Advanced DNA Study Group

Description:

The Council offers advanced DNA methods with a new study group in 2023. This group offers two meeting times each month. Both sessions cover the same chapter.

This group will be discussing advanced topics and everyone participating is expected to have a solid understanding of DNA use in genealogy and be comfortable using the tools provided by their testing companies.

There is no fee for participating in this study group, it is a benefit for any member of a society that is a member of the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies.

Each member of the group will be expected to read and study one chapter each month. Group members are welcome to research and introduce related material in each session.

Attendees should be prepared with three to five discoveries/questions for discussion. Group members will share their knowledge and participate in the discussions. Group facilitators will help guide discussions and redirect discussions as needed to keep the group on topic. Facilitators will not teach classes, but may participate in discussion and share their knowledge and experience.

This is an ADVANCED study group and will require significant commitment.

Study Group Prerequisites

Participants must have:

1. Understand basic genetic genealogy including the use of autosomal atDNA, Y-DNA, and mt-DNA in genealogical research. This could be obtained from a completed study of Genetic Genealogy in Practice> by Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne or equivalent DNA knowledge.
2. Each participant will have access to DNA test results and be familiar with the website and analysis tools of at least three different testing companies.
3. Access to a copy of Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies edited by Debbie Parker Wayne. This book is available from most booksellers with a list price of $49.95.
4. Time to read and study each chapter prior to the monthly meetings. Many of these chapters will require reading more than once and applying the techniques presented.
   
   

The Council's Advanced DNA Study Group will be meeting the first Wednesday of each month 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for 2026.

Our schedule is as follows:

7 Jan 2026 110 (Dec 2022) Posz Darcie Hind Posz, "Lost Sons: DNA Confirms the Parents of Robert Bradford Murray of Andrew and Worth Counties, Missouri," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 110 (December 2022): 245-63.

4 Feb 2026 108 (Sep 2020) Raymont Ann Raymont, "A Father for Walter GriƯith of Tuscarawas County, Ohio," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 108 (September 2020): 165-82.

4 Mar 2026 108 (Jun 2020) Nelson LaBrenda Garrett Nelson, "Parents for Isaac Garrett of Laurens County, South Carolina: DNA Corroborates Oral Tradition," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 108 (June 2020): 85-112.

1 Apr 2026 106 (Jun 2018) Posz Darcie Hind Posz, "Reexamining the Parentage of Anderson Boon of Lincoln, Marshall, and Obion Counties, Tennessee," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 107 (September 2019); 201-17.

6 May 2026 105 (Jun 2017) Anderson Worth Shipley Anderson, “John Stanfield “as he is cald in this country”: An Illegitimate Descent in Eastern Tennessee,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 106 (June 2018): 85- 101.

3 Jun 2026 105 (Mar 2017) Wehner Nancy Niles Wehner, "Parents for Richard M. Vaughan (1844- 1921) of Howell County, Missouri," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 105 (June 2017): 139-48.

1 Jul 2026 104 (Jun 2016) Hobbs Patricia Lee Hobbs, "DNA Identifies a Father for Rachel, Wife of James Lee of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 105 (March 2017): 43-56.

5 Aug 2026 104 (Jun 2016) Stanbury Karen Stanbary, “Rafael Arriaga, a Mexican Father in Michigan: Autosomal DNA Helps Identify Paternity,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 104 (June 2016): 85–98.

2 Sep 2026 103 (Jun 2015) Fein Mara Fein, “A Family for Melville Adolphus Fawcett,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 104 (June 2016): 107–124.

7 Oct 2026 102 (Sep 2014) Jones Thomas W. Jones, “Too Few Sources to Solve a Family Mystery? Some Greenfields in Central and Western New York,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 103 (June 2015): 85–110. 3

4 Nov 2026 101 (Sep 2013) Hollister Morna Lahnice Hollister, "Goggins and Goggans of South Carolina: DNA Helps Document the Basis of an Emancipated Family's Surname," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 102 (September 2014): 165-76.

2 Dec 2026 101 (Jun 2012) Eagleson Pamela Stone Eagleson, "Parents for Robert Walker of Rockingham County, North Carolina, and Orange County, Indiana," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 101 (September 2013): 189-99.

The Advanced DNA group meeting videos are available to members in the Council's website members only section.

To sign up for this group, please contact Glenn York at dna@cocouncil.org.