Dallas Genealogical Society Fall Seminar - Kelli Bergheimer - Strategies for DNA Breakthroughs

The Dallas Genealogical Society Fall Seminar "Strategies for DNA Breakthroughs" features Kelli Bergheimer. 

Saturday, October 25, 2025 9:30-3:30 CT

Topics:

Successful Sleuthing, Not Stalking, for DNA Matches

Ancestry Pro Tools: Increase Your DNA Analysis

The Power of Ancestry Clusters and Inferred Matching

The Tale of Two Grandfathers and an Adoption - Privacy and Ethical Concerns with DNA

For more information or to register https://dallasgenealogy.org/meetings-events/2025-fall-seminar/

New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Free Seminars

 NYG&B is offering a free week of seminars Nov 3-7. Programs include getting started with New York research, what to do if your ancestor's military personnel file burned in the fire, veterans of WWI, resources available at newyorkfamilyhistory.org, and more. 

For more information or to register https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/events/nygb-week-november-2025

My Heritage DNA Testing Change

 MyHeritage announced they are changing from array-based DNA testing (used by all the testing companies in the industry) to whole genome sequencing. The price of their testing won't change and the test provides more data. Here is a link to their press release https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251014913163/en/MyHeritage-Upgrades-Its-Consumer-DNA-Tests-to-Whole-Genome-Sequencing 

From their press release:

Whole Genome Sequencing reads almost the entire human genetic code, covering around 3 billion base pairs (nucleotides). This is superior to the standard genotyping arrays used by most consumer DNA tests, including MyHeritage until recently, which read only about 700,000 base pairs. More data enables deeper insights across all types of genetic analysis. Whole Genome Sequencing is now being applied to most new MyHeritage DNA kits currently being processed at the lab, and to every new MyHeritage DNA kit sold moving forward. MyHeritage DNA kits already processed with the older genotyping array technology will not be reprocessed with Whole Genome Sequencing. Customers whose MyHeritage DNA kits are processed with Whole Genome Sequencing will be able to download their entire genome from MyHeritage at no cost, in CRAM format. They may also unlock additional insights by uploading their data to other trusted genetic service providers that support such uploads.

Diane Southard's Blog Post explains the new testing and some of the implications. You will need to setup a free account to read the blog post.  https://my.yourdnaguide.com/c/diahan-s-corner/a-big-change-at-myheritage-what-it-means-and-why-i-m-watching-closely 

Library Lock-In Oct 17 - Haggard Library or Via Zoom

 Join other libraries across Texas and Oklahoma to see webinars throughout the day on genealogy research in person at the library or via Zoom. Registration https://plano.libnet.info/event/13963698

September DNA News

23andMe Ancestry Composition

23andMe announced a significant update to Ancestry Composition is coming soon.  The algorithm was last updated in 2022. They are improving the specificity of reference populations and updating the methods underlying the algorithm to provide more specificity and accuracy in the information provided. 

The announcement included:

• Better breakdowns in Europe and the Americas
• Enhanced Accuracy
• Elimination of Broadly and Unassigned DNA
• Better Error Detection
• Version History
• 33 New Ancestry Populations in Europe

Here is a link to the blog post with more information https://blog.23andme.com/articles/a-major-update-to-ancestry-composition-is-coming-soon. The announcement did not include a rollout date. 

Ancestry Image Transcript - New Beta Feature

 Ancestry now has an AI Image Transcription tool in beta. Here is how to use it:

1. Upload an image of a letter, newspaper article, etc., into your gallery. 

2. Open the image, in the upper left is a Transcribe button. Click It. 

3. The transcription appears in a window on the right side of the screen. 

Here is the image I used and the transcription generated

In this case, it was 100% accurate. I also tried a handwritten record from a Deed Book from 1886. It took longer and was not as accurate. A couple of the people's names were incorrect, but the rest of the text was pretty accurate. This will definitely be a time saver.   

September Saturday Seminar

 

Join Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries in person at W.O. Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd., Plano, TX or via Zoom on Saturday, September 20, 2025, for a free seminar. To join our mailing list and receive Zoom info for seminars, email newsletter@genealogyfriends.org. 

"How to Reopen and Work a Genealogical Cold Case" by Lisa Louise Cooke

Become a genealogical detective in this vital session. You'll learn how to track down ancestors like a criminal cold case detective, following their distinctive process. Learn how to sniff out holes in your research and get missing information on the record using a variety of methods including cutting edge technology.

Lisa Louise Cooke is the author of several books including The Genealogist's Google Toolbox, 3rd Edition. She produces and hosts the popular Genealogy Gems Podcast (founded in 2007) and publishes weekly videos at the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel.  She offers a premium Membership Service at her website, https://lisalouisecooke.com featuring exclusive on-demand genealogy education. And she writes a regular column for Family Tree Magazine and produces the Family Tree Magazine Podcast.