FamilyTreeDNA is Upgrading Their Family Finder Testing

 

Family Tree's autosomal DNA test is the Family Finder. Beginning March 2, 2026, a new sequencing panel will bring greater precision and consistency to the test. An upgrade will be offered for customers who previously tested. 

There is more information on their help center. 

Diahan Southard wrote a blog post about this.

Dallas Genealogical Society - Mastering the Search: German Genealogical Research Strategies

 

March 28, 2026 - Join in person at the downtown Dallas Public Library or via Zoom. 

Sessions: 

• Overcoming the Language Barrier in German Genealogy
• German Genealogy on the Internet: Beyond the Basics
• Finding and Using German Church Records
• Telling Their Story: Adding Character to Your German-American Genealogical Narrative

Link to More Information and Registration

The DNA Geek Classes - Leah Larkin

Leah Larkin, the DNA Geek and creator of the Leeds Method offers DNA classes. Here is what is coming up:

𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁, 𝗜’𝗺 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁?!? 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

Ethnicity (origin) estimates are one of the most popular reasons people test and one of the most misunderstood. Learn how they work, which are most accurate, and what those percentages really mean.

𝗕𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗗𝗡𝗔: 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗡𝗔

Already solved mysteries with DNA? Put your tree to the test. Learn how to use BanyanDNA to validate relationships, spot disconnects, and uncover what your tree might be missing.

𝗗𝗡𝗔 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘅: 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵

Learn how to move beyond basic match lists and start seeing patterns, connections, and signals in your DNA data that can take your research to the next level.

Each class includes time for Q&A, has limited attendance, access to recordings for two weeks, captioning, and a handout.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://thednageek.com/events

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀?

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: https://forms.gle/vCVWXRYCwdNRTxxR7

It's Time for RootsTech 2026!

 

Find Relatives at Roots Tech is "live" now

https://www.familysearch.org/en/connect/8a37fa20-0398-41a6-b391-0b33657a9976/

If you haven't signed up yet, you can do so here:

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/online/

February 21, 2026 - Saturday Seminar - "Organizing for Genealogical Success" by Emily Richardson

 

Join Genealogy Friends for our monthly free Saturday Seminar from 10:15 to Noon CT at W.O. Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, TX. 

Organizing for Genealogical Success

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or professional researcher we have all felt the pain of not being able to find the document or picture we have previously found during our genealogical research. Organization of genealogical research is critical for success. Whether you use files, notebook, or digital files, you must have a process that will enable you to easily locate a document in your system. This organization includes developing a process that you use to know who you are researching, what you have completed, what you have found, where you found it and how this information aids in future research. Come learn more about organizational skills for genealogists so that you can be efficient and successful for your quest to find your ancestors. 

Members have access to handouts and recordings by logging in to our website - http://www.genealogyfriends.org/

2026 Texas State Family History Conference - A Journey of Discovery

 

This year the 2026 TxSGS Family History Conference will be at the Riley Center on the campus of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 6-7, 2026. It will be a hybrid event with 10 speakers in person. These presentations will be livestreamed to our virtual audience and recorded for registrants to view after the conference. In addition, there will also be a robust library of on-demand recordings that will also be accessible to registrants following the conference. 

This conference is being designed to inspire genealogists at all stages of their research as they explore new records, methodologies, technologies, and perspectives. We will explore the adventure of genealogical research - those exciting moments of discovery, the creative problem-solving, and the thrill of piecing together family stories. 

Save the Dates: November 6-7, 2026 And Come to Fort Worth!

TxSGS Offers Genealogy Essentials Class

 

Genealogy Essentials: Building a Strong Foundation for Family History February 2 - March 13, 2026| Online Course | $80

Are you just starting out on your family history journey? Have you been  researching for a while but want to jump start your research with new skills and resources? Unsure how to navigate the mountains of documents and  details you’ve inherited from relatives? The Texas State Genealogical  Society (TxSGS) understands the challenges beginners and other  researchers face—that’s why we’ve created “Genealogy Essentials,” a  flexible, online program designed with you in mind. TxSGS is again offering Genealogy Essentials – Course 1, our  comprehensive, eight-session curriculum aimed at beginners and  those who want to review the basic principles necessary to be successful as a genealogist. The pre-recorded lectures will all be released on  February 2, 2026, allowing students to watch sessions on their schedule.  A homework assignment booklet is included which will help participants  practice what they have learned in the courses. A recording of instructor  interviews addressing frequently asked questions will be available weekly  to provide additional information. “In designing ‘Genealogy Essentials,’ we aimed to create an accessible,  flexible program that helps participants build a strong foundation in  genealogy,” said Emily Richardson, TxSGS president and course  coordinator. “From understanding basic research concepts to evaluating  sources and organizing family documents, this course empowers learners  to discover their heritage with confidence.” All participants will enjoy access to the course materials—including  detailed handouts and session recordings—through March 13, 2026,  allowing ample time for review and reinforcement. No prior experience  is required; all you need is a computer with audio.

Learn More & Register Now