After RootsTech this year, I am inspired to re-dive into my genetic genealogy work 🌳 - how about you - how is your genetic genealogy going? If you’re seeking to do a bit more with your DNA, then I have insights that will help - and they come from the phenomenal expertise of Diahan Southard of Your DNA Guide.
TIP #1: Work your DNA shared matches relentlessly - I recently re-watched Diahan’s presentation from RootsTech DNA Day 2023 titled “Shared DNA Matches - the only DNA Tool You Will Ever Need.” It’s a good talk and one I found immensely helpful to work my DNA matches better, in cases where there is no chromosome browser. You can watch it here.
TIP #2: Go Beyond Shared Matches - As compelling as the title for Diahan’s talk above is, there is also so much more you can do when you have more advanced tools than JUST seeing your shared matches. Excitingly, 23andMe, which is one of the few DNA sites that provided a chromosome browser, has turned back on shared matches! 🙌 This was turned off in 2023 after a data breach on the site and I learned of the shared matches being back in a video of Diahan’s.
This is good news for us all because with the shared matches back on, this is a positive sign that we may soon get the chromosome browser back. With the chromosome browser, you can see exactly which DNA segments you share with your match and a person you both match. Knowing the exact DNA segments you share among the three of you is important for precision in determining relationships. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this part comes back soon too! When it does come back, you will then be able to explore your DNA connections much more thoroughly. Stay tuned for that!
These tips are part of your toolkit for unlocking the secrets hidden within your DNA. 🌟💡 Dive into your heritage with renewed vigor and connect the dots of your family history. Want to hear even more from her? You can listen to her conversation at RootsTech 2024 with Connie Knox of Genealogy TV.
👫 I would love to hear your own DNA stories? I invite you join our Academy of Legacy Leaders community and share more about your journey! Let's explore the depths of our ancestry with the help of Diahan Southard's strategies and tips. Here's to uncovering the magic in your DNA! 🚀🧬 #GeneticGenealogy #DNA
Taneya Y. Koonce (Genealogy | Memory Keeping | Organization)
Thanks for the tips! I have to dig back into the DNA challenges.