I’ve got my DNA results…what now?

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

It feels like you can’t move these days without seeing ads for DNA testing to trace your heritage.  I wouldn’t be a very good frugal family historian if I encouraged you to take one at all costs – they are pretty pricey, even when “special offers” are promoted – but if you've already had a test, you’re possibly thinking, “What do I do with this now?”  Some good answers are found in FamilySearch's next-steps guide.

If you’re looking for ways to learn more, try the following free online resources recommended by DNA genealogist Michelle Leonard (whose presentation I blogged about previously).  These can help you better understand what to do with your DNA test results, and go on to use them in the most productive ways.

First of all, learn more about DNA genealogy:

• International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki (ISOGG) – a one-stop shop for you to find out about DNA testing, whether you’ve done it or not
• Genetic Genealogy Ireland’s YouTube Channel – videos that will make things clearer!
• Facebook groups to join and get inspiration from:
• DNA help for Genealogy 
• Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques 
• ISOGG 

Tools that will help you use your DNA test results:

• DNA Painter – map your chromosomes. Not sure? Sign up for a free account to see if this interests you
• GEDmatch – compare your DNA results with other people
• Genetic Affairs – offers a free trial that allows you to groups your DNA results with others likely to be descended from common ancestors.  Make sure you don’t pay for anything you don’t want!

You won’t be interested in all, or possibly most, of these tools, but even if just one of them is helpful in moving you forward (or should that be backward?) with your DNA genealogy, that’s a win!