Beginning DNA Class Cancelled

The instructor, Kathy Bartera, has a family issue so there will be no Beginning DNA class on July 7th. Please keep Kathy and her family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Banyan Update

BayanDna is a software tool for building, visualizing, and analyzing complex genealogies. 

They released a new update:

• Import DNA match data into your project
• Export Calculation results to CSV files

Release Notes

Free DNA Webinar - June 11, 2026 (1 pm ET) - Your DNA Guide

 It's great that Genealogy Friends have two special interest groups for the Beginner and Intermediate levels. In between these sessions, watch the blog for other opportunities to learn.  Thanks for sharing this, Kathy.

"DNA Talks. What's Your Story?" 

You don’t need to be a therapist or a tech expert to make a difference.

The truth is, your children and grandchildren need you—your stories, your perspective, your honesty about both strength and struggle.

In this free 45-minute live session, Diahan Southard, founder of Your DNA Guide, will share how story, science, and connection come together to build real resilience—and how you can use what you already have to help the rising generation lean in to family for connection.

Here's the link if you'd like to register:

https://diy.yourdnaguide.com/8421-webinar-jun-2026

DNA Webinar - register for free (June 19, 2026)

 

GEDmatch Official Website is a genealogy and DNA analysis platform that allows people to upload raw DNA data from various testing companies and compare it with other users’ data. Founded in 2010, GEDmatch provides tools for identifying genetic relatives, exploring ancestry, and conducting family history research beyond the limitations of individual DNA testing services. The platform is widely used by genealogists, adoptees, and family historians. 

GEDmatch offers a large collection of genetic genealogy tools, with core features available for free and additional advanced tools through its Tier 1 subscription. According to GEDmatch's official documentation, the main features include:

Free Features

• One-to-Many DNA Comparison
  • Compares your DNA kit against the entire GEDmatch database.
  • Identifies genetic relatives across multiple testing companies.
  • Provides contact information for matches when available.
• One-to-One Autosomal DNA Comparison
  • Compares two DNA kits directly.
  • Shows shared DNA segments and the amount of DNA shared.
  • Helps verify relationships and evaluate match quality.
• Admixture (Heritage) Analysis
  • Estimates ancestral and ethnic origins.
  • Displays the proportion of DNA associated with different geographic populations.
• Cross-Platform DNA Matching
  • Accepts DNA data from major testing companies, including AncestryDNA, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, and others.
  • Allows matching across databases rather than being limited to a single testing company.

ALL USERS can sign up for free for webinar on June 19, 2026 at 12 noon CT on this topic: 

"The Next Generation of GEDMatch - Live Preview" 

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5563744796617411927?utm_source=GMnewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=may_2026

DNA Day Event by Kelli Bergheimer

 Kelli Bergheimer founded a DNA group Genetics, Genealogy and You. They meet on the 3rd Sundays from 5-7 pm EST online. The meeting are 30 minutes of updates followed by a 60 minute presentation and Q&A. 

They have a DNA Day Event coming up on April 26th that is free to join.

Topic: DNA Day event
Time: Apr 26, 2026 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83306692927?pwd=N3mb0IhvX0fOjOFYR4cxQhyRPBRGap.1

Meeting ID: 833 0669 2927
Passcode: 584298

Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046358384221# 

Day 2 - RootsTech - Thur March 5 - Online Expo is open!

 

Browse the multitude of offers now live on:

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/

(1) Search by Company or Category (such as Charts, DNA, Storytelling, Records, Preservation, Technology, Association, Society, Library).

(2) You also can browse "All Offers". This is an excellent time of year for a discounted price for something new (or perhaps lower a rate if close to a renewal). 

(3) Try this vendor as an example - FamilyTreeDNA

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/familytreedna

Here you'll find that you can upload DNA data for free (along with other promotions).

Plus, this link takes you to:

CLASSES

PRODUCT DEMOS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (downloadable)

(4) Don't forget to check the Sponsors links since they usually announce "What's News?"

e.g., https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/familysearch

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/ancestry

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/myheritage

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/findmypast

DNA Group Changes

 

Genealogy Friends DNA Special Interest Group has been meeting for a couple of years now and has evolved to intermediate and advanced topics. We are adding a second group that focuses on Beginning DNA topics. 

We would like your input to design programs for both groups that match your interests and experience. Please take a few minutes to answer the survey. 

  Survey Link 

One week to Go until RootsTech - MyHeritage

 

Consider following this blog about MyHeritage as they announce speakers at RootsTech, plus any special offers and other news.

https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/02/myheritage-heads-to-rootstech-2026/

MyHeritage team members will present lectures as part of the official conference program. Here is the schedule of a few of the RootsTech 2026 lectures.

NOTE:  Be sure to check the time zone listed (most show the Salt Lake City time).

Thursday, March 5, 2026

9:30 A.M. MT — Room 151
Obituaries as Priceless Genealogy Resources
Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert at MyHeritage

3:00 P.M. MT — Room 150
Genealogy for the Non-Genealogist: How to Engage Family and Friends with Family History
Erica Edvi, Head of Global Brand, MyHeritage

4:30 P.M. MT — Ballroom B
Genealogy, Upgraded: AI and Smart Tools on MyHeritage
Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert at MyHeritage

Friday, March 6, 2026

8:00 A.M. MT — Room 151
Your Genes, Your Story: Exploring MyHeritage DNA
Ran Snir, VP Product, MyHeritage

1:30 P.M. MT — Room 151
Session with Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage

Saturday, March 7, 2026

3:00 P.M. MT — Room 151
Record-Breaking Records: MyHeritage’s Fastest-Growing Genealogy Record Collection
Myko Clelland, Director of Content at MyHeritage

For updates during the conference, follow MyHeritage on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

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.

DNA Specials & News

 Ancestry DNA is on sale for $29, regularly $99, and Ancestry DNA with Traits is on sale for $39 regularly $119.

Family Tree DNA family finder test is on sale for $39 regulary $79. They also have sales on mtDNA and YDNA tests. 

MyHeritage DNA test is on sale for $25 regularly $89.

YourDNAGuide is offering a $10 class on Ancestry's new Cluster Tool. 

FamilyTree has added over 12,700 new mtDNA haplogroups to the mtDNA tree. 

23andMe is adding new genetic group results, they are expanding their African coverage from 25 groups to more than 250.  

MyHeritage updated Theory of Family Relativity - 103 million new theories added. 

Ancestry Released Custom Cluster

 Ancestry is rolling out Custom Match Clusters as a new addition to ProTools. I don't have it yet so I haven't been able to try it, but I can't wait. 

Custom Match Clusters

With match clustering, we compare not only whether you match each person, but also whether 

those people match each other. In addition to standard clusters, which don’t focus on any 

particular match, you can create custom clusters, which do. 

Pick a DNA match to find people who are related to them, based on a centimorgan (cM) 

range of your choice.

Why create custom clusters? 

Clustering around a certain match can help you fill in missing parts of your tree. 

Discover matches who share DNA with a match of your choice—likely because they 

all come from the same ancestor. 

You can even add up to four additional related matches—which we call “sidekicks”—to 

narrow your results even further.

Custom clustering goes beyond enhanced shared matches, showing you not just matches

 you share with a match, but also who’s related to those matches.

When you create a custom cluster, you can also choose the centimorgan (cM) ranges

you want, from 20 cM on the low end to 1,300 cM on the high end.

Read more https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Custom-Match-Clusters?language=it

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/

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 

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's DNA Clustering Tool

 Ancestry has added a clustering tool to Pro Tools which is rolling out to Pro Tools Members. This tool finds connections between your DNA matches. 

Matches that share between 65 and 1300cM of DNA with the tester and share at least 20cM with each other are included. Up to 100 matches that meet this criteria will be displayed at a time. 

Here are links to more information

Ancestry - Science of: Matches By Cluster https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Science-of-Matches-by-Cluster?language=en_US

Ancestry - Matches by Cluster https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Matches-by-Cluster?language=en_US

Dana Leeds Video AncestryDNA's New Clustering Tool Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg2RTuaU5mw

DNA Day Specials

DNA Day was Friday, April 25. Many DNA related companies are offering specials on their products, here are a few:

Your DNA Guide - Offers expire on April 30th

YourDNAGuide Book and Workbook have been updated to include information about Ancestry ProTools Shared Matches on sale 20% off.

Genealogy Solves It! Use coupon code GSIDNA to take 20% off on-demand forensic investigative genetic genealogy experience.  

Here is a link to their blog post with more information. 

Ancestry DNA Ask Me Anything with Crista Cowan - here is the link to the replay. 

FamilyTreeDNA Test Kits Sale - Offer expires April 30th. Here is a link.

Legacy Family Tree Webinars 50% Off - Offer expires April 30th. New members only $25 for annual membership use code Spring25 at checkout. Link to website. 

Genealogy News

♦  Now through March 24th, Ancestry is offering 6 month memberships for 1/2 off! Take advantage of their Spring Sale here.

♦  Irish roots? MyHeritage is offering free access to their Irish record collection through March 18th. Details at the MyHeritage blog.

♦  St Patrick's sale on Irish books at Genalogical.com. Save 20% now through March 20th. Details here.

♦  Free webinar - Germany's Shifting Map: What It Means For Your Research - presented by Katherine Schober of Germanology Unlocked. Three dates to choose from: March 18th, 19th, or 20th. Register for free now.

♦  Check out Fishwrap, the official blog of Newpapers.com, for information about the 2.5 million pages of Irish newspapers recently added to their archive. 

♦  A new genealogical resource book titled San Agustín de Laredo Baptisms, 1823-1845, Laredo, Texas is now available on Amazon. It picks up where Gloria Villa Cadena & Angel Sepulveda Brown’s book, Annotated Baptisms 1789 to 1823 of San Agustin de Laredo (present day Laredo, Texas), published in 2008 by Los Bexareños Genealogical Society, left off. The baptisms, translated from Spanish to English, are the focus; however, Grace Scruggs Rolph also shares her mother’s family story, reveals answers to long buried secrets, and why it is so important to use traditional research methods in conjunction with DNA analysis.

♦  MyHeritage has released their new DNA ethnicity model: Ethnicity Estimate v2.5. This MyHeritage Blog article provides much information about this exciting new ethnicity model including these highlights: 

• Identifies 24 percentage-based European ethnicities.

• Quite a few of the new percentage-based ethnicities, such as Armenian, are unique to MyHeritage and not identified by other tests.

• Distinguishes between 15 different Jewish ethnicities, more than most other DNA tests on the market.

♦  American Ancestors will host an online seminar April 2-30, Revolutionary War Research: Tracing Patriot and Loyalist Ancestors. This five week course will delve into the many primary and published records that can help document your Patriot or Loyalist ancestors. Learn more.

Relatives at RootsTech?

Are you participating in RootsTech this year, either in person or virtually? If so, you might enjoy this blog post by Roberta Estes - Relatives at RootsTech Reveals Cousins and Provides DNA Candidates. She shares how to find out if any of your relatives have also registered for RootsTech. There are several ways to sort through your list of participating relatives such as location, by ancestor, and family line. Roberta mentions to check back often because more people will be registering. The final day Relatives at RootsTech will be available is April 12th. 

I found out that Roberta and I are 10th cousins. These connections do need to be verified. For example, I have documented 6-7 generations back on that line but need to confirm beyond that. It's interesting to see the connections that pop up to other attendees, but it's even more exciting to be given a list of clues to follow that will hopefully lead to more confirmed ancestors.

 Genealogy News

Celebrate 18 years of Fold3 with a 40% discount! Buy now. Offer ends 27 January 2025.

The Names & Stories project at MyHeritage has been completed, adding 11.6 billion new records! These records were extracted from historical newspapers spanning all 50 U.S. states, as well as Canada, Australia, and the U.K. Read more about this historic achievement at the MyHeritage Blog.

The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook, by Thomas MacEntee, is available for free with Kindle Unlimited. Amazon link here.

Registration for Applied Genealogy Institute's Spring 2025 Session will open from January 15th - January 22nd, 2025! There will be five exciting classes held this session. You can review the dates, cost, and class outlines on the website: https://appliedgen.institute/spring-2025-classes/

American Ancestors is hosting a Virtual Open House Webinar on Wednesday, January 29th, from 3:00-4:00pm. During the open house you will learn how the databases, genealogists, and millions of unique collections at American Ancestors can help! This discussion will highlight the many benefits and services available to members. This will be a great way to find out if American Ancestors would be useful to your research. Learn More and Register.

Registration is open for the Mastering Genealogical Proof Study Group with Cyndi Ingle. Saturdays, 4pm, Feb 15-March 29, 2025. $95. These Zoom sessions will be a beginner/low-intermediate level class to study the book “Mastering Genealogical Proof” by Thomas W. Jones. Click here for more information.

The Roundtable Recap - Land Records blog post in November shares information and links we discussed during the November Roundtable meeting. If you are interested in an additional live presentation concerning land records, The Mesquite Historical and Genealogical Society is hosting a seminar on the subject January 9, 2025. Genealogist Sara Cochran will be speaking about the value of State and Federal land records and the many ways they can be helpful in research. Click here to register for this Zoom meeting.

Find the Generation of Connection with Your Mystery DNA Matches is a free webinar being presented by YourDNAGuide on January 16, 2025. Register here to learn these helpful steps.

The National Genealogical Society is offering its Foundations in Family History course. Details can be found here. Also, if you purchase a new NGS gift membership through January 31, 2025, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of five valuable prizes to be given away on February 3, 2025. More information is available in the Upfront with NGS blog.

Registration is now open for more than 170 upcoming live webinars in 2025 at Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Many of these are free to view live and for the following 7 days.

FamilySearch celebrated its 130^th anniversary as an organization in 2024 along with the 25^th anniversary of their popular website, FamilySearch.org. Highlights of their year can be found in the FamilySearch Year in Review 2024 blog post.

MyHeritage celebrated their 20^th anniversary in 2024. The blog post, Wrapping Up 2024: MyHeritage Year in Review, has a month by month recap of their year and also includes interesting statistics such as 13 billion historical records added.

RootsTech will be held March 6^th – 8^th. Information about speakers, registration, in-person and online classes, and more can be found here.

Just in case you missed the holiday sale at Ancestry, they are currently offering 50% off 6-month memberships. The sales ends January 16^th.

 DNA User Group

December 10^th from 7-8:30pm, virtual and in-person

The Leeds Method will be the topic of discussion at the next DNA User Group session. See this method put into practice to help a GenFriends member with a DNA problem. More information about the Leeds Method can be found at https://www.danaleeds.com/the-leeds-method/.

A free tool to construct Leeds charts has been developed by David Nowotnik of the Genealogy Association of Colleyville. This tool, the Leeds Chart Generator, can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/colleyvillegenealogy/member-contributions/leeds-chart-generator. David is hoping to participate in our DNA User Group session.