, and (3) estimating the mix of ethnicities inherited from our ancestors. Using examples from his personal account, Richard will demonstrate these features and show how they can be used productively by genealogists, adoptees, and anyone curious about their family history or ethnic background.
How and When Did Our European Ancestors Get to Europe?
Wed, August 2 2023: 18:00 UTC
We can trace the paths of ancestors far back into prehistory. We will never know their names or individual vital information. However BIG Y 700 and mtDNA tests now allow us to estimate the paths their haplogroups took as they migrated out of Africa and into Europe.
We can trace the paths of ancestors far back into prehistory. We will never know their names or individual vital information. However BIG Y 700 and mtDNA tests now allow us to estimate the paths their haplogroups took as they migrated out of Africa and into Europe.
Y DNA Discover Tool – What News Can Your Haplogroup Reveal?
Wed, August 30 2023: 18:00 UTC
Stepping through FamilyTreeDNA’s fun new Y DNA Discover tool. It’s free and all you need is your haplogroup. View your migration path, see ancient and notable DNA connections along with haplogroup ages.
Stepping through FamilyTreeDNA’s fun new Y DNA Discover tool. It’s free and all you need is your haplogroup. View your migration path, see ancient and notable DNA connections along with haplogroup ages.
Case Study: Finding My 3rd Great Grandfather: How X-DNA Led the Way
Fri, September 1 2023: 16:45 UTC
We never knew the birth parents of my 2nd great grandmother, Sena. Her mother died during childbirth on the ship coming from Norway. Baby Sena was raised by another Norwegian family. This case study details how an X-DNA match led me to Baby Sena’s father—my 3rd great grandfather. This talk covers X-DNA inheritance patterns and how they can help you determine how you’re related to a match.
We never knew the birth parents of my 2nd great grandmother, Sena. Her mother died during childbirth on the ship coming from Norway. Baby Sena was raised by another Norwegian family. This case study details how an X-DNA match led me to Baby Sena’s father—my 3rd great grandfather. This talk covers X-DNA inheritance patterns and how they can help you determine how you’re related to a match.
An overview of using DNA matches to solve genealogical mysteries. This webinar will cover a basic review of atDNA testing (what it is and how it can be used), what information is provided on a match page, how that information can be analyzed to assist paper genealogical research, and examples from Shannon’s own DNA results.
An overview of using DNA matches to solve genealogical mysteries. This webinar will cover a basic review of atDNA testing (what it is and how it can be used), what information is provided on a match page, how that information can be analyzed to assist paper genealogical research, and examples from Shannon’s own DNA results.
Hints & Tips for Solving Irish Cases of Unknown Parentage Using DNA
There are many examples of Unknown Parentage cases in Ireland – illegal adoptees, a foundling grandparent, or simply an Irish Brick Wall. This talk explores the approach to solving these cases, the challenges faced with Irish records, and some hints & tips to overcome them using DNA.
There are many examples of Unknown Parentage cases in Ireland – illegal adoptees, a foundling grandparent, or simply an Irish Brick Wall. This talk explores the approach to solving these cases, the challenges faced with Irish records, and some hints & tips to overcome them using DNA.
Using Mitochondrial DNA Testing for Genealogical Problem Solving
Utilizing this form of DNA testing in genealogy garners a lot of negative advice. Learn how vitally important this kind of testing can be when you use DNA as an active tool in the genealogical toolbox. This case study will show you how pairing good research and DNA testing can be the perfect marriage.
Utilizing this form of DNA testing in genealogy garners a lot of negative advice. Learn how vitally important this kind of testing can be when you use DNA as an active tool in the genealogical toolbox. This case study will show you how pairing good research and DNA testing can be the perfect marriage.
How Three Types of DNA and Genealogy Uncovered the Long-Lost Enslaved Father
For over 25 years, oral history led Melvin Collier down the wrong road in the search for the father of his great-grandfather, Albert Kennedy (1857-1928) of Leake County, Mississippi. DNA was indeed providing great clues, but he initially attached them to the wrong ancestor. However, more autosomal DNA analysis, Y-DNA evidence, X-chromosome matching, and genealogy research revealed that the oral history had not been entirely true. This put Collier on the right road to discovery. Travel down this exciting genealogical road as Collier shows how DNA and genealogy led him to the identity and the story of his 2X-great grandfather. Ironically, he was born in northern Virginia, where Collier resides now, and was eventually taken to Sugartown, Louisiana during the Civil War. Lots of genealogy and genetic genealogy tips to be gained from this case.
For over 25 years, oral history led Melvin Collier down the wrong road in the search for the father of his great-grandfather, Albert Kennedy (1857-1928) of Leake County, Mississippi. DNA was indeed providing great clues, but he initially attached them to the wrong ancestor. However, more autosomal DNA analysis, Y-DNA evidence, X-chromosome matching, and genealogy research revealed that the oral history had not been entirely true. This put Collier on the right road to discovery. Travel down this exciting genealogical road as Collier shows how DNA and genealogy led him to the identity and the story of his 2X-great grandfather. Ironically, he was born in northern Virginia, where Collier resides now, and was eventually taken to Sugartown, Louisiana during the Civil War. Lots of genealogy and genetic genealogy tips to be gained from this case.
Staying organized in your genetic genealogy research could mean the difference between celebrating the toppling of a brick wall, and beating your head against that same brick wall. Let’s chat about how our DNA testing companies are making it even easier for you to keep your DNA organized in 2023.
Staying organized in your genetic genealogy research could mean the difference between celebrating the toppling of a brick wall, and beating your head against that same brick wall. Let’s chat about how our DNA testing companies are making it even easier for you to keep your DNA organized in 2023.
Despite his best efforts, Geoff Rasmussen’s long standing brick wall hasn’t come down yet. John Williams, born in New York City between 1840-1854, was the son of John Williams. Family tradition says that “he was orphaned at the age of 10 and shifted around until he was 16”. Geoff thinks it’s time to add a little genetic genealogy to his plan. On hand to help him develop this DNA plan is DNA expert Diahan Southard. Join us and learn techniques that you can apply to your own family tree.
Despite his best efforts, Geoff Rasmussen’s long standing brick wall hasn’t come down yet. John Williams, born in New York City between 1840-1854, was the son of John Williams. Family tradition says that “he was orphaned at the age of 10 and shifted around until he was 16”. Geoff thinks it’s time to add a little genetic genealogy to his plan. On hand to help him develop this DNA plan is DNA expert Diahan Southard. Join us and learn techniques that you can apply to your own family tree.
In this special session, MyHeritage’s scientist will break down the science behind DNA – DNA inheritance, how DNA testing actually works, how raw results are analyzed, how DNA matching works and how we are able to find unknown relatives with it and estimate one’s ethnic origins. In the second part of the session we will go over DNA results and important tools available on MyHeritage, that can help in researching your family history and identify relatives and relationships.
In this special session, MyHeritage’s scientist will break down the science behind DNA – DNA inheritance, how DNA testing actually works, how raw results are analyzed, how DNA matching works and how we are able to find unknown relatives with it and estimate one’s ethnic origins. In the second part of the session we will go over DNA results and important tools available on MyHeritage, that can help in researching your family history and identify relatives and relationships.
Right Place, Right Time, Right Person: Intersections of DNA and Document Evidence
While genetic evidence can aid in the resolution of research obstacles, at the end of the day, genetic genealogy is just genealogy and must be considered within the context of documentary evidence. Even so, the aims of documentary research to make sense of anomalies in genetic evidence often center around finding the right person in the right place at the right time to be an ancestor of a research subject. Learn how to creatively use documentary evidence to recognize and detect intersections of DNA and document evidence.
While genetic evidence can aid in the resolution of research obstacles, at the end of the day, genetic genealogy is just genealogy and must be considered within the context of documentary evidence. Even so, the aims of documentary research to make sense of anomalies in genetic evidence often center around finding the right person in the right place at the right time to be an ancestor of a research subject. Learn how to creatively use documentary evidence to recognize and detect intersections of DNA and document evidence.
Sometimes our ancestors seem to have appeared out of nowhere. That was the case with William Emmitt Hunter whose life before his 1910 Oklahoma marriage was basically unknown. One record—his application for a Social Security account number—provided self-reported information about his birth in North Carolina and his parents’ names. But his alleged parents could not be found. Without DNA, this case would not have been solved. But DNA revealed that William was born as a Beddingfield, not a Hunter. Additional research identified his name at birth and traced him through multiple marriages, divorces, another alias, and indicated the possible reason why he changed his name and left behind his family and friends to start a new life in Oklahoma.
Sometimes our ancestors seem to have appeared out of nowhere. That was the case with William Emmitt Hunter whose life before his 1910 Oklahoma marriage was basically unknown. One record—his application for a Social Security account number—provided self-reported information about his birth in North Carolina and his parents’ names. But his alleged parents could not be found. Without DNA, this case would not have been solved. But DNA revealed that William was born as a Beddingfield, not a Hunter. Additional research identified his name at birth and traced him through multiple marriages, divorces, another alias, and indicated the possible reason why he changed his name and left behind his family and friends to start a new life in Oklahoma.
In this presentation Michelle will outline her most important DNA tips with a list of her top ten things you should do if you want to make progress with DNA testing for family history as well as her top ten things you should avoid. These tips will help you be successful on your DNA journey and steer clear of common mistakes and pitfalls.
In this presentation Michelle will outline her most important DNA tips with a list of her top ten things you should do if you want to make progress with DNA testing for family history as well as her top ten things you should avoid. These tips will help you be successful on your DNA journey and steer clear of common mistakes and pitfalls.
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