DNA Testing

We often need other family members to take a DNA test for us to help us solve our genealogical problems. We’ll discuss ways MyHeritage can help us find, test, and collaborate with our DNA cousins.

When our families scattered across the globe, they often left close family behind. The family connections were lost over the subsequent generations. Now through family history research and DNA we are reconnecting with the branches of our family tree as shown in these case studies.

X-chromosome DNA is often one of the hidden gems of the genetic genealogy world especially when used in conjunction with autosomal DNA. This webinar will present an overview of the unique inheritance patterns of X-DNA and set out how and why X-DNA matching differs from atDNA matching. Michelle will guide you through the advantages of utilizing X-chromosome data and demonstrate how to use it to effectively narrow down and identify connections with your DNA matches. She will also cover which companies provide access to X-DNA data, include an array of tips on how to set yourself up to succeed with X-DNA and provide genuine case study examples that show what can be achieved when you harness this powerful type of DNA.

Whether testing ourselves or others, or disclosing results, informed consent to DNA testing is essential, requiring knowledge and understanding of the risks and a voluntary acceptance. Learn more about this key ingredient for ethical DNA testing.

Your DNA matches hold powerful clues, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume. In this session, we will cover practical strategies to keep your research streamlined and productive. You’ll see how to use Ancestry and MyHeritage labels as powerful filters (not filing cabinets!), focus on the right matches, and apply simple tools like DNA Painter’s matrix to spot meaningful patterns. With a clear step-by-step framework as scaffolding, you’ll discover how to stay organized, reduce confusion, and make steady progress on your family history.

Ethnicity estimates can provide a fascinating glimpse into your ancestral origins, but understanding their scope and limitations is key. This session examines how testing companies generate ethnicity estimates, what they reveal, and how they can be used in genealogical research. Discover how to interpret these estimates in the context of your family history and integrate them with other tools for a more complete picture of your heritage.

Genealogists who overlook or underutilize the MyHeritage DNA test miss out on many great tools. 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.

Our DNA matches can’t really help us if we don’t know who they are. But we also need to ask ourselves what the match is telling us and what evidence it can provide for our genealogical research.

Shared matching is an essential strategy for tackling genealogical puzzles and breaking through brick walls. In this lecture, we’ll demonstrate how to use shared matches effectively, focusing on strategies to solve mysteries related to ancestors from the 1900s, 1800s, and beyond. Learn how this technique can reveal hidden connections and strengthen your research.