Family Ties

'Mixing DNA results with a paper trail - A talk by Doctor Penny Walters' is taking place in The Hub@Stalbridge on Wednesday 12th February 2020 at 2.30pm. This event has been arranged by The Blackmore Vale Group of The Somerset and Dorset Family History Society. "The biology and jargon of DNA can be overwhelming! Many people don’t know what do with all the information, and just focus on their ethnicity result. The advantages and disadvantages of different DNA tests will be explored and attendees will be shown how to add ‘useful’ DNA matches to their tree to inform a re-structured paper trail." 
Dr Penny Walters is a university lecturer with several Family History books to her name.   She will be exploring DNA tests and this session will explain how to merge established paper trails with DNA results. The biology and jargon of DNA can be overwhelming and people have had to learn this new branch of genealogy quickly. Through DNA testing, people receive ethnicity estimates, a heritage map, a list of people that DNA ‘matches’ (overlaps) with, and the opportunity to contact them and collaborate if both parties want to. Many people don’t know what to do with all that information, and just focus on their ethnicity result. The advantages and disadvantages of different DNA tests will be explored; a consanguinity chart will be provided; useful information for adoptees will be given.  Attendees will be shown how to add ‘useful’ DNA matches to their tree to inform a re-structured paper trail. All are welcome. Have a look at their poster below for further details.