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.

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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

Texas Form Book: Decipher those difficult words

In many of my presentations and as a reply to mail list postings I have provided a reference to a Texas Civil Form Book. A recent posting on a mail list for professional genealogists reminded me I never made this available in a blog post where it might be more easily found.

Several years ago I attended a BCG Education Fund Putting Skills to Work workshop presented by Barbara Vines Little titled “Working with Documents: From Discovery to What Comes Next.” During that workshop, I learned that most states have a "form book" used by clerks and lawyers when drawing up documents. These form books provide templates and example wording that can be followed to properly draw up a legal document for a specific situation. In many cases, the laws define the required wording that must be included to create a legally-binding document or a specific type of document. The form books include that wording. While not every clerk copied the exact wording used in a form book unless it was required by law, many clerks did.

These forms can often help us decipher a faded word or words written by a clerk with poor penmanship. It also helps explain why so many documents contain the same boilerplate text. Several Texas form books (and other useful resources for research in Texas) are freely available on the Internet Archive. One form book is:

J. W. (Jonas William) Moffett, Texas Civil Form Book, with Forms of Pleadings, Removal of Causes from State to Federal Courts, The Forms and Law of Bankruptcy of 1898 and Amendments Approved February 5, 1903, and Court Rules of Texas (El Paso: Gammel Publishing, 1907); online archive, Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org/details/texascivilformbo00moffiala).

The story of how I learned of this resource shows how we can all learn new things at any time. After more than twenty years of research and a decade of attendance at conferences and institutes, I had never heard of form books before Barbara mentioned it as an aside in her document analysis workshop. You never know when or where a critical piece of information about a resource will pop up.

And many thanks to the BCG Education Fund for continuing to provide workshops to teach us essential skills. There are only a few seats left in this year's workshop. See http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2016/02/build-firm-foundation-transcribe.html for more information and for a registration link.

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To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Texas Form Book: Decipher those difficult words," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 7 April 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

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

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

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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

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
  

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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

Build a Firm Foundation - Transcribe, Abstract, Organize

Accurate transcription, abstraction, and organization of research data are essential skills for accurate evidence analysis.

Whether you want to become credentialed or not, the Genealogy Standards¹ define the criteria good genealogists strive for. These standards are also the criteria for evaluating a certification application by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). I completed my initial certification process in 2010 and have now been through my first renewal. Many colleagues have been through the process, some who achieved certification, some who did not, some who achieved certification on a second attempt. Surprisingly to me, foundational research skills are where many of us fail to meet or only partially meet the standards. We all think we know how to do these very basic and simple tasks. Sometimes we are not the best judge of our own skills. All of us can use guidance from expert practitioners to improve our skills.

The BCG Education Fund Putting Skills to Work workshop at the NGS conference in Ft. Lauderdale is designed to improve those foundational skills. Registrants attend two half-day hands-on workshops.

Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG, will lead the session “Spreadsheets 201: Manipulating Data to Dismantle Brick Walls.” Students will use spreadsheets to reveal otherwise hidden patterns that can resolve problems of kinship and identity. Prerequisite: knowledge of basic spreadsheet skills.


Jeanne is a full-time professional researcher specializing in Chicago and Cook County research, forensic genealogy, problem solving, and multi-generational family histories. On behalf of the Department of the Army, Jeanne searches for and identifies family members of unaccounted for servicemen from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Jeanne writes articles for scholarly journals and society publications. She is a frequent lecturer at conferences, workshops, and institutes. She is a Trustee and the president of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

David McDonald, D.Min., CG, will lead the session “Reach for the Power Tools: Transcriptions & Abstractions.” Students will work with various documents to transcribe, abstract and analyze the material, with an eye toward developing effective research plans.


David has more than thirty years' research experience throughout the United States, Canada, and in various European countries, particularly the British Isles and Germany. Dave's research specialty is in the "Old Northwest," those states (or parts thereof) formed from the "Territory Northwest of the River Ohio": Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In addition to these states, Dave has conducted extensive research in neighboring states, such as Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri and Pennsylvania and elsewhere across the United States. He has research interests in transcontinental migrations of New England families, the effective use of Christian church records and repositories, and fraternal organizations and societies and their records of genealogical interest. Dave served six years on the board of the National Genealogical Society, and has lectured throughout the US and UK. His personal research includes work in England, the Mid-Atlantic, colonial-era New York and Virginia, Kentucky, the Midwest and the Great Plains. He has also done extensive work in the UK and on Germanic lines from the sixteenth century onward.


The Putting Skills To Work pre-conference workshop will be on Tuesday, 3 May 2016, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.

Putting Skills To Work is a unique full-day, hands-on workshop limited to sixty participants. The focus is skills needed by anyone practicing serious genealogical research whether as a family historian, librarian, dedicated hobbyist, or writer. Materials are geared to intermediate and advanced practitioners and advocate established genealogy standards.

The $110 registration fee includes lunch, two in-depth presentations, hands-on exercises, syllabus, handouts, and active class participation. NGS Conference registration is not required. Sessions typically book to capacity before the NGS Conference registration deadline.

Come join these two experts and build your foundation for better research in the future.

Registration is through the NGS Conference registration site at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/. If you've already registered for the conference, just login and add the Putting Skills to Work workshop. If you haven't registered yet, now is the time to do it!

For more information see BCG Education Fund web page.

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1. Board for Certification of Genealogists, Genealogy Standards, 50th-anniversary ed. (Nashville, Tennessee: Ancestry, 2014).

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To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Build a Firm Foundation - Transcribe, Abstract, Organize," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 14 February 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).

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

Free Preview: Richard Hill's Finding Family

Since 2012, Richard Hill's book Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA has been one of my favorite books, describing how to use DNA for family history research and Richard's personal quest to identify his biological parents. Most reviews of the book describe it as a page-turner that holds the reader's interest like the best novels do. Many of us stayed awake reading long into the night because we could not put the book down.

A new Amazon feature allows a preview of the book to be read without the necessity of downloading a Kindle app to your computing device.

Richard's link to this preview at http://amzn.to/1nyZc5w allows you to read several chapters of the book. The preview will pull you in so you want to read the rest of the story. The Kindle version purchased through this preview link includes Richard's Guide to DNA Testing: How to Identify Ancestors, Confirm Relationships, and Measure Ethnic Ancestry Through DNA Testing as a bonus.

If you decide to purchase the book, a free Kindle app is available for handheld, laptop, and desktop devices. Click this link to download the windows computer version. Search for "kindle" on your favorite app store for links to download to smart phones and other handheld devices. I've used a kindle app on my Android tablet and phone and Windows 7 laptop for many years with no major problems. I love being able to take a whole library in my bag with no added weight like I had when I had to carry printed books with me.

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To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Free Preview: Richard Hill's Finding Family," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 11 February 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).


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

Upcoming DNA presentations

My schedule for DNA presentations is lighter this year due to some other commitments. This is the schedule for the first half of the year.

• 12 March 2016 — Forensic Genealogy Institute, see post at http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2016/01/forensic-genealogy-institute-2016-dna.html for details. Check the link for registration information.
  
• 19 March 2016 — DNA Workshop at Waco-McLennan County Library. I'll be presenting in the afternoon. One session is "DNA, What Can it Do for Genealogy?" The second session is "Genetic Genealogy: Effective Analysis and Correlation of DNA Test Results." Morning sessions include Mildred G. Walker on "What is DNA?" and Drew Smith on "I've Received My DNA Test Results - What Now?" Jim Brewster of Family Tree DNA testing company in Houston will provide a guided tour of the company website. Check this link for registration information.
  
• 23 April 2016 — All-day DNA Workshop for East Texas Genealogical Society in Tyler. Check this link soon for registration information http://www.etgs.org/meetings.html.
  
• 12-17 June 2016 — Genetic Genealogy Tools and Techniques at IGHR. See http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-different-dna-course-ighr-gg-tools.html for more information and for registration links.
  
• 17-22 July 2016 — Practical Genetic Genealogy at GRIP. See http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=1524 for details and registration links.
  

I hope to see you all at one of these events this year.


Edited 22 January 2016: Don't forget about my online autosomal DNA course available through National Genealogical Society (NGS) even if you cannot attend one of the presentations above in person. See
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/genetic_genealogy_autosomal_dna, National Genealogical Society: Continuing Genealogical Studies. NGS also offers an introductory Basics course at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/genetic_genealogy.


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

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

1. Beginning Forensic Techniques for Genetic Genealogy: Introduction to DNA inheritance, analysis techniques, and reporting methods for forensic genealogists.
   
2. Y-DNA and mtDNA Case Studies: Hands-on exercises illustrating typical forensic cases.
   
3. atDNA Case Studies: Hands-on exercises illustrating typical forensic cases.
   
4. 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.

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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

A Different DNA Course - IGHR: GG Tools and Techniques

The Institute for Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) opened registration yesterday for the 2016 courses. We are offering a new tool-intensive course for genetic genealogy: Genetic Genealogy Tools and Techniques. We still have a few open seats in the course. Several people have questioned me about the difference in this course and about what is expected in the work sample if the person has studied on their own instead of attending one of the prerequisite courses.

The Tools and Techniques course was designed to answer the requests of prior students for ...

More Hands On, More Tools

The IGHR course builds on the concepts taught in the GRIP Practical Genetic Genealogy and SLIG courses. The focus at IGHR is on how to use the tools to do the analysis — using the concepts taught in the earlier courses. The lectures will be a brief review, then in-depth on using the tool to analyze problems, then you actually use the tools yourself while instructors help you, if needed, and answer your questions.

If you haven't taken one of the prerequisite courses you must submit a work sample demonstrating you have the knowledge taught in the prereq courses. The less class time spent on review, the more time we will have to spend on using the tools.

The prereqs are:

• An understanding of basic genetic inheritance patterns for Y-DNA, mtDNA, atDNA, and X-DNA
  
• An understanding of test results returned for each of these test types, how to access the data online, and how to begin analysis of the DNA results
  
• Expertise using your own device (laptop or tablet) to access genetic genealogy websites such as company testing sites GEDmatch, and DNAgedcom
  

The work sample must illustrate your analysis with details and not just contain a summary stating, for example, you helped a friend with an unknown line compare family trees of close DNA matches to find someone who might be her ancestor.

Your work sample does not need to present a final conclusion, but must describe in detail the DNA analysis process. The citations and documentary research will not be judged — use the space to demonstrate you know enough about DNA to successfully complete the IGHR course. Pseudonyms can be used for privacy purposes, if needed, but the course coordinator (me) or instructors (CeCe Moore, Blaine Bettinger) will be the only persons reviewing the work and will not share the work with anyone else. Length should be no longer than necessary to demonstrate your understanding of DNA. For example, 5 to 10 pages: 1 or 2 pages with bullet lists for the blogs, books, courses, DNA sessions, and webinars you have studied; and 3 to 8 pages clearly indicated how you applied DNA analysis to one genealogical problem. If the work is still in process indicate what steps are planned next to reach a conclusion.

The work sample should include details of the DNA analysis you have done. Details might include tools used for the analysis (company tools, GEDmatch, DNAgedcom ADSA or others, spreadsheets), number of testers, total atDNA shared and longest segments, chromosome number and start and stop point for shared segments, whether/how triangulation was used, whether/how In Common With matches were used, Y-STR values and knowledge of mutation rates impact on the analysis of differences, mtDNA differences from the rCRS, correlation of the DNA information with a family tree to find a common line, etc.

If you have primarily done light reading (as opposed to in-depth study) of the reference materials and do not understand

• Y-DNA STR differences between multiple testers to determine how far back the common ancestor might be and if there is a common ancestor
  
• using Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroups to determine ethnicity and potential kinship
  
• significance of the different mtDNA regions
  
• using shared and overlapping atDNA segments (total percentage of DNA shared)
  
• using longest atDNA block comparison to statistical average predictions,
  
• determining which ancestor an atDNA block could have been inherited from by comparing trees and shared DNA segments from multiple DNA testers
  
• what counts as a good / significant match on atDNA and what is insignificant
  
• using output from FTDNA chromosome browser and ICW tools
  
• using output from 23andMe DNA Relatives
  
• accessing trees at FTDNA, 23andMe, and Ancestry
  
• using AncestryDNA DNA data (sparse as it is) and how it compares to Circles and NADs
  
• random recombination, inheritance patterns, why using the X is different, etc.
  

then it will be more difficult to follow the lessons in Genetic Genealogy Tools and Techniques. You don't have to be an expert on all of the topics listed above. You need to be familiar with the meaning of the items and you need to have done some hands-on analysis so you can follow the lessons in the course. You definitely need to know how to access all of the necessary websites on your own device which you will bring with you to Birmingham.

We hope to see you there. This last year for IGHR to be in Birmingham at Samford University should not be missed.

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

Becoming a Genetic Genealogist

Disclaimer: As the author, course coordinator, and/or speaker, I have a financial interest in some of the educational opportunities listed below.

How does one become a genetic genealogist? The same way one becomes a good genealogist or good at anything else - study and practice, study and practice, study and practice.

New York Public Library, "Typical Study Room, Typing Room #220," digital image, Flickr Creative Commons (www.flickr.com : accessed 5 December 2011); New York Public Library Visual Materials / Lantern Slides / Research Library / Typing.

There is no one path to becoming a good genealogist. There is no one path to becoming a good genetic genealogist. But no matter the path one takes, no matter the subject matter, practicing what is learned leads to proficiency and expertise.

PublicDomainPictures, https://pixabay.com/, CC0 Public Domain License.

For those who are self-learners, books and articles may provide the knowledge. For those who learn better in a classroom environment, courses are available, online and at institutes. Conference and society meeting presentations are a good starting point to see if you have an interest in a subject, but concentrated study and practical experience is required to become a proficient practitioner.

The following lists some resources to get started. For all of the columns and blogs, start reading with the earliest articles. Once you understand the basic information you can then more easily grasp the intermediate and advanced concepts covered in more recent articles.

At the beginner level, check these resources ...

National Genealogical Society, Continuing Genealogical Studies, Screen Shot

1. National Genealogical Society, NGS Magazine "Genetic Genealogy Journey" column. I have been writing this column since October 2013. All articles are available in the members-only section of the NGS website (http://ngsgenealogy.org/). Older articles are available on my website (http://debbiewayne.com/presentations/gatagacc_biblio.php).
   
2. National Genealogical Society Quarterly. Theme Issue on Genetics and Genealogy. Vol. 93 (December 2005).
   
3. Genetic Genealogy, the Basics. National Genealogical Society. Continuing Genealogical Studies. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/CGS.
   
4. Bettinger, Blaine. I Have the Results of My Genetic Genealogy Test, Now What? Self-published, 2008. Current v2.1 version. Family Tree DNA. http://www.familytreedna.com/pdf-docs/Interpreting-Genetic-Genealogy-Results_web_optimized.pdf.
   
5. Bettinger, Blaine. The Genetic Genealogist. http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/.
   
6. Hill, Richard. Guide to DNA Testing. n.p.: Atrax LLC, 2014. http://www.dna-testing-adviser.com/DNA-Testing-Guide.html.
   
7. Hill, Richard. Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA. n.p.: self-published, 2012.
   
8. Moore, CeCe. Your Genetic Genealogist. http://www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com.
   
9. Kennett, Debbie. DNA and Social Networking: A Guide to Genealogy in the Twenty-first Century. Gloucestershire, UK: The History Press, 2011.
   
10. Russell, Judy G. The Legal Genealogist. http://www.legalgenealogist.com/.
    
11. Shawker, Thomas. Unlocking Your Genetic History. Nashville, Tenn.: Rutledge Hill Press, 2004. This older book covers the basics on genetics, Y-DNA and mtDNA, but not the latest tests or in-depth atDNA.
    
12. Smolenyak, Megan Smolenyak and Ann Turner. Trace Your Roots with DNA. Emmaus, Penn.: Rodale Press, 2004. This older book covers the basics on genetics, Y-DNA and mtDNA, but not the latest tests or in-depth atDNA.
    
13. Wayne, Debbie Parker. Deb's Delvings Blog. http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/.
    
14. Wheaton, Kelly. Beginners Guide to Genetic Genealogy. https://sites.google.com/site/wheatonsurname/beginners-guide-to-genetic-genealogy.
    
15. DNA-Newbie Yahoo Forum. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DNA-NEWBIE/.
    
16. Practical Genetic Genealogy. Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). A full week of practical, hands-on experience analyzing and correlating DNA test results using the latest tools and techniques.
    
17. Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy. Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). A full week of practical, hands-on experience analyzing and correlating DNA test results using the latest tools and techniques.
    
18. Genetic Genealogy Standards Committee. Genetic Genealogy Standards http://www.geneticgenealogystandards.com/.
    
19. Your local and regional libraries and special interest groups at societies for DNA-related offerings.
    

As you read, practice what you learn using the DNA test results of your own family. After studying the items above, you should be able to determine which are your closest DNA matches and compare family trees looking for common ancestors. You should be able to compare the STR values of Y-DNA testers to determine if testers likely have a common ancestor or not. You should be able to determine how closely two mtDNA or Y-DNA testers match each other. You should be able to determine how closely atDNA testers may be related, as in first to second cousins, second to fourth cousins, distant cousins, etc.

Read articles in scholarly journals that incorporate DNA analysis into genealogical research. Recent ones in the NGS quarterly include:

1. Hollister, Morna Lahnice. "Goggins and Goggans of South Carolina: DNA Helps Document the Basis of an Emancipated Family's Surname." National Genealogical Society Quarterly 102 (September 2014): 165-176.
   
2. Jones, Thomas W. "Too Few Sources to Solve a Family Mystery? Some Greenfields in Central and Western New York." National Genealogical Society Quarterly 103 (June 2015): 85-103.
   
3. Mills, Elizabeth Shown. "Testing the FAN Principle against DNA: Zilphy (Watts) Price Cooksey Cooksey of Georgia and Mississippi." National Genealogical Society Quarterly 102 (June 2014): 129-152.
   

The articles above are available in the members-only section of the NGS website (http://ngsgenealogy.org/).

Family Tree DNA Chromosome Browser Display, Screen Shot

As your skills increase, check these resources ...

1. More advanced articles on the blogs listed above.
   
2. Genetic Genealogy, Autosomal DNA. National Genealogical Society. Continuing Genealogical Studies. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/CGS.
   
3. Aulicino, Emily D. Genetic Genealogy: The Basics and Beyond. Bloomington, Ind.: AuthorHouse, 2013.
   
4. Bartlett, Jim. Segment-ology. http://segmentology.org/.
   
5. Christmas, Shannon. Through the Trees. http://throughthetreesblog.tumblr.com/.
   
6. Dowell, Dave. Dr D Digs Up Ancestors. http://blog.ddowell.com/.
   
7. Estes, Roberta. DNAeXplained - Genetic Genealogy. http://dna-explained.com/.
   
8. Institute for Genetic Genealogy. http://i4gg.org/. Video recordings of conference sessions are available to view online at a very reasonable price.
   
9. Owston, Jim. The Lineal Arboretum. http://linealarboretum.blogspot.com/.
   
10. Perkins, Steve. On-line Journal of Genetic Genealogy. http://jgg-online.blogspot.com/.
    
11. Journal of Genetic Genealogy (JOGG). http://www.jogg.info/.
    
12. Genetics And Us. http://www.geneticsand.us/.
    
13. Genealogy DNA List on RootsWeb. http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/DNA/GENEALOGY-DNA.html.
    
14. Autosomal DNA List on RootsWeb. http://lists.rootsweb.ancestry.com/index/other/DNA/AUTOSOMAL-DNA.html.
    
15. Advanced Genetic Genealogy. Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP).
    
16. Genetic Genealogy Tools and Techniques. Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).
    
17. Advanced DNA Analysis Techniques For Genealogical Research. Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG).
    
18. DNAadoption courses. http://dnaadoption.com/index.php?page=online-classes/. Several courses are offered on atDNA and Y-DNA with others to be added in the future.
    
19. Become a project administrator or assistant administrator for a DNA project - Y-DNA, mtDNA, atDNA, regional, or a haplogroup project. This will expose you to situations beyond those seen in your own family.
    

Genetic genealogy courses are also offered by other groups such as Family Tree University (https://www.familytreeuniversity.com/), Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research (http://vigrgenealogy.com/), and University of Strathclyde (http://www.strath.ac.uk/).

Continue practicing newly learned techniques using the DNA test results of your own family and consenting project members. Incorporate segment analysis and triangulation of segments. Try to determine which DNA segments were inherited from which ancestors when you have several testers with robust, accurate, and complete trees who share overlapping DNA segments. Start with segments larger than 10cM or so; smaller segments are difficult to confirm and can mislead novices. Test out standalone tools and third-party websites discussed in the books and articles.

Write up your findings incorporating both documentary research and the DNA results. A skilled genetic genealogist must also be a skilled genealogist. Credible conclusions are reached by correlating DNA evidence and documentary evidence. DNA is one more tool in the toolbox of a good genealogist. In the same way you learned to analyze tax roll details and odd phrases in probate or deed records, you must learn the oddities of genetic evidence. Random recombination and inheritance patterns can complicate analysis because there are multiple scenarios by which specific test results could have occurred. Statistical probabilities play a role.

Genetic Genealogy Kit, Screen Shot

Ask skilled friends to critique your writing, giving constructive feedback, good and bad. When you feel confident in your writing submit the article to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Genetic genealogy is a complex subject, but if you can learn to become a good genealogical researcher you should be able to become a good genetic genealogist. You must be willing to invest the time into learning the concepts and analysis techniques that are unique to genetics and practicing the techniques to become proficient in multiple situations.

When "random" factors are involved, you can seldom ever use the words always or never. You must have a deep understanding of concepts to be able to judge the likelihood of an event.

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To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Becoming a Genetic Genealogist," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 12 January 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).


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