Deb's Delvings in Genealogy: Speaking schedule

Showing posts with label Speaking schedule. Show all posts

12 June 2019

All-day DNA Seminar, June 29th, Denver Public Library

I will be presenting an all-day DNA seminar at the Denver Public Library on 29 June 2019. My only other visits to Denver were driving through when I was 12 years old and a visit to the Ramses II exhibit in about 1988 to 1989. I am looking forward to seeing more of the area this time.

Free and open to the public. No registration required. Doors open at 9am.

Topics include how DNA keeps providing new information, essential tools, organizing data, and writing your results to inspire family to participate.

All statements made in this blog are the opinion of the post author. This blog is not sponsored by any entity other than Debbie Parker Wayne nor is it supported through free or reduced price access to items discussed unless so indicated in the blog post. Hot links to other sites are provided as a courtesy to the reader and are not an endorsement of the other entities except as clearly stated in the narrative.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "All-day DNA Seminar, June 29th, Denver Public Library," Deb's Delvings, 12 June 2019 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2019, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

30 July 2018

Texas State GS 2018 Annual Conference Schedule

Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) has announced the conference schedule for San Antonio on 2-4 November 2018. This year celebrates 300 years of history since the founding of San Antonio with three days (and over 3,000 minutes) of great genealogy education!

Registration is available at http://www.txsgs.org/txsgs-2018-conference-registration/.

Lodging and venue information is available at http://www.txsgs.org/2018-conference-lodging-and-venue/.

Nearby restaurant information is available at http://www.txsgs.org/2018-conference-restaurants/. Note that lunches are not available through the conference this year.

The conference schedule details and list of sessions are available at http://www.txsgs.org/2018-txsgs-schedule-overview/. Exciting sessions start at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and run through 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

If you are like me and need the conference schedule in a grid format to make your session choices you can use the grid I created at http://debbiewayne.com/temp/Txsgs_2018_schedule_grid.pdf.

This year I will be presenting a two-hour workshop on autosomal DNA analysis from 1:30 to 3:30 Friday afternoon. This workshop has limited seating available and an add-on cost of $30.

I will be presenting "Organizing Genetic Genealogy" at 11:00 on Saturday and "Documenting DNA Analysis" at 2:00 on Saturday. I am scheduled before and after lunch; it will be a busy mid-day on Saturday.

Our plan is to unveil our new Early Texas DNA Project website at this conference. I will be answering questions and featuring the website at a TxSGS booth when I am not speaking.

Speakers include Mic Barnette, Jim Brewster, Evan Christensen, Schelly Talalay Dardashti, Debra Dudek, Mary Esther Escobedo, Patti Gillespie, Sharon Gillins, Sara Gredler, Colleen Greene, Tony Hanson, Kevin Klaus, Devon Noel Lee, Janice Lovelace, Bernard N. Meisner, Kelvin Meyers, Betsy Mills, Laurel Neuman, David Passman, Lisa Reed, Diane L. Richard, Mary Kircher Roddy, Lisa Toth Salinas, Carl Smith, Kathy Strauss, Michael L. Strauss, Pam Vestal, Eric Wells, and Ari Wilkins.

Normal sessions include diverse topics with research tips on African Americans, DNA, Germans, Hispanics, land, methodology, military, publishing and preservation, records and repositories, Russian Jewish immigrants, and technology.

Workshops include Autosomal DNA Analysis, Metadata and Digital Archiving Your Family History Photos and Documents, Researching Your World War II Ancestors, and Spreadsheets 101—An Excel-lent Hands-on Tutorial.

There is something for every researcher at every knowledge level. I hope to see you there.

Debbie Parker Wayne will receive remuneration as a speaker for this conference and is a board member as the DNA Project Chair.

All statements made in this blog are the opinion of the post author. This blog is not sponsored by any entity other than Debbie Parker Wayne nor is it supported through free or reduced price access to items discussed unless so indicated in the blog post. Hot links to other sites are provided as a courtesy to the reader and are not an endorsement of the other entities except as clearly stated in the narrative.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Texas State GS 2018 Annual Conference Schedule," Deb's Delvings, 30 July 2018 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2018, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

16 September 2017

DNA Workshop, Southwest Tennessee, 28 October 2017

I have been invited to teach an all-day DNA seminar in a workshop format in Germantown, Tennessee, on 28 October 2017. This will include hands-on analysis of autosomal DNA segments and correlating the DNA and documentary evidence.

Gingerbread family recombination,
©2016, Debbie Parker Wayne

The original event space in Germantown sold out, but there are spaces available in the larger venue now reserved. This will be my last workshop this year (my other scheduled events have been cancelled due to damage caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma). I am looking forward to spending time in Germantown, Memphis, and southwest Tennessee. I hope to see many old friends there and make some new friends.

Registration is available at http://www.tngs.org/event-2556801.

Date: Saturday, 28 October 2017

Time: 8:00am to 3:00pm

Place: Germantown Church of Christ, 8723 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138

Sessions include

DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today: A brief review of DNA inheritance and basic genetic information, company tools, and third-party tools
Y-DNA and mtDNA Analysis: Match list analysis, project advantages, using Y-DNA and mtDNA to prove Native American ancestry and to link to a common ancestor through DNA matches
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) Analysis: Match list analysis, shared surname, and family tree analysis; genetic networks: shared matches, In Common With (ICW), DNA Circles; and triangulated groups
Correlating DNA and Documentary Evidence: Apply DNA and documentary evidence to answer genealogical relationship questions

A family tree and documents will be used for hands-on activities to confirm (or refute) links in a tree, determine if a newly found DNA match belongs in the same tree, and whether documentary evidence correlates with the DNA evidence to support or disprove a hypothesis.

My Family Chromosome Map: Kitty Cooper Chromosome Mapper,
©2017, Debbie Parker Wayne

To cite this blog post: Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Workshop, Southwest Tennessee, 28 October 2017," Deb's Delvings, 16 September 2017 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2017, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

05 November 2016

Nov. 10, 'DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today' at Bear Creek Genealogical Society (Houston, TX)

My last scheduled speaking engagement in 2016 is next week in Houston. The topic will be an introduction to genetic genealogy testing and how to apply the test results to genealogical questions.

1 p.m., Thursday, 10 November 2016, Houston, Texas: GATA GACC! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today – Bear Creek Genealogical Society & Library – Westlake Volunteer Fire Dept. station, 19636 Salms Road. (I-10 West to the Fry Rd. exit; turn right / north and travel about five traffic lights; turn right on Salms Road and immediately see new building on left; turn left into parking lot, drive past building, enter at double doors in front of building, turn right into auditorium. Located in a two story brick building on northeast side of Saums Road after you turn at the Saums Road light next to KF; not the old original metal building across the street.) See also www.bearcreekgenealogy.org.

An introduction to all of the ways DNA can help with genealogical research and the tests available. Covers all four types of DNA (Y, mitochondrial, X, and autosomal) and basic genetics information needed to use DNA for genealogy.

I hope to see many readers and friends there next week. Please stop by and say hi.

To cite this blog post:

Debbie Parker Wayne, "Nov. 10, 'DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today' at Bear Creek Genealogical Society (Houston, TX)," Deb's Delvings, 5 November 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

19 September 2016

CAFG FGI - Two New Courses in March 2017

The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) announced the 6^th annual Forensic Genealogy Institute today. While I am excited to be teaching a track using the book Blaine T. Bettinger and I wrote, I am sad that I won't be able to attend the other track!

The beautiful and historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio was also the venue for the 2016 Forensic Genealogy Institute. Some of the rooms are in the original 1850s section of the hotel, with modern conveniences added while keeping the historic charm of the rooms. The restaurant has great selections. The Alamo is right across the street. Plan to come early or stay after the institute to explore the Alamo and the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Announcement from CAFG:

***Save the Date***

The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) is proud to announce two first-time tracks—unique to CAFG—being offered at the 6th Annual Forensic Genealogy Institute to be held March 7-9, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas.

The first track, Applying Genetic Genealogy to a Forensic Specialty, will be led by Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, and offers a unique focus on genetic genealogy for forensic genealogists. This three-day workshop is based on Genetic Genealogy in Practice, with additional material customized for forensic genealogists. Genetic genealogy is a complex topic requiring practice and study to master. Each student will be required to purchase and have in-hand a print copy of the textbook that will be used in the course: Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, Genetic Genealogy in Practice (Arlington, Va.: National Genealogy Society, 2016); available online at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/home.

The second track, Becoming an Expert: Law and the Forensic Genealogist, will be led by Judy Russell, JD, CG, CGL, aka The Legal Genealogist. From the standards that govern genealogical research to the rules that govern courtroom evidence, the law requires expertise of the forensic genealogist. In this three-day, hands-on program, current and aspiring forensic genealogists will learn more about becoming that kind of expert, from applying the Genealogical Proof Standard to finding the applicable law to understanding the legal processes that govern expert witnesses in forensic cases.

CAFG is the leader in education for forensic genealogists. Registration will open October 15. http://www.forensicgenealogists.org/institute/

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "CAFG FGI - Two New Courses in March 2017," Deb's Delvings, 19 September 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

16 September 2016

Upcoming Speaking Engagements - 4Q 2016

I only have two more speaking engagements scheduled for the rest of 2016! That allows me to fit in some research time (travel to Salt Lake City to visit the FamilySearch library) and educational events (a DNA conference in Houston).

First:

The Texas State Genealogical Society Family History Conference (http://www.txsgs.org/) runs from 28–30 October 2016 in Dallas, Texas. The featured speakers are Cyndi Ingle and Judy G. Russell. Many other national and local speakers will also be presenting some of the 72 sessions.

I will present two sessions and plan to have a table in the exhibitor hall to discuss DNA and the Early Texans DNA Project with attendees. My sessions are

5 p.m., Friday, 28 October: X-DNA Inheritance and Analysis

Learn uses of X-DNA for genealogical research. This lecture uses case studies to demonstrate databases and analysis methods using X-DNA for genealogy.
2 p.m., Saturday, 29 October: DNA Analysis Tools

Dozens of genetic genealogy analysis tools are available. Some are scientific tools that genealogists can also use. Some are designed specifically for genetic genealogy. Learn to make use of these tools to advance your genealogical research.

See the full conference schedule for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Pre-conference research activities are planned for Thursday, 27 October.

I will have copies of Genetic Genealogy on Practice, co-authored with Blaine T. Bettinger, with me to sell and will sign copies. Payment methods accepted will be cash, check, or Paypal payments (Paypal link will be provided at the conference).

Second:

1 p.m., Thursday, 10 November, Houston, Texas: GATA GACC! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today – Bear Creek Genealogical Society & Library – Westlake Volunteer Fire Dept. station, 19636 Salms Road. (I-10 West to the Fry Rd. exit; turn right / north and travel about five traffic lights; turn right on Salms Road and immediately see new building on left; turn left into parking lot, drive past building, enter at double doors in front of building, turn right into auditorium.) See also www.bearcreekgenealogy.org.

An introduction to all of the ways DNA can help with genealogical research and the tests available. Covers all four types of DNA (Y, mitochondrial, X, and autosomal) and basic genetics information needed to use DNA for genealogy.

I hope to see many readers and friends at one of these events. Please stop by and say hi.

19 September 2016: Added address and directions for Nov. 10 event.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Upcoming Speaking Engagements - 4Q 2016," Deb's Delvings, 16 September 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

21 April 2016

DNA Sales and Presentations for DNA Day Celebrations

Yes, there is an official National DNA Day! April 25th.

This year the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is presenting an online lecture on "Harry Potter and the Genetics of Wizarding." See more at https://www.genome.gov/10506367/national-dna-day/.

In Tyler, Texas, we will celebrate early on April 23 with an all-day DNA seminar to teach genealogists to begin analyzing DNA test results for evidence to apply to genealogical questions. See more at http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2016/04/hands-on-dna-workshop-april-23-tyler.html and http://etgs.org/meetings/etgsmtg04_a.html.

Both AncestryDNA and Family Tree DNA are offering sales on DNA test kits.

AncestryDNA is offering a $20 discount — $79 plus free shipping if you use the FREESHIPDNA code. Offer ends Tuesday, 26 April 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Testing at AncestryDNA allows easy comparisons between your public family tree on Ancestry, if you have one, and the public tree of your DNA matches, if they have a public tree. In-depth analysis of shared DNA segments will require the test results (the raw data file) be uploaded to a third-party tool such as GEDmatch.com. AncestryDNA does not provide the in-depth analysis tools most genetic genealogists need and want. AncestryDNA uses a saliva sample.

Family Tree DNA is offering a $20 discount — $79 for the autosomal DNA test called Family Finder PLUS discounts on most other Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. Offer ends Tuesday, 26 April 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The Family FInder test and AncestryDNA test are very similar, but only Family Tree DNA offers Y-DNA and mtDNA tests which can be done using the same DNA sample. Family Tree DNA uses a cheek swab which can be easier for some elderly relatives.

Testing at Family Tree DNA allows comparisons between your public family tree on Family Tree DNA, if you have one, and the public tree of your DNA matches, if they have a public tree. In-depth analysis of shared DNA segments can be done using the In-Common-With, Matrix, and chromosome browser tools provided by Family Tree DNA. In addition to using the company-provided tools, the raw data file can also be uploaded to a third-party tool such as GEDmatch.com. The shared segment data can be downloaded using third-party tools at DNAgedcom.com. That data can then be used in many other tools such as Genome Mate Pro and other Genetic Genealogy Tools.

Family Tree DNA's announcement includes this info and these prices for other DNA tests:

The prices are below, and are valid on new tests and add-ons only. Discounts do not combine with existing group discounts. Upgrades will be discounted in June.

Product — Retail Pricing — Sale Price

Family Finder — ~~$99~~ — $79
mtFull Seq — ~~$199~~ — $149
Y37 — ~~$169~~ — $129
Y67 — ~~$268~~ — $199
Y111 — ~~$359~~ — $289
BigY — ~~$575~~ — $460
SNP Packs — ~~$119~~ — $109
mtDNA plus — Not on Sale

Let's celebrate DNA Day by adding thousands of test results to the databases!

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Sales and Presentations for DNA Day Celebrations," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 21 April 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

13 April 2016

Hands-on DNA Workshop, April 23, Tyler, Texas

One of the biggest complaints of those who attend DNA presentations is that the concepts seem to make sense as one listens, but when you try to apply the concepts to family research it no longer seems as clear.

The East Texas Genealogical Society (ETGS) has asked me to present a one-day, hands-on DNA workshop on Saturday, 23 April 2016, in Tyler, Texas. This workshop will cover the basics of DNA inheritance for the novice then move into some more advanced techniques used to analyze the DNA test results to answer genealogical questions. All of the types of DNA tests used by genealogists will be discussed. The novice and intermediate level genetic genealogist should learn something new in this workshop. The cost is only $10 for ETGS members or $20 for non-members. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration guarantees handouts will be available.

Information on registration can be found online at http://etgs.org/meetings/etgsmtg04_a.html. Registration can be paid online using Paypal or can be mailed to the society. If you want to order lunch, registration must be done by April 15th (only two days from now).

Location: Fairwood United Methodist Church, 1712 Old Omen Road, Tyler, TX 75701
See map here

The schedule for Genetic Genealogy Analysis and Tools: Stepping Up to the Next Level will be:

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Information

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 1st Session
“Genetic Genealogy Today: DNA Inheritance”
A review of genetic genealogy basics such as the inheritance patterns of each type of DNA used for genealogy. This includes an introduction to some of the tools to be illustrated in later sessions.

10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Break - snacks and drinks furnished

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 2nd Session
“Genetic Genealogy Company Comparisons”
Information on how to choose a DNA testing company, the pros and cons of each company’s offerings, and the tests available today; and
“Tools and Applications for mtDNA”
Illustration of a real-life case study using the latest tools and techniques to analyze mitochondrial DNA (passed along the matrilineal line).

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch - bring our own lunch, go to nearby restaurants, or pre-order a box lunch

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 3rd Session
“Tools and Applications for Y-DNA”
Illustration of a real-life case study using the latest tools and techniques to analyze Y-DNA (passed along the patrilineal line).

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Break - snacks and drinks furnished

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 4th Session
“Tools and Applications for atDNA”
Illustration of a real-life case study using the latest tools and techniques to analyze autosomal DNA (inherited through all ancestral lines).

I hope to see you all there.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Hands-on DNA Workshop, April 23, Tyler, Texas," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 13 April 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

15 March 2016

Texas State GS Conference, Call for Papers, Deadline 15 May 2016

This press release was received today from Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS).

Texas State Genealogical Society
2016 Family History Conference
Call for Presentations
Deadline for Submissions: May 15, 2016

11 March 2016—Austin, Texas The Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) announces a Call for Presentations for their 2016 Family History Conference. This year’s conference will be held 28-30 October 2016, in Dallas, Texas. The deadline for proposals is May 15, 2016.

About the Proposals

We are looking for dynamic, enthusiastic presenters! If you feel passionate about your area of expertise and would like to teach and inspire other genealogists, this is the venue for you. Seasoned speakers and speakers new to the genealogical lecturing arena are encouraged to submit presentations.

The areas of interest may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Basic genealogical topics (How-To, or Getting Started)
Methodology and problem-solving techniques
Ethnic research topics (African-American, German-Texan, Czech-Texan, etc.)
Adoptee challenges
DNA
Researching in record groups (land records, probate records, etc.)
Texas- and Southern-focused research

Presenters may submit proposals for as many as five lectures.

Submission Requirements

Presentations should be one hour in length. This includes any question-and-answer period the presenter may want to allow. Please send proposals in the following formats: Microsoft Word, pdf, or rich text format (rtf). File names should include your last name and title of lecture (example: Smith – Understanding DNA Results).

Presenters should send a genealogical résumé or biography in addition to your proposals. Please include any prior speaking experience. Be sure to submit the following information for each lecture you propose:

Your full name
Contact information (mailing address, email address and phone number)
A lecture outline or summary (not more than one page)
Audio-visual requirements (projector, screen, etc.)
Target audience (beginner, intermediate, advanced, professional)

Email your individual proposals as file attachments to the TxSGS 2016 Conference Chair at conference@txsgs.org. Please send one proposal per email. Proposals must be received no later than May 15, 2016.

Selected presenters will also be required to provide the following information and materials for advertising purposes and for the syllabus:

Photo
Biography (about 150 words)
Camera-ready handout for each lecture in PDF format (not to exceed 6 pages per lecture)

TxSGS will provide a projector, microphone and stand.

Compensation

Selected presenters will receive an honorarium of $100 for each one-hour lecture.

Additionally, a $25 bonus per lecture, will be awarded to the those presenters selected for submitting syllabus materials by the syllabus material deadline. All required dates will be outlined in the acceptance letter sent to the selected presenters.

In addition each speaker will also receive a $150 stipend as reimbursement for expenses as well as a free registration to the conference. No other expenses will be provided or reimbursed. Meals that are included as part of the conference registration will be provided, as well as a ticket to the Saturday night banquet.

Anticipated Timeline

May 15, 2016 – Proposals due
June 19, 2016 – Notifications of acceptance sent out
September 2, 2016 – Syllabus materials due

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact the TxSGS 2016 Conference Chair at conference@txsgs.org.

About TxSGS

Founded in 1960, the Texas State Genealogical Society promotes, assists, develops, and conserves the genealogical and historical resources of Texas.

Keep up with the latest TxSGS 2016 Conference news!
Follow our Blog | Subscribe to our eNews | Check the Conference Site
Join the conversation @ #TxSGS2016

Contact: Texas State Genealogical Society
Attn: Conference Chair
2028 E. Ben White Blvd. #240-2700
Austin, Texas 78741
conference@txsgs.org

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Texas State GS Conference, Call for Papers, Deadline 15 May 2016," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 15 March 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

01 March 2016

GRIP Registration Starts Tomorrow for July Courses

Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) will open registration for its July 17-22 courses on Wednesday, March 2 at noon Eastern (9 a.m. Pacific). The registration page is at http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=73M. Course descriptions are available at http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=1900.

Two DNA courses are offered this year:

Practical Genetic Genealogy for those with beginner / intermediate level DNA knowledge is described at http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=1524, coordinated by Debbie Parker Wayne and Blaine Bettinger.
Advanced Genetic Genealogy is described at http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=1949, coordinated by CeCe Moore.

Other courses available include:

Diving Deeper into New England: Advanced Strategies for Success, coordinated by D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
From Confusion to Conclusion: How to Write Proof Arguments, coordinated by Harold Henderson, CG, and Kimberly Powell
Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper, coordinated by Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA
Resources and Strategies for Researching Your Italian Ancestors, coordinated by Melanie D. Holtz, CG
Advanced Research Methods, coordinated by Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA

Great location, (usually) great weather, dorm and cafeteria within feet of classrooms. What a great educational environment.

If you can't come in July, check to see if there are still openings in the June courses described at http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=1897:

Family Archiving: Heirlooms in the Digital Age, coordinated by Denise May Levenick
Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy for the 21st Century, coordinated by Cathi Desmarais, CG, Kelvin Meyers, and Michael Ramage, J.D., CG
German Research Resources, coordinated by Warren Bittner, CG, and Baerbel Johnson, AG
Master the Art of Genealogical Documentation, coordinated by Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG
Pennsylvania: Research in the Keystone State, coordinated by Sharon MacInnes, Ph.D., and Michael Lacopo, D.V.M
Women and Children First! Research Methods for the Hidden Members of the Family, coordinated by Judy G. Russell, J.D., CG, CGL

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "GRIP Registration Starts Tomorrow for July Courses," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 1 March 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved

22 January 2016

Forensic Genealogy Institute 2016, DNA Workshop

This year at the Forensic Genealogy Institute I will present an all-day DNA Workshop for the novice and those who want to reinforce understanding of basic concepts of genetic genealogy. On Saturday, 12 March, participants who are interested in adding DNA to their list of services attend, "An Introduction to Forensic Techniques for Genetic Genealogy."

Participants will be introduced to the foundations of DNA inheritance, analysis techniques, and reporting methods for forensic genealogy. This workshop provides an easy to understand explanation of complex DNA concepts. It includes a discussion of which type of DNA test can be used to answer which genealogical questions and practical experience applying DNA evidence to forensic genealogy cases. Attendees will participate in hands-on exercises in the following: Y-DNA, mtDNA, and atDNA case studies, and DNA tools.

The lectures and exercises include

Beginning Forensic Techniques for Genetic Genealogy: Introduction to DNA inheritance, analysis techniques, and reporting methods for forensic genealogists.
Y-DNA and mtDNA Case Studies: Hands-on exercises illustrating typical forensic cases.
atDNA Case Studies: Hands-on exercises illustrating typical forensic cases.
Case Studies using DNA Tools: Demonstration and discussion of tools that can simplify the DNA analysis seen in the case studies.

The entire institute runs from 10 March to 12 March 2016 in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. The historic Menger Hotel will be the setting for the institute. For registration information see Forensic Genealogy Institute, Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy.

Advanced genetic genealogists can attend the Advanced DNA Practicum instead of this introduction.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Forensic Genealogy Institute 2016, DNA Workshop," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 22 January 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

09 March 2015

All-day Intermediate DNA Workshop

On March 21st I will be doing an all-day DNA workshop for Dallas (Texas) Genealogical Society. I will begin with a brief review of genetic genealogy basics and advice about choosing a DNA testing company. The remaining sessions will provide in-depth information about tools and applications for mitochondrial DNA, Y-DNA, and autosomal DNA studies. Attendees will get more from these sessions if you already understand the basics of DNA covered in one hour sessions or have read some of the publications in the "Foundational Knowledge" section of my DNA bibliography page. Each session will include a real-life case study which uses the latest tools and techniques to analyze these DNA types. Sessions include:

Genetic Genealogy Today: Review and Updates - A brief review of genetic genealogy basics such as the inheritance patterns of each type of DNA used for genealogy. This includes an introduction to some of the tools to be illustrated in later sessions.
Genetic Genealogy Company Comparisons - Information on how to choose a DNA testing company, the pros and cons of each company's offerings, and the tests available today.
Tools and Applications for mtDNA - Illustration of a real-life case study using the latest tools and techniques to analyze mitochondrial DNA (passed along the matrilineal line).
Tools and Applications for Y-DNA - Illustration of a real-life case study using the latest tools and techniques to analyze Y-DNA (passed along the patrilineal line).
Tools and Applications for atDNA - Illustration of a real-life case study using the latest tools and techniques to analyze autosomal DNA (inherited through all ancestral lines).

Check here for more information and registration links.

I hope to see you there!

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "All-day Intermediate DNA Workshop," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 9 March 2015 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2015, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

Free Genealogy Seminar, Tyler, Texas

The Tyler FamilySearch Center and the East Texas Genealogical Society join once again to provide the 15th Annual Family History Fair. This is free and open to all, but you must pre-register to reserve a syllabus packet. Download Pre-Registration form at ETGS website at www.etgs.org OR at Event Blogspot at http://2015-fhf-tylertx.blogspot.com. Registration starts at 8:30a.m. Welcome and Introductions start at 9:00a.m. followed by the first session.

The featured speaker is Susan D. Kaufman, B.S. In the morning she will present two sessions:

Using Criminal Records for Genealogical Research
Unusual Source Records for Genealogical Research

In the afternoon there will be multiple 45-minute sessions offered:

Clayton Library: The Gem of the Gulf Coast - Susan Kaufman
Quilts & Their Stories: Binding Generations Together - Debbie Burkett
DNA and Genetic Genealogy - Debbie Parker Wayne, CG,CGL
Sound Census Strategy - Debbie Parker Wayne, CG,CGL
Getting Started with FamilySearch-FREE Resource for Family History - V. W. 'Web' Freeman, MMS, MA
Storytelling: making genealogy come to life by telling 'the Rest of the Story' - John Connally
Beginning Genealogy & other courses for Youth - Angie Johnston, Youth Track

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Free Genealogy Seminar, Tyler, Texas," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 9 March 2015 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2015, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

23 February 2015

Genetic Genealogy at GRIP 2015

The availability of genetic genealogy education this past year or two has soared. In addition to many regular conference sessions and one-day pre-conference offerings focused on genetic genealogy, last year saw the first week-long courses in genetic genealogy offered at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). We filled two sessions. Then in January at Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) we filled a getting started course and an advanced course.

Registration for GRIP 2015 has started. This year GRIP is offering courses on two dates, (1) June 28 to July 3, 2015, and (2) July 19 to July 24, 2015. We still have openings for "Practical Genetic Genealogy" in both sessions.

Sessions offered starting June 28th include:

Writing Your Immigrant Families’ Stories: From Research to Publishing with John P. Colletta, PhD and Michael Hait, CG
Determining Kinship Reliably with the Genealogical Proof Standard with Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL
Research in New York State: Resources and Strategies with Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS (formerly Green)
Problem Solving with Church Records with Rev. Dr. David McDonald, CG
Advanced Research Tools: Land Records with Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL and Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL
Practical Genetic Genealogy with Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, CeCe Moore and Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD

Sessions offered starting July 19th include:

Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper with Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA
Advanced Research Methods with Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL
Refresh, Rebuild and Recharge Your Genealogy Career with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
Pennsylvania: Research in the Keystone State with Sharon Cook MacInnes, PhD and Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
Law School for Genealogists with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL and Richard G. “Rick” Sayre, CG, CGL
Practical Genetic Genealogy with Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, Patti Hobbs, CG, and Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD

The 2015 "Practical Genetic Genealogy" course has been modified based on our experience and on suggestions from 2014 attendees. The GRIP course still goes more in-depth than the getting started course did at SLIG. Several topics have been compressed or removed, without removing any critical content. This makes time for two new sessions illustrating genealogical problem solving using genetic genealogy tools such as GenomeMate, Genetic Genealogy Kit (GGK), utilities on DNAgedcom or GEDmatch, or other useful tools.

CeCe Moore, Blaine Bettinger, and I will speak again at GRIP. We are also adding a new speaker.

Patti Hobbs will be joining us this year at GRIP in July. She has been focused on completing her portfolio for the Board for Certification of Genealogists. I was able to convince her to attend the 2014 "Practical Genetic Genealogy" course with the idea she would help teach once she completed her portfolio. It was not a surprise to anyone who knows her when we saw the announcement that Patricia Lee Hobbs was now a board-certified genealogist. Her knowledge of biology helps her understand more than many of us about how DNA can be used in genealogy, her teaching and speaking skills help her explain complex concepts in an easy to understand way, her credentials demonstrate she knows traditional research. Patti will be a great addition as we focus on correlating genetics and documentary evidence to solve genealogical problems.

CeCe Moore is well-known as the genetic genealogy consultant for Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Genealogy Roadshow, both on PBS. She has worked many high-profile cases that used DNA to trace family history, seen on television on 20/20, CBS This Morning, and The Doctors. She also works extensively with individuals of unknown parentage to help them learn about their genealogy through DNA, often reuniting them with biological family members. CeCe uses case studies from her work to illustrate how autosomal DNA can help solve genealogical problems.

Blaine Bettinger, PhD (Biochemistry), JD, is also well-known in the genetic genealogy community. Blaine is an intellectual property attorney and blogs as The Genetic Genealogist. He chaired a committee that formed Genetic Genealogy Standards to help us all as we navigate this exciting field of research. Blaine's experience as a project administrator and in using genetic genealogy for his own research provide useful examples for students.

I am a full-time, professional genealogist experienced using DNA analysis, as well as more traditional techniques, for genealogical research. My client projects include both documentary research and DNA analysis. My family research incorporates both. I performed research for television shows such as the Canadian series Ancestors in the Attic, the PBS series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr., and The Learning Channel’s Who Do You Think You Are?.

Between the four of us, we have wide-ranging experience in documentary research and genetic genealogy. We all enjoy showing others how exciting it can be to solve genealogical problems with DNA test results. We want all of our students to leave with knowledge they can immediately put to use, gained from hands-on experience using DNA evidence from real family history stories.

Because genetic genealogy is a complex topic some concepts are best retained when heard more than once. Our reading list includes some books that will give you a head start. My online bibliography also has links to some articles freely available online and to some videos.

We'd love to have you join us. The GRIP registration page is here.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Genetic Genealogy at GRIP 2015," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 23 February 2015 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2015, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

25 September 2014

SLIG 2015 Early Bird Deadline is October 31

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) just sent out a reminder that 31 October 2014 is the deadline to receive the Early Bird Registration discount for the January 2015 courses.

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) will be held January 12-16, 2015. All courses and events will be held at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center Hotel. Labs, if applicable, and research facilities will be available at the Family History Library.

Registration: http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?lv=r&eid=12

Early-bird registration ends on October 31, 2014. If you log in as a member first your information will be populated and you will be automatically charged the reduced rate. If you are a non-UGA member you may purchase a membership, register as a non-member, and be refunded the difference. If you have questions please call the main UGA phone number at (801) 259-4172 or email sligdirector AT ugagenealogy.org. You will be given the option to pay by credit card using PayPal (you do not have to have a PayPal account) or by sending a check.

Tuition is $375 for UGA members and $425 for non-members (a $50 savings). You MUST be logged in to the member’s area of the website prior to registering to receive the member discount. These tuition prices are applicable through October 31, 2014 when early-bird registration expires. (After October 31, 2014, tuition is $425 for UGA members and $475 for non-members). Two payment options are available: pay online with your credit card via PayPal or pay via check through the mail. Your place in the course is reserved upon checkout.

Accommodations: http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?eid=12

We recommend staying at the conference hotel, the Hilton Salt Lake City Center in order to obtain the full institute experience and have access to special events and networking with the instructors and other attendees. SLIG’s reduced rate is $129/night (reduced from $269/night). This rate is set for up to four people in a room. The rooms are spacious and a two-queen room can comfortably accommodate four people.

2015 Tracks

In 2015, SLIG is offering twelve tracks. The foremost experts in the field for each subject provide students with at least twenty hours of in-depth instruction on their topic. The format allows coordinators and instructors to build on the understanding gained from each lecture, building a foundation rather than giving scattered information. Students leave with a much deeper understanding of the topic. The following four tracks still have seats remaining:

Beyond the Library: Research in Original Source Repositories (John Colletta, Ph.D., FUGA)

This course explores repositories of original historical sources: archives, courthouses and manuscript collections. The purpose of this course is to take the mystery and trepidation out of using original source repositories.

Finding Immigrant Origins (David Ouimette, CG)

This course covers the key historical sources and research methodologies for family historians tracing immigrant origins. We explore chain migration, ethnic migration paths, surname localization, DNA evidence, cluster genealogy, and other tools to help find your immigrant’s ancestral village.

Advanced Research Tools: Post-War Military Records (Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA)

Wars by their nature create records; however records are created in the aftermath of war also. There is the pension application file(s) or a bounty land application file(s). But there is so much more in addition to these records. There is pension law, payment ledgers, payment vouchers, public and private claims, correspondence, state claims, soldiers homes, and burial records. This course will cover these topics in-depth.

Resources and Strategies for US Research, Part I (Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS)

This course provides in-depth study of 19th-21st century U.S. resources and methodologies for utilizing them. Analyze content, origin, location, and develop tools and strategies to interpret records.

You can also sign up for the waiting list for the other courses and you might be able to get into the course if space opens up:

The Family History Law Library (Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL)

The course will cover the basic legal concepts and legal research approaches appropriate for genealogists and will require the student to employ these concepts with hands on exercises using the resources of the FHL. Topics will include courts and their records, estate laws, legislative records, pensions, and property law. Additionally, elements of both English common law and Roman law will be introduced through classes on the legal concepts found in Irish, German, and French law that relate to research in those countries and their relevance to research in the United States.

Diving Deeper into New England (D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS)

When encountering New England roots, many find a rich treasure of previous research, compiled materials, and records dating back to the early 1600s. Yet, within the branches of our New England roots exist assumptions, errors, missing individuals, and incomplete information. Starting with the colonial period and moving to the 1850s, “Diving Deeper into New England” will take an in-depth look at New England research, specifically focusing on little-known and underused sources.

Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum (Angela McGhie and Kimberly Powell)

This hands-on course is an opportunity for advanced genealogists to put their research skills into practice. Participants will work on five complex genealogical research problems—a new one each day. The objective is to give each student experience in conducting research on complex problems, analyzing and correlating evidence, and reaching conclusions. The research problems will be varied, offering students the challenge of stretching their mind and skills in directions that their research may not normally take them. If you can't resist a genealogical challenge and love hands-on learning, then this is the course for you!

Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy (Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL)

This course provides genealogists with the knowledge needed to correctly incorporate DNA results into their family history. Beginners will receive foundational knowledge in the basics needed to understand the application of genetics for genealogical research purposes. Those with prior knowledge of DNA will be able fill in holes in understanding and be introduced to tools and techniques with practical, hands-on exercises.

Getting More Out of Genetic Genealogy Research: Intermediate to Advanced DNA Analysis Techniques (CeCe Moore and Angie Bush, MS)

This advanced analysis coursei s intended for the genealogist who has a thorough understanding of genetic genealogy basics and has experience applying DNA testing to family history research. This is the next step in genetic genealogy education, with a focus on preparing professionals and others to work on genetic genealogy cases and strengthen the skills of those who are already doing so.

Advanced German Research (F. Warren Bittner, CG)

A comprehensive course on German research taught by one of the best researchers in this area.

From Confusion to Conclusion (Kimberly Powell and Harold Henderson, CG)

When the research is over, what next? How do genealogists transform the three-dimensional complexity of evidence into a coherent, understandable, written proof argument?

Advanced Genealogical Methods (Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL)

Students in “Advanced Genealogical Methods” will learn how to use and assemble evidence to rediscover ancestral origins, identities, and relationships that have been forgotten in the passage of time. The course will address advanced use of evidence from a variety of genealogical records and research in populations for which the usual records are in short supply (including female, enslaved, and impoverished ancestors). Students also will learn how to develop written proof summaries to show their conclusions’ accuracy and create a credible record of their findings for present and future generations of family historians.

Disclosure: I will be one of the speakers at SLIG in January 2015 teaching Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy with CeCe Moore and Blaine Bettinger.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "SLIG 2015 Early Bird Deadline is October 31," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 25 September 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

21 September 2014

Genetic Genealogy Education: I4GG 2014 Conference Videos

Over 400 attendees plus speakers attended the first International Conference for Genetic Genealogy in the Washington, DC, area in August 2014. The conference was organized by the Institute for Genetic Genealogy (I4GG). Most of the sessions were recorded and are now available at a great price! Over 27 hours of education for $50.00 (USD).

Tim Janzen and CeCe Moore, founders of I4GG, made this announcement today:

The videos from the 2014 International Genetic Genealogy Conference are now available for sale for those of you who were not able to attend this event. CeCe's spouse Lennart Martinsson has spent many hours editing these videos and getting them ready for you to view. Access to the videos may be purchased at http://i4gg.org/pricing. The quality of the videos that were shot in the Aiton Auditorium are generally of higher quality than the videos that were shot in the Ohio Room both from a video standpoint and an audio standpoint. We did not have permission to videotape Spencer Well's presentation or Angie Bush's presentation. We videotaped Jim Bartlett's presentation, but unfortunately the video card that held that presentation was somehow faulty and we were unable to recover the video of that presentation. Fortunately, much of the material that Jim covered in his presentation was also included in his portion of the FTDNA workshop video.

We are only distributing links to the videos to those who paid a registration fee for the conference and to the speakers. If you purchase access to the videos we would appreciate it if you would not share the links to the videos with other people who did not attend the conference. If you share the links to the videos with others who did not attend the conference then this will deprive the speakers from additional revenue from the sale of the videos that they would otherwise be receiving. We have tried to make the prices for the videos as reasonable as we possibly can. If people who did not attend the conference ask you for more information about how to gain access to the videos, please refer them to the Institute for Genetic Genealogy website.

My presentation on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was the first session on Saturday. I started speaking at the start time listed in the conference presentation. Apparently the camera wasn't recording yet, but I wasn't aware of that. There is a little shakiness at the beginning of the video as the camera operator moves the camera around to get it situated. The first three slides aren't recorded.

What is missing is my title slide:

An illustration and description of a cell showing mtDNA outside of the nucleus and autosomal and X-Y DNA inside the nucleus:

A slide describing how mtDNA is passed down to descendants:

I hope this helps anyone who views the video. I cannot wait to find time to view all of the sessions I could not attend in person and review some of the ones I did see in person. I hope those of you who could not attend find the videos useful. Some of the sessions have advanced content with discussions about intricate details of DNA analysis by those who have been involved in the science for over a decade. Don't let those scare you away from genetic genealogy. Start with the beginner sessions if you are new to genetic genealogy. You can come back and view those advanced sessions later on when you are ready.

I hope this model of making recordings available at a very reasonable price takes off. It would be great if we see something similar from other institutes and conferences. I suspect the low price for you to access the videos is primarily due to the time donated by Lennart Martinsson. Thank you, Lennart, for supporting genetic genealogy in this way.

CeCe and Tim are planning another I4GG conference and will announce it when details are available. They may rotate the conference from east to west coast in the U.S. I've also heard some people asking for conferences to be held outside of the U.S. So stay alert for future announcements. This is a conference you do not want to miss!

Some speakers made handouts available to accompany the video. Some made copies of the slide presentations available. Some did both. All the options provide a great educational experience that helps us all advance our knowledge of genetic genealogy. Go forth and learn!

Disclosure: The speakers, including me, were paid to present at this conference and were compensated for some travel costs. Additional fees may be paid to the speakers based on sales of the videos.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Genetic Genealogy Education: I4GG 2014 Conference Videos," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 21 September 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

02 September 2014

Upcoming Speaking Engagements (and past ones in 2014)

One of my friends reminded me I need to be better about promoting upcoming speaking engagements so she can attend when possible. These last few months have been crazy getting ready to do the first ever week-long genetic genealogy course at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) and the first
International Genetic Genealogy conference sponsored by the Institute for Genetic Genealogy (I4GG) and much more. The FGS conference in San Antonio just ended. This has been a busy summer for speaking in places that require more than a short drive.

So what is coming soon?

Saturday, September 6
Mesquite Historical and Genealogical Society
Mesquite Public Library, 300 West Grubb St., Mesquite, Texas
9:30a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Mining Tax Rolls
Organizing for Research and Sharing: Paper and Electronic Files
Online Search Techniques of Highly Successful Genealogists
Finding Online Books and Journals

Tuesday, September 23
Austin Genealogical Society
Highland Park Baptist Church, 5206 Balcones Drive, Austin, Texas
6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.

GATA GACC! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today

Saturday, October 4
Oklahoma Genealogical Society
Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

GATA GACC! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today
Maternal Lines: Using Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
Paternal Lines:Using Y-DNA
Going Nuclear: DNA Discoveries to Trace All Lines of Descent

Saturday, October 11
Mid-Cities Genealogical Society
Euless Public Library, 201 N. Ector Dr., Euless, Texas
10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

GATA GACC! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today
Maternal Lines: Using Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
Paternal Lines:Using Y-DNA
Going Nuclear: DNA Discoveries to Trace All Lines of Descent

Saturday, October 25
Genealogy Workshop for Beginners with Scott Fitzgerald and Debbie Parker Wayne
East Texas Genealogical Society
9:00a.m. to 4:15p.m.

Steps for Beginning Genealogy (Scott)
Organizing for Research and Sharing: Paper and Electronic Files (Debbie)
Finding and Using Census Records Effectively (Debbie)
Texas Courthouse Research (Scott)
DNA: What Can It Do for Genealogy (Debbie)
Genealogy Websites (Scott)

And what filled the rest of the spring and summer (for completeness of the 2014 speaking schedule)?

August 27 to 30, FGS in San Antonio, Texas, where I helped Elissa Scalise Powell and Judy G. Russell teach the "BCG Certification Seminar" and I presented "Texas Resource Gems," "DNA Case Studies," and "Using mtDNA and X-DNA"
August 15 to 17, Chevy Chase, Maryland, the first International Genetic Genealogy conference sponsored by the Institute for Genetic Genealogy (I4GG) where I presented "Using Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)" and then got to attend many great presentations by the most knowledgeable genetic genealogists of the day
August 9, Huntsville, Texas, where I presented "GATA GACC! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today" and "Going Nuclear: DNA Discoveries to Trace All Lines of Descent"
July 20 to 25, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), Pennsylvania, where CeCe Moore, Blaine Bettinger, and I taught two concurrent Practical Genetic Genealogy courses because we had so many people enroll we could fill two classrooms
June 8 to 13, IGHR at Samford University, Angela McGhie invited me to be part of her new Intermediate Course where I taught "Mining Tax Rolls: More than Property Lists," "Directory Assistance: Using City and Other Directories," and "DNA and Genetic Genealogy, GATA GACC!"
May 19, Angelina County Genealogical Society, Lufkin, Texas, where I presented "DNA Case Studies"
May 7 to 10, NGS in Richmond, Virginia, where I worked the BCG Education Fund workshops, helped Elissa Scalise Powell and Judy G. Russell teach the "BCG Certification Seminar" and I presented "DNA Case Studies"
April 14, Cherokee County Genealogical Society, Jacksonville, Texas, where I presented "Tax and Land Laws"
April 5, Houston Genealogical Forum, Houston, Texas, where I presented an expanded version of "Tax and Land Laws"
March 24 to 29, Forensic Genealogy Institute of CAFG, where I presented a one-hour "Forensic Techniques for Genetic Genealogy" and an advanced half-day version expanding on the one-hour session
March 11, Illinois State Genealogical Society, webinar on "Going Nuclear: DNA Discoveries to Trace All Lines of Descent"

I definitely have good intentions of blogging about the upcoming speaking engagements instead of about the ones already in the past. Keeping my fingers crossed I can make good on these intentions.

And I'd love to meet you all at the upcoming events.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Upcoming Speaking Engagements (and past ones in 2014)," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 2 September 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

09 February 2014

Registration Feb. 12th for Practical Genetic Genealogy at GRIP

Ten or so years ago I wished for an in-depth training class on using DNA for genealogy.

Genetic genealogists were mostly self-taught. Around that time Family Tree DNA started offering a two-day conference for project administrators. I wasn’t an admin at that time so I couldn’t attend. Megan Smolenyak and Ann Turner published their book on using DNA to Trace Your Roots.¹ Colleen Fitzpatrick had a DNA section in Forensic Genealogy.² Ann Turner had started the genealogy-dna mail list on RootsWeb.³ Other educational opportunities were mostly non-existent other than one-hour introductory presentations at conferences and seminars. You can’t do in-depth in one hour when you have to start with the basics.

Five or so years ago a group of professional and aspiring professional genealogists discussed whether or not there was enough a genealogist needs to learn about DNA to fill a week-long institute course. My response was a resounding YES even as I got some very skeptical looks from others. I had already started a list of things I thought should be included. And this was before I knew much about autosomal DNA.

I refined my list of potential topics. I sat in on sessions looking for good speakers who were knowledgeable about the topic. In my opinion, a good genetic genealogy speaker doesn’t just teach the scientific facts. The good genetic genealogy speaker, when speaking to a newbie or general audience, has to be able to choose the part of the science a genealogist must understand and eliminate the part only the scientist or DNA nerd needs. The good genetic genealogy speaker has to be able to relate the required scientific knowledge to what a genealogist already knows about research. The good genetic genealogy speaker has experience using the latest DNA analysis techniques and can demonstrate those techniques so any motivated genealogist can learn them. The good genetic genealogy speaker keeps up with the latest developments in the community.

In 2012 I met and became friends with a group I felt I would enjoy working with and who I knew would present a course I would want to attend myself. In 2013 our course proposal was accepted.

This year all of that planning becomes a reality as CeCe Moore, Blaine Bettinger, and I offer the first week-long genetic genealogy course at a genealogy institute in the U.S. – Practical Genetic Genealogy.

Registration starts February 12th at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) for the Practical Genetic Genealogycourse offered on July 20-25, 2014.

The course outline is available at http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=1147.

The course is expected to fill up quickly if everyone who has told us they want to attend really tries to register. Tips for Quickly Getting Through Registration is available at http://www.gripitt.org/?p=1296

I am looking forward to this so much as I hope we can help others learn what I wish someone had been around to teach me ten years ago.

1. Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak and Ann Turner, Trace Your Roots with DNA (Emmaus, Penn., Rodale Press, 2004).
2. Colleen Fitzpatrick, Forensic Genealogy (Fountain Valley, Cal., Rice Book Press, 2005).
3. Ann Turner, founder, Genealogy-DNA List on RootsWeb ( http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/DNA/GENEALOGY-DNA.html).

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Registration Feb. 12th for Practical Genetic Genealogy at GRIP," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 9 February 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

02 October 2013

DNA Day Workshop at Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

Driving 300 miles is not always fun. But the drive between East Texas and Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, is a nice, easy, half-day drive when you don't get stopped for construction on Interstate 30. Only about half of the trip has to be done on the interstate. The other half is through pretty, peaceful areas of East Texas and Arkansas on U.S. and state highways.

This was my second year to do an all-day seminar for the Hot Springs Village Genealogical Society and Akansa Chapter NSDAR. Thanks so much to Village Genealogical Society President Celinda Chapman, long-time workshop organizer Jeanette Frahm, lunch deliveryman locator and workshop organizer helper Marcie Guise, Akansa NSDAR Regent Joyce Wood, and all the other volunteers who helped make the workshop fun and interesting for me and all of the attendees.

We had a nice crowd of attendees who asked good questions.

It was obvious a lot of them really get why genetic genealogy is now a mainstream part of genealogical research and not this weird thing only a few of us odd ducks are doing.

Most understood the questions you must ask yourself when trying to decide which DNA test to take or ask someone else to take, as illustrated in this slide:

The drive home Sunday morning started off in a cool, misty, ethereal-looking way with low clouds obscuring the trees on the peaks of the hills. I never ran into more than a light drizzle for a few minutes on the way home.

Then dappled sun through the trees on the last leg of the drive.

Thanks for inviting me to Hot Springs Village and for attracting such an interesting group of attendees from the local area and as far away as Little Rock. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing familiar faces from last year and some new faces. I even got to see one of my Parker cousins I met last year at the Henry Parker family reunion in Russellville, Arkansas. Many of my examples in my DNA presentations use test results from my Parker line so I hope Karen found these more personally useful than the other attendees.

It might be harder to get to this area for some other speakers. I guarantee you will have a good time with a knowledgeable group of researchers if you accept a speaking invitation from this group.

1. Photo credits: © Hot Springs Village Genealogical Society, taken 28 September 2013, used with permission.
2. Photo credits: © Debbie Parker Wayne, taken 28 September 2013.

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Day Workshop at Hot Springs Village, Arkansas," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 2 October 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved

16 September 2013

Census Forms and Thanks to ETGS Seminar Attendees

I had a wonderful time presenting at the East Texas Genealogical Society (ETGS) Beginner's Workshop on Saturday. The group was interested and shared some good stories. We had attendees all the way from Irving (about 110 miles) and from several counties surrounding Smith County. Some were brand new to genealogical research and some experienced researchers came to learn new tips. And the ETGS group always has tempting snacks so no one went hungry.

We talked about census records and extraction forms and using tools like spreadsheets or word processors to help organize data for analysis. We also talked about organization and some of the logs needed to know what you've already done and what you need to do next. Here are some links for those forms for those who are not using tools built in to their genealogy programs:

U.S. National Archives Forms — census and many other forms

FamilySearch Wiki Research Forms — census worksheets, timelines, cemetery logs, research logs, correspondence logs, pedigree charts, family group sheets, research calendars and logs, and many, many more U.S., UK, and Canadian forms (also links to Ancestry.com and FamilyTreeMagazine.com)

Ancestry.com Census Forms — U.S. populations schedules and slave schedules, U.K., and Canadian forms

Ancestral Findings Free Census Forms — U.S. and UK

Family Tree Magazine Census Forms — U.S. population schedule

Census Mate (links to Google Sites — downloadable forms requires registration

Census Tools / Census Tracker — for a small fee the author provides Excel spreadsheets that allow data entry of extracted census information and some other activities

An Internet search for "census extraction forms" will result in many more links if one of the above links don't provide the desired results.

Don't forget that anyone can create their own form using a word processor or a spreadsheet. Even a plain text file can be used and a constant width font will allow columns to be lined up using tabs.

Some important tips on using census records:

obtain all census records for the focus person
correlate the information from each census on a form or in a table
remember the informant for the census enumerations is unidentified for most years so it can be difficult to evaluate the accuracy of the information provided
correlate evidence from other records with the census data to form more accurate theories
use the instructions given to the census enumerators to properly analyze the census data

Important resources:
“Census of Population and Housing.” U.S. Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html : 2013. Freely downloadable PDFs of the statistical compendiums for each census since 1790, special collections and reports, and Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000 (publ. 2012).

Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) Website:
https://usa.ipums.org/usa/ – Home Page
https://usa.ipums.org/usa/voliii/tEnumForm.shtml – 1850–2011 Enumerator Instructions
https://usa.ipums.org/usa/doc.shtml – Document Index

To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Census Forms and Thanks to ETGS Seminar Attendees," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 16 September 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved