Genetic Genealogy Overview at Adams County Genealogical Society 

• Are you ready to add DNA testing to your genealogy tool kit?
• Are you curious about what you can learn from the different types of DNA tests?

With nearly 3 million genotyped individuals, genetic genealogy is rapidly emerging as one of the quickest ways to break decades-old brick walls and connect with cousins who are researching the same families.

This class will provide an overview of the 3 main types of DNA tests that are useful for genetic genealogy, including Y DNA, mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA. Learn how each test works, what research questions each test can answer, which inheritance patterns are followed, and how to decide who to test. Discussion will include an overview of the 3 main testing labs, cost of testing, and ideas for motivating family members to test. A foundation in ethical and legal issues will be provided, including Genetic Genealogy Standards and how DNA testing fits into the Genealogical Proof Standard.

The course will be taught by Deena Coutant. Deena is passionate about creating family legacies that connect the past, present and future generations, through stories, photos or by uncovering those ancestors who were previously lost to history. As a full-time professional genealogist and photo organizer, she provides strategies to help her clients successfully discover, celebrate, share and properly preserve their families’ memories, leveraging modern technology to bring them from the obsolescence of the past into the digital age. Deena offers a unique blend of preservation services through her company, DigiDeena Family Heritage Solutions.