The DNA Special Interest Group (SIG) is a forum for WHAGS members to meet and learn about DNA and its use in genealogical research. We will learn together and help each other solve any DNA-related mysteries.  Members of all levels of DNA knowledge are welcome to learn and help other members.

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In the SIG we will work our way through the book Genetic Genealogy in Practice by Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne. Meetings are normally held the 1st Tuesday of the month at 10am via Zoom.

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Next meeting:   Tuesday, April 2nd, 10:00 am, via Zoom

This month's topic: Solving DNA Mysteries: WATO+ and BanyanDNA

     Do you have mystery matches on your DNA match lists? Are you trying to find the parent(s) of a grandparent or great-grandparent? The processes and tools that help solve these mysteries are ever-evolving. RootsTech saw the introduction of the updated What Are the Odds (WATO) tool called WATO+. WATO+ is a great improvement and is easier to use and understand. The genetic genealogy community saw the introduction of the new tool BanyanDNA. This tool is similar to WATO+ but provides analysis capabilities that WATO+ does not. Significantly, BanyanDNA allows you to attach DNA to multiple people and their matches in the tree. It also tackles some of the big hurdles many of us face; multiple relationships and pedigree collapse! The BanyanDNA team is also working to help us solve relationships in families from endogamous populations. Come to the DNA SIG meeting to see how these tools may help you.

     

Please visit the DNA SIG page in the Members Only area for more information, copies of past and current handouts, and an active Zoom link to our meetings.