Free webinar: “Genetic Genealogy Made Easy”: Wed., July 8, at 8 PM EST.


On Wednesday, July 8 at 8 PM, we’ll introduce family historians to the basics of DNA testing for genealogy. We’ll walk you through a very simple overview of the science behind the test. And we’ll also show you exactly what you can expect and do with your Ancestry.com DNA results. Register for the webinar now.

I’m constantly impressed at how much our members know…so a word of caution…If you already have a basic knowledge of how genetic genealogy testing works and how to use our service, you may want to skip this presentation and wait for future webinars to address advanced concepts. This webinar is perfect for people who are completely new to DNA testing.

Emphasis will be on our Paternal Lineage Test (Y-Chromosome 33), but we’ll also explain how and when to use the other tests we offer. And we’ll give real-life examples of how women can use the Paternal Lineage Test to grow their family trees.

Specifically, you can expect to learn how:

- DNA testing for genealogy works–in easy terms.
- To understand and apply your results to grow your tree.
- Ancestry.com DNA testing can continue to pay off for years.
- Women can benefit from a Paternal Lineage test.
- To use Ancestry.com DNA features: Groups, Transfer to Tree, and Ancient Ancestry.

Darlene Odenwalder, myself, and Elise Allen will speak during our webinar. Darlene is the DNA Project Coordinator and has researched genealogy for over 20 years, teaching classes in her local community. I’m the Director of Product Marketing and oversee the Ancestry.com DNA business, optimizing the delivery of products and services to our members. Elise writes science content for our users and received a master’s degree in the biosciences in 1999.
The last 20 minutes of this one-hour webinar include a Q & A session. We’re taking questions in advance—enter questions when you register or as comments here. We’ll answer your questions on July 8, in the Webinar. Register for the webinar and we’ll see you then!

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June 24th, 2009
33 Responses
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Reader Comments

Comment Number:
1
Written by:
Randy
Posted on:
June 24, 2009 at 5:38 pm

It appears that this is for women only. Is that true?

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 24, 2009 at 7:26 pm

Randy, the webinar is for all people new to genetic genealogy – men and women. Emphasis will be on our Paternal test — which uses the Y chromosome. Some detail will be spent addressing how women, who do not have a Y chromosome themselves, can participate in this type of testing. This initial webinar will be basic in nature, so we are targeting beginers, but all are welcome to attend. I hope to more questions from you, Randy. thanks.

Comment Number:
3
Written by:
Bob Fountain
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 4:30 am

I will not be available on 8 July to participate in the DNA Webcam. Will it be offered at another time? Can a recap of the information be returned by e-mail?

Thanks. Bob

Comment Number:
4
Written by:
emily harris
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 7:54 am

I am interested about the DNA testing, but concerned about privacy. Who exactly would have access to my DNA data and would this data ever be sold to another company. If Ancestry.com does not have intent to sell or share the data, what steps have you put into place to prevent it from ever happening. Thank you!!!!!

Comment Number:
5
Written by:
Janalee
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 8:59 am

If I already know my DNA will I be able to add it to Ancestry so I can use your research features to connect with others? My DNA would be the maternal line.

Comment Number:
6
Written by:
Allyce Feller
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 8:59 am

Does the DNA testing work for a female trying to trace her Mother’s family?

Comment Number:
7
Written by:
Peni Andrews
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 10:31 am

how do you know what chromosomes you have or not?
If your grandfather doesnt know who his father was, an you test will it show who the surname possibly could be?
Peni

Comment Number:
8
Written by:
Anita Humphrey
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 11:13 am

My mother has her grandfathers pipe that he smoked until 1928; can a DNA test be done on it?

Thank you

Comment Number:
9
Written by:
George Curry
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 11:22 am

Can this test be used for inner-family comparison?

Comment Number:
10
Written by:
Mary Dio
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 11:53 am

First I have no webcam so I cannot participate but I need to know 2 answers. My brother had his DNA done threw National Geographic, some person is trying to prove that all humans came from 2 people in south Africa and low and behold when my brother had his DNA done we did??? The person traced us to Italy first then around to Africa, but even though our last name looks Italian we are far from it, we came from Canada threw France and the Eskamos and MicMak Indians, and off the Mayflower and native American on Dad’s side. Mom, 2 generations New England then back to the 1100 in Ireland and then to Spain? So where the heck did Italy come from? He had his DNA done to see the Native American, Dad had received a letter in the early 1990’s asking him to come back to the tribe, I asked him who the Indian was and he replied, his Grandmother, (his Dad’s Mother), can we ever see this link on DNA?

Comment Number:
11
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 1:01 pm

Emily, privacy is one of the first questions about which persons new to genetic genealogy are concerned. We address this topic in our FAQs see specifically “How will Ancestry.com use my DNA results?”

Furthermore, as the owner of the data, you get to decide how publicly you want to display information e.g. your name, to the other members of the DNA database.

Your data is secure. Remember it is by sharing your data that you increase your opportunity for connecting with others.

Comment Number:
12
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Bob, a recording of the webinar will be available online after the event takes place.

A reminder to everyone, these are great questions, for those that are generally appropriate, please be reminded that you can submit questions via the registration page for discussion during our Q&A session at the webinar. Thanks and keep your interest coming!

Comment Number:
13
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 1:09 pm

Janalee, results from other sources can be entered into Ancestry.com DNA. On the homepage in the bottom right, you will see “Transfer Results From Other Lab.” Click on this link and instructions will follow. You will need to create (or login) an Ancestry.com account. Once logged in, choose the correct type (maternal vs paternal).

Comment Number:
14
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 1:14 pm

Allyce, Maternal Lineage Testing is available. There are some distinct differences in the maternal testing vs the paternal testing, though, that you will want to be familiar with prior to purchasing the testing.

We have recently blogged on the differences in interpreting matches between the two types. You may also wish to visit our website tutorials and FAQs.

Comment Number:
15
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Anita, there is a possibility that relevant DNA can be extracted from the pipe. This type of specimen is known as a “special specimen” and takes extensive effort and thus is usually a more expensive extraction process that does not alsways yield usable DNA.

Ancestry.com DNA only processes swab samples. You would need to contact a DNA laboratory directly for information about special specimen.

If your great grandfather has any living male descendants, then they would be able to submit DNA representative of your great grandfather and his paternal line.

Comment Number:
16
Written by:
Alice Benson
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 3:02 pm

Is there any way that Ancestry DNA testing can be compared with those tested by other companies like Family Tree DNA or Relative Genetics?

Comment Number:
17
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 25, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Peni, the dna testing which we perform is either on the Y chromosome (males have this only) or the mtDNA (which both males and females have). Respective tests are Paternal Lineage tests (33 or 46) or Maternal Lineage tests, which can be found here. Our Y DNA tests do not reveal surnames, however, as you connect with other participants who share your same or similar DNA results, then you may be able to ascertain clues of a potential common ancestor(s) one of which may be a surname. Click here to learn more about DNA testing.

Comment Number:
18
Written by:
Becky
Posted on:
June 26, 2009 at 10:05 am

After years of trying, I’ve never been able to connect my maternal grandmother’s paternal grandfather’s family. There are no male offspring alive. Is there any hope of DNA helping to connect my ancestor’s parentage?

Comment Number:
19
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 26, 2009 at 2:14 pm

Mary Dio, The National Geographic study uses 12 markers for the Y testing and is concentrating on ancient ancestry. You can see on their information pages that they state the testing is not a genealogical test; therefore, it is entirely possible that your ancient ancestry did traverse through Italy, yet your recent genealogical history follows the path you outlined.

DNA testing for Native American confirmation can only be conducted on a direct paternal or direct maternal line at this point in time. Your scenario crosses lines so you would need to wait or look for a direct maternal descendant through your father’s mother to see about having this person tested.

Once you register for the webinar, you will be sent an even notification which contains a link for you to test your system for compatibility for viewing streaming media to prepare your system for the upcoming webinar.

Comment Number:
20
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 26, 2009 at 2:18 pm

Becky, at this point in time, DNA testing for genetic genealogical purposes is limited to a direct maternal line or a direct paternal line.

Genetic genealogy may help you in finding answers to another branch of your family tree where a direct line ancestor may be located. Sometimes, doing reverse genealogy helps to identify a likely candidate.

Comment Number:
21
Written by:
Ms. Drever
Posted on:
June 26, 2009 at 8:46 pm

I have been thinking about testing my Father-in-law’s DNA. His last name is Drever which is Orkney in origin I come to find out. More Viking origin than Scottish I have been told. Anyway, it seems most of his family Drevers left Orkney about 1820 to 1842. I was hoping that maybe we could find distant cousins with DNA. What do you think?

Comment Number:
22
Written by:
Mike
Posted on:
June 27, 2009 at 11:37 am

I have heard about this, but don’t know much about it, so it sounds like this Webnar would perfect for me.
It would help me a great deal, as well as others, if specific basic informations is conveyed, as well as how long it takes to receive results, different kinds of tests, and how to use this in genealogy searches.
I too am concerned about privacy issues and I think most people not doing this yet have this as their number one stop to having it done.
Also, I think for those not having a web cam, I don’t have one either, but you just use your video that is on your computer to see the Webnar. Just follow the instructions you are sent in the email for making sure you can view it. I’ve seen two webnars so far and both have been very useful.
Please explain, in detail, the different kinds of test available.
Can you also show examples where a DNA test for genealogy would NOT work, and a map of some kind to track what you do show of the lineage.
Also, I have seen an example of a chart of some kind, showing someones lineage with DNA testing. The chart seems very confusing to me. Can you show in detail what it all means?
Also, after having it done, could you explain how this would be shown in a genealogy tree?
Thanks, Mike

Comment Number:
23
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 28, 2009 at 11:49 pm

Ms. Drever, you have a great opportunity for finding potential genetic cousins through DNA. There are no gaurantees. Some people find connections instantly with matches, while others connect as the database grows.

Comment Number:
24
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
June 28, 2009 at 11:51 pm

Thank you, Mike for your questions. You are coming prepared to the webinar. I’m starting to wonder if we’ll have enough time to cover everything!

Comment Number:
25
Written by:
Georgia
Posted on:
June 30, 2009 at 2:32 pm

If I am trying to verify possible ethnicity – as in German, Jewish, Irish, etc. – is this verifiable from DNA? Thank you.

Comment Number:
26
Written by:
Allen Brady
Posted on:
July 1, 2009 at 11:55 pm

Would your Y-chromosome 33 test be sufficient to determine what cousin/brother relationships might exist among the 15 or so Scotch-Irish families with my surname who immigrated to PA in the 1700s using DNA from connected male descendants? This involves comparisons going back 6 to 10 generations. Would it be sufficient for two or three more generations back in N. Ireland or Scotland? (I submitted a similar question for your web seminar.) Also, what is the Paternal Lineage “46″ test? What information does that provide and what does it cost?

Comment Number:
27
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
July 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Allen, you could surely start with the less expensive alternative, the Y 33, to begin your investigation. It would help to weed out some of the possibilities since you have so many. If able, however, I would recommend using the Y46. If you have chosen to begin using the Y33, then you will want to upgrade that handful of possibilities to the Y 46. The more markers two individuals can compare, the more precisely they can determine whether they could be related-based on a tighter Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) result. Conversely, matching too few markers will not result in a genealogically relevant time frame. The Y46 is a higher resolution test and therefore provides greater refinement. It includes the panel of markers from the Y 33 with a dozen or so additional markers. You can find out more about this option here. DNA itself does not reveal names of common ancestors. Remember it is the marriage of DNA and paper genealogies that will reveal the actual connection.

Comment Number:
28
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
July 2, 2009 at 12:07 pm

Georgia, the results from Ancestry.com DNA provide insight into your ancient ancestry and help in identifying possible common ancestors through matching on DNA results. Specific locality and ethnicity is not a by product of these tests at this point in time.

Comment Number:
29
Written by:
Marilyn Walters
Posted on:
July 4, 2009 at 5:17 pm

I have dna on a napkin paper and cloth from salva from an 85 yr old man I think is my sisters dad can I send in his dna for testing? if so how much will this cost? He is out of state and I cannot get another sample. thanks Marilyn

Comment Number:
30
Written by:
Wendy Jessen, Ancestry.com
Posted on:
July 4, 2009 at 9:25 pm

Marilyn, the items you referred to are known as “special specimens.” Ancestry.com DNA uses swabs for specimen collection, which can be mailed to a thrid party, if desired. You would need to contact a DNA laboratory directly to determine the viability and cost for your scenario.

Comment Number:
31
Written by:
Steve St. Clair
Posted on:
July 5, 2009 at 6:31 pm

I’m enjoying this thread. I think your viewers might be inspired to not only do their DNA but to start a successful project if they visit http://www.StClairResearch.com

We built this site after about 6 years of study. It shows just how much you can learn by combining DNA with good documents research.

Thanks for your hard work,

Steve

Comment Number:
32
Written by:
Lisa
Posted on:
July 8, 2009 at 7:14 pm

Hi, I wanted to know if you would be replaying the Genetic Genealogy Made Easy webinar in the near future?

Lisa

Comment Number:
33
Written by:
Lynn
Posted on:
July 8, 2009 at 9:15 pm

Thank you for webinar. I learned a lot as well as you answered my question — can you determine ethnicity based upon the DNA tests. When that becomes a possiblity, please make a BIG announcement on Ancestry — that is something that I would be interested in confirming. Although it could take a long-time before reliable tests are available — I am sure multiple Ancestry users/subscribers would be interested.