| Schedule | Recorded Presentations & Videos | Instructor Bios |
Welcome!
Thank you for registering for the online course, DNA for Beginners!
Advances in DNA research over the last decades have had huge implications for the field of genealogy. Yet, with the growing number of companies and options, it can be difficult to know what test is best for you and your genealogical goals. In this workshop Genealogist Tom Dreyer will discuss what types of genetic tests are available to family historians, what genealogical problems they can—and can’t—assist you with, what online tools are available to help you understand your matches, and, finally, how to interpret your results. All materials available to registrants until the end of March 2019.
This course includes three 90-minute classes; exclusive access to handouts and recordings of each presentation; and in-depth q&a sessions with the instructor.
COURSE SCHEDULE
You will have access to all the material on this page from the time you register until March 31, 2019. Return to this page often for additional resources!
| Course Activity | Dates of Access | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Course web page and resources | Date of registration to 3/31/19 | Access handouts and other course materials from home. |
| Class #1 | ||
| Class #1: Online presentation (live!) | 11/28/2018, 6:00 pm EST | Choosing a DNA Test This first class will introduce you to the basics of DNA, what tests exist for family historians, and a review of some of the major testing companies. |
| Video of Class #1 | 11/29/2018 to 3/31/19 | Watch the first class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #2 | ||
| Class #2: Online presentation (live!) | 12/5/2018, 6:00 pm EST |
Interpreting Results Note: To attend, return to your confirmation email received at the time of registration with a link to the live event. If you are unable to attend the live event a recording will be posted to this page, the following day (see below). |
| Video of Class #2 | 12/6/2018 to 3/31/19 | Watch the second class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #3 | ||
| Class #3: Online presentation (live!) | 12/12/2018, 6:00 pm EST |
Using Third Party Tools Note: To attend, return to your confirmation email received at the time of registration with a link to the live event. If you are unable to attend the live event a recording will be posted to this page, the following day (see below). |
| Video of Class #3 | 12/13/2018 to 3/31/19 | Watch the third and final class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
Class #1: Choosing a DNA Test
Presented by: Tom Dreyer, Genealogist
Running Time: 1:41:52
This first class will introduce you to the basics of DNA, what tests exist for family historians, and a review of some of the major testing companies.
Class #2: Interpreting Your Results
Presented by: Tom Dreyer, Genealogist
Running Time: 1:44:49
Using the tools provided by testing companies, this class will teach you how to understand what the results are telling you and how to craft a plan of action.
Class #3: Using Third Party Tools
Presented by: Tom Dreyer, Genealogist
Running Time: 1:40:11
There are a number of free and fee-based, third-party tools that can help you leverage your DNA results and find additional matches. This class will highlight some of these tools and provide tips on how to apply them to your own research.
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Tom Dreyer, Genealogist, has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Boston University and has been a genealogical researcher for the past thirty years. He assists patrons at our Library and Archives in Boston, provides one-on-one DNA consultations, and has given several workshops and lectures on using DNA in family history throughout New England. His areas of expertise include New England, Nebraska, Missouri, and Germany.
COURSE HANDOUTS
Course Handout
Class 1 Slides Worksheet
Class 1 Slides (large)
Class 2 Slides Worksheet
Class 2 Slides (large)
Class 3 Slides Worksheet
Class 3 Slides (large)
RESOURCES
Kinship by shared centiMorgans
DNA Testing Action Plan Worksheet
DNA Match Template (.xslx)
DNA Products and Services at American Ancestors