New Year, New Journey’s in DNA

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I’ve been an advocate for DNA testing from the moment it became affordable (to me) as a fabulous source for crowd-sourcing research, possibly confirming theories and outright conquering brick walls. And as I started presenting more, I’ve tried to remind people that you do have to be ready for what you find. While DNA can confirm your research, it can also completely undermine it.

My family has now confirmed that one of my close relatives is not the genetic child of the man that raised them. Needless to say, after working on these lines for 20+ years, this was a surprise. I can’t say I didn’t have an inkling that something was up (based on matches over the years—or lack thereof), but I assumed that any discrepancy was farther up the line. But now that a few more close relatives have tested, I’m starting to research a new line and luckily the relative with the “new” father seems to be taking it in stride. That whole experience—which really, we’re still working through—has put me in the middle of a lot of DNA discussions, found me attending every DNA related class/webinar/discussion I can squeeze in, and forced me to re-evaluate how I use my DNA results. In fact, this may just end up being a DNA focused year for me.

With that in mind if you’re in a similar position, just getting started with DNA testing, or have tests but don’t know what to do with the results, here’s a few things I’ve found and wanted to share—especially for Michigan area researchers:

Thomas MacEntee at Abundant Genealogy (who created the Genealogy Do-Over) has now launched the DNA Do-Over—”an on-line, collaborative educational group in which we tackle ONE DNA-related topic with easy-to-understand, non techy language that isn’t too scientific.”
Multiple Genealogical Societies in Michigan are forming DNA Special Interest Groups (SIG) to help people understand and work with their results in a supportive community including:
- Detroit Society of Genealogical Research
- The Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County
- Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society, Ingham County Genealogical Society and Lansing Area African American Genealogical Society—all based in Greater Lansing are partnering to create a SIG.
Already established groups include:
- Western Michigan Genealogical Society
- Ionia County Genealogical Society
The National Genealogical Society Conference 2018 is coming to Grand Rapids, Michigan in May (w00t!) and includes a DNA track with 20+ presentations on various aspects of DNA research.