D is for DNA

One of the most popular topics at genealogy conferences, webinars and seminars over the past few years has been DNA. During every family history television show, some portion of the story addresses what the DNA results tell a person about their ancestry. The Guild is lucky to have several members who are well-versed in this field and they share their knowledge in several ways. Susan Meates is the Guild’s DNA Administrator. She not only helps members set up their DNA projects for their one-name studies, but helps all of us understand how DNA studies can complement our one-name studies.

Susan recently added a new section to our Website and it is an excellent primer on all aspects of DNA – including what a DNA project is and why we might want to add one to our one-name study, how to set up a DNA project, a comparison of the DNA tests on the market, how to order a DNA kit through the Guild at a significant cost savings, and how to encourage others who share the surname to join in your DNA project. Be sure to check out the Guild’s new DNA section – you can find it at the Guild Website’s drop down menu – click on Resources and then click on DNA.

You might also want to check out Debbie Kennett’s book DNA and Social Networking: A Guide to Genealogy in the Twenty-First Century (History Press, 2011) or watch and learn from Debbie with DNA Demystified: a beginner’s guide to genetic genealogy (one of several DNA videos at YouTube). And if you want to learn with a series of DNA videos check out Maurice Gleeson’s channel at YouTube. 

Susan, Debbie & Maurice are just three of our DNA experts here at the Guild. Why not consider learning a bit more and then adding a DNA project to your one-name study. I just got my father to take his DNA test and will be adding his results to the Keough DNA Study out of Ireland.

If you have added DNA to your one-name study, why not share your experience in the comments section below.