Upcoming Events

SOLD OUT!: Applied Genetic Genealogy (course)

Applied Genealogy Institute
Online Course via Zoom
Mon, Apr 11–Mon, May 2, 2022 | 1:00–4:00 PM Pacific
Registration now closed
Intermediate–Advanced Level | US$300

This course is designed for intermediate to advance genealogists who want a consistent, efficient approach to problem-solving as well as guidance for writing about their DNA conclusions. In-class lectures, scripted assignments, and discussions set the stage for students to work on their own DNA-based research questions as homework. The end goal is a researcher who can evaluate a problem, design a testing plan to solve it, and explain the conclusions in clear language.

More information: Applied Genetic Genealogy
Sign up for registration alerts: https://appliedgen.institute/mailing-list/

When Your Tree Is A Banyan: Untangling Endogamy (updated lecture)

DNA Geek Educational Series
Online via Zoom
Tue 12 Apr 2022 @ 5:00 PM Pacific | Wed 13 Apr @ 10:00 AM Pacific (two sessions of the same talk)
Intermediate–Advanced Level | US$20

Endogamy, the practice of marrying within a relatively small group, is common and one of the greatest challenges to working with autosomal DNA matches to enhance your family tree. This talk will help you understand what endogamy is, why it complicates DNA analyses, how to gauge it, and some strategies to work most effectively with your DNA results.

Register for the 12 April session (5 PM PDT) or the 13 April session (10 AM PDT)

DNA Directions: Which Way to Go? (series)

We all understand the importance of DNA in helping us with our family puzzles, breaking down brick walls which traditional paper trails have not been able to solve. So how do you get started on your DNA journey? What if you have already taken the first step but aren’t sure where to go next? In what direction should you head if you are ready for more advanced methods?

Leah Larkin understands your dilemma and can guide you through the various DNA pathways. In these three practical and interactive sessions, she will take you from introductory stages through to more advanced DNA techniques. You can choose to attend all three sessions or select the sessions which suit where you are in your DNA journey and where you would like to be.

Register: DNA Directions

Introduction to “What Are the Odds?” (WATO) (lecture)

Ventura County Genealogical Society
Online via Zoom
Sat, Jun 18, 2022 | 10:30 AM Pacific
Intermediate–Advanced Level

Fitting one person into a known tree of their autosomal DNA matches is a common challenge in genetic genealogy. The connection might be masked by an adoption or unknown parentage a generation or two back in time. “What Are the Odds?” (WATO) is a revolutionary new tool at DNApainter.com that allows you to test different hypotheses for where the “target person” fits into a documented tree. Hypotheses are ranked relative to one another, allowing you to better focus your research efforts and testing dollars. Better yet, it works using only shared cM amounts, so there is no need for a chromosome browser. This talk will provide a general overview of the tool, how to use it, and how to interpret the results.

Register: https://venturacogensoc.org/calendar/

Past Events

Solved! Case Studies in Genetic Genealogy (lecture)

DNA Geek Educational Series
Online via Zoom
Wed, Feb 9, 2022 | 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM Pacific (two sessions)
Beginner–Intermediate Level | US$20

DNA is daunting! We know that it can be used to break through brick walls, but we may not always understand how to put that knowledge into practice. Join us to work through real-life case studies where DNA provided answers that couldn’t be found any other way. We’ll address strategies for solving brick walls, whether it’s an unknown parent, grandparent, or great grandparent.

Register for the 10 AM PST session or the 5 PM PST session

The Hicks Babies (lecture)

South King County Genealogical Society
Online via Zoom
Sat, Jan 15, 2022 | 10:00 AM Pacific
All Levels

From the early 1950s to the mid 1960s, Dr. Thomas Hicks ran a community health clinic in McCaysville, Georgia. On the side, he mediated illegal adoptions, selling hundreds of newborns on the black market to couples who couldn’t have children of their own. These so-called “Hicks babies” have no paper trail to document their true parentage. DNA testing has allowed many of them to reunite with their biological families. Three case studies will demonstrate effective research strategies for unknown parentage searches using DNA.

Register: http://www.skcgs.org/soccalendar.html

SOLD OUT: Working with WATO (What Are the Odds?) (lecture)

DNA Geek Educational Series
Online via Zoom
Wed, Jan 12, 2022 | 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM Pacific (two sessions)
Intermediate–Advanced Level | US$20

“What Are the Odds?” (WATO) is a revolutionary new tool at DNApainter.com that helps you figure out where someone with an unknown parent fits into the family tree of their DNA matches. You can compare different options to see which rank the highest. The results allow you to better focus your research efforts and testing dollars. Better yet, it works using only shared cM amounts, so there is no need for a chromosome browser, and you can use matches from any testing company. This talk will provide a general overview of the tool, how to use it, and how to interpret the results.

Register for the 10 AM PST session or the 5 PM PST session

A Road Map for Y-DNA, by Elena Fowler (lecture)

DNA Geek Educational Series
Online via Zoom
Wed, Dec 8, 2021 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM Pacific (two sessions)
Beginner–Intermediate Level | US$15

DNA can often answer genealogy questions when other resources fail. Autosomal DNA (atDNA) is the most common type of DNA test, but it has limits. Y-DNA testing can often be a valuable next step. Y-DNA has a unique inheritance pattern that allows us to make connections and support our family history and genealogy research well beyond the time of written records. This talk aims to help you get the maximum benefit from Y-DNA results.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/

When Your Tree Is A Banyan: Untangling Endogamy (lecture)

Ventura County Genealogical Society
Online via Zoom
9 Oct 2021 | 10:30 AM Pacific
Intermediate–Advanced Level | Free

Endogamy, the practice of marrying within a relatively small group, is common and one of the greatest challenges to working with autosomal DNA matches to enhance your family tree. This series will help you understand what endogamy is, why it complicates DNA analyses, how to gauge it, and some strategies to work most effectively with your DNA results.

Register: https://venturacogensoc.org

From Madness to Method: Making Sense of Your DNA Results (lecture)

DNA Geek Educational Series
Online via Zoom
Wed, Sep 29, 2021 | 9:00 AM & 6:00 PM Pacific (two sessions)
Beginner–Intermediate Level | US$20

DNA is a powerful tool to solve family mysteries, but getting started can be daunting. Which testing company is best? Which kind of DNA? What about third-party tools? What subscriptions do you need? This live talk will work through examples that showcase an overall strategy for addressing different types of brick wall questions using DNA and traditional genealogical evidence. You will have opportunities to ask questions during and after the talk. Attendance is limited to 35 participants per session.

Register: Session 1 (9 AM PDT) or Session 2 (6 PM PDT)