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DNA Group News and Topics of Interest

1. A Virtual DNA meeting will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 7 pm.

Details concerning online connection will be sent to Members of MCGS by email within one week before the meeting.
You do not need to use the link below to get the link to connect to the meeting if you are a MCGS Member.
Members of the Public can receive an invitation by clicking

 Request to Access MCGS DNA Group Meeting

In the first part of the meeting we will have an open forum where members will be able to ask questions and share their stories of successes or difficulties that they have encountered while pursuing Genetic Genealogy. Come prepared to participate.

We will then have the DNA Boot Camp presentation.


Here are some links to Handouts for this presentation.

1. Using Y-DNA, Mitochondrial DNA, and X-DNA for Genealogical Research

2. 12 Things to Know About DNA Testing

3. Autosomal DNA Statistics Chart

4. X-DNA Inheritance

5. Y-Mito-X-DNA Audience Question Log

6. Y-Mito-X-DNA Case Studies Questions


We have members with a range of experience levels and we want to accommodate everyone, so come prepared to share your experiences and ask your questions no matter no matter what level you are at.

If you have something that you would like explained, do not be afraid to ask. We encourage everyone to speak out, no matter what level of experience they have. Those with more experience love the opportunity to discuss these issues, and we all learn something.
You can also email me,Vernon Smith, to register your interest so that we can be prepared.

2. A video of the a presentation by Nancy Evans on Dealing with Your AncestryDNA Matches (suitable for beginners) and New Features at AncestryDNA given at the DNA meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2020 is now available to watch.

Click on the link below to access it.

It will take a while to load, so be patient.

It will be available at least until May 23, 2020, or perhaps a little longer.

Dealing with Your Matches and New Features at AncestryDNA

Here are some other links that might be useful.

1. Targeted DNA Testing - Diahan Southard

2. What's New at Ancestry - Crista Cowan

3. Opening the Ancestry DNA Toolbox - Jacqi Stevens

4. AncestryDNA's Dot System - Diahan Southard


3. Check out the Handouts covering various topics of interest to this group which can be accessed here.

The following are new ones giving links to blog posts, videos and more, on current topics.

DNA and Tree Associating, Y DNA Links, Ancestry ThruLines,   Auto Clusters,   Chromosome Painting & Visual Phasing,  Using GEDmatch, New Features at Ancestry, and New Features at MyHeritage.

4. Useful DNA Video Lectures
 a)  Videos from lectures given at  "Who Do You Think You Are" conferences held in Birmingham, England.
b)  Videos from Genetic Genealogy Ireland conferences.
c)  Videos of the Sessions at RootsTech 2019

5. Blog Spot

Latest suggestions (updated 5/15/2020)
Posts for previous months, click here.

6. DNA Tools

a) AncestryDNA Helper App for chrome browser

b) MedBetterDNA App for chrome browser

c) Autosomal DNA Analysis Tools by Tim Janzen

7. Resources
a) A good resource has been provided by Kitty Cooper as 'DNA Newbie FAQ'

b) Stream a video on "DNA for Beginners: The Three Tests" by Debbie Kennett.

c) Kelly Wheaton offers a "Beginners Guide to Genetic Genealogy"

d) CeCe Moore has a four part series on "DNA Testing for Genealogy"

e) FTDNA eBook "Interpreting Genetic Genealogy Results"

f) John A. Blair provides a basic discussion with "DNA 101"

g) Donna Rutherford provides "DNA - What, when, how, why - FAQ's for beginners"

h) Discussion of "ICW vs. Triangulation" (download)

i) Which DNA tests to take - “Which DNA testing company should I use?”,
      “Sorting out the DNA Tests Available for Genealogy” , and
      "The Best DNA Ancestry Testing Kit"

j) Tips for Using GEDmatch

k) A video on GEDmatch basics from Angie Bush

l) A beginners guide to "DNA Genealogy Using GEDmatch"

m) Basics of DNA "Focus University: Understand DNA in 10 Minutes".

n) This has recommendations that some would argue with, "A Practical Guide to Using Autosomal DNA (atDNA) for Genealogical Purposes"

o) Handout for Downloading and Uploading Your DNA Data

p) Visual Phasing by Blaine Bettinger

q) Links to "Finding Biological Family With DNA Testing" (download)

r) References for X-DNA Testing and Matching (download)

s) Links to "Finding Lisa" story (download)

t) Lots of information, courtesy of NIH, on Genetics

u) Lots of useful links on "ISOGG Wiki" This has an interesting discussion of "Identical by Descent"

Please send comments or suggestions to Vernon Smith

Note that I am available to answer your questions when I volunteer at the Family History Center (LDS Church) on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 6 pm to 9 pm.

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