Today I was sent two enormous lists of names and details resulting from a distant cousin's Y-DNA investigation. He has not much idea what it all means and I certainly don't, not having ventured into this field yet.
So maybe I better jump on to the DNA-events that the GSV is offering to help me make sense of this. Go to our website here to see details https://www.gsv.org.au/article/dna-and-family-history-gsv
All these events are able to be accessed from your own home - so plan some family history time online at the GSV.
DNA webcasts
For an interactive offering the GSV has the following Webcasts for members. (Of course non-members can quickly on the website HERE.)
- 'Should I Test?'
A DNA test can help you extend your family tree, finds cousins and perhaps break through a brick wall in your research. What is involved in taking a test? Which test should you take? What company? Is it safe? This webcast will provide guidance on all these questions.
- DNA Ethnicity Results
- DNA and family history
Live presentations on Zoom
Over the coming months we will also present a series of live presentations on ZOOM covering a range of topics on genetic genealogy. These will be from beginner to more advanced topics, about 30-minute presentations followed by time for online questions and discussion. We hope this will make GSV’s presentations more available to members unable to travel and to regional members.
DNA Genetic Genealogy Study Group
Convener: Maureen Trotter. This new group has been started for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users. It is a self help group for people who are familiar with DNA terminology and available software tools, and who would like to work in a small study group where participants meet to continue to hone their skills in genetic genealogy. Participants will have completed the GSV DNA for beginners classes or have a similar knowledge base. The study group will meet on the first Tuesday of the month, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm. Maximum attendees of 14 per meeting.
DNA Discussion Circle
This circle DETAILS HERE is for GSV members who would like to find out how DNA may assist them in furthering their family history. DNA can be used to confirm or establish links in your family tree as well as identifying your particular genetic origins.
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And there is leisurely background reading to help you get up to speed. The past nine issues of our Ancestor journal has featured a series of articles - 'DNA News and Notes' - beginning with 'How did the DNA craze start?' by David Andreassen in June 2018. Members can still read these past issues online.
So it might be refreshing to take our focus from viruses (30-200 nm) -that may be 1,000 to 10,000 time smaller than a grain of salt - to DNA molecules with a diameter of 2 nm or 2 billionth of a metre. Though if you could stretch the spiralled DNA out in a straight line it is about a metre long! Plenty on offer to keep you occupied.