DNA Genealogy Series: Autosomal DNA

Discover Your History with DNA Genealogy: A Lecture Series

Learn how consumer DNA testing can find connections, recent to ancient, that greatly extend your family and genetic history. Session 1 covers types of DNA and patterns of inheritance, forensics, risks, and advice on tests. Session 2 covers autosomal DNA testing to uncover recent family history, ethnicity, and large-scale American migrations. In session 3, mitochondrial and Y DNA reveal ancestors' paths from human origins in Africa, to the Bronze Age, to medieval clans. Bring your own records and genealogical puzzles for discussion after each presentation.

Speaker Bio
Rob Spencer is a Mystic resident and retired Pfizer biochemist and software developer. Genetic genealogy is a hobby that perfectly suits his skills and interests. He is a project admin at Family Tree DNA, presenter at multiple conferences, and author of SNP Tracker. Explore his tools, research reports, and presentations at http://scaledinnovation.com.

Session 2: Autosomal DNA

Autosomal DNA tests are the least expensive and most widely used; they apply to any ancestor but extend only about 8 generations into the past.  We discuss how autosomal results can bridge genealogical gaps and how vendors create ethnicity reports.  We show how autosomal DNA reveals huge patterns of American westward migration, the tracks of enslaved Africans, and specific pockets like Mormons, Acadians, and Scandinavians.