Sunday, June 5, 2011

DNA Day at the Clayton Genealogy Library

Yesterday I attended DNA Day at the Clayton Library, which was hosted by the Lone Star Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

There were three sessions that discussed genetic genealogy and the use of DNA testing for family history purposes. Two sessions were taught by Debbie Wayne, CG, and another was led by a representative of Family Tree DNA. The whole shebang was presented at no cost to the attendees.

This event could not have come at a better time, as I have some pending and new DNA results of which I am struggling to make sense.

Here is my pie chart again for reference:


Based on what I learned yesterday, this pie chart is part of the Family Finder test, which deals with autosomal DNA. If I understood what was said, this chart is "me" and factors in both parents.

I didn't quite get the Family Finder test before yesterday, but now I know a little more. I knew mtDNA was all about the ladies, but was confused that my complete results were showing matches on my dad's side. Turns out it's the Family Finder that shows my dad's side, and this pie chart is part of that test.

I still stand by my theory that the Middle East slice is Jewish and that it comes from my mom's mom's side. Though I have a mtDNA test pending for my grandmother, I did not purchase Family Finder so she won't have a pie chart. Maybe I should do that. The two-generation difference between us would be a big deal if I am understanding this Family Finder autosomal DNA testing right.

This whole DNA post is giving me a headache. Ay yi yi. So much to learn.
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3 comments:

  1. The Family Finder test is sort of a "breakthrough." Previously you tested men with one test and women with another and it was very limited. Family Finder tests all sides, which comes with it's own problems - which side is the match on? I ended up testing my parents to pair down my matches.

    It took me a bit to fully understand all the different types of DNA testing and what they revealed. Then, I couldn't seem to be able to explain it to other people. Finally, I watched Elise Friedman's webinar, "Genetic Genealogy for Beginners," which gives great detailed information. The first one is free: http://relativeroots.net/webinars/

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  2. Definitely get the Family Finder for your grandmother! It will help you narrow down which branch your matches come from. Just maybe wait to see what happens when the FTDNA Facebook page hits 15,000 "likes", because they've said they'll have a sale then. I'd love to find a close family member who was willing to be tested. I haven't worked out how I'm connected to any of my matches yet.

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  3. Hi Amy,
    I compiled a list of resources for the folks in our DNA SIG group. It is up on my page here:
    http://www.luxegen.ca/dna-for-genealogy/

    Enjoy!

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