1 Concept

If two people have matching DNA, they have a common ancestor!

    [per the type of DNA test]

    [within a genealogical time frame]

Very powerful, extremely accurate info!

2 Levels (of involvement with DNA)

1. Accept the list of Matches, contact them, determine the Common Ancestor

    -Relatively easy

    -Focus is on genealogy

2. Use the DNA data

    -Combine the DNA clues with genealogy

    -Narrow your search

    -Confirm your genealogy

    -DNA is a powerful tool

3 Types of DNA tests – 3 different uses:

1. Y-DNA only passed from fathers to sons - Used in surname projects

2. mtDNA only from mothers to children - Used to trace all female lines

3. atDNA from parents to children - Find cousins from all ancestral lines

[Y= Y-Chromosome; mt= mitochondrial; at= autosomal]

3 Types of DNA “Projects”

Tracing all male line = SURNAME Project

 - tests the Y-DNA: matching = common ancestor

 - same SURNAME: easier to research

Tracing all female line… = usually D-I-Y Project

 - tests mt-DNA: matching = common ancestor

 - all SURNAMEs different: difficult to trace

Searching for all ancestors [Family Finder] = collaborate with cousins

 - tests all at-DNA: matching = common ancestor

 - share/compare with new matching cousins

DNA: Just DO IT!

Determine which test you want and who will provide the DNA

    - you (for mt or Family Finder); only male for Y-DNA

Go to www.familytreedna.com *

    - order a test (join a project for some discounts)

    - have Kit mailed to you or sent to someone else

    - pay by credit card or have them bill you

Follow Kit Instructions – like brushing your teeth

    (no pain, no blood)

Mail the Samples back – wait………………………..

[* you can use other companies, but FTDNA has highest recommendations]

For Jim's 2013 notes, click on links below
DNA Comparison chart
Using FTDNA, 23&Me, and Ancestry DNA for Autosomal DNA
DNA Testing for Genealogists