by Lisa Cooke | Feb 25, 2015 | 01 What's New, DNA, images, Listeners & Readers
Recently, Norma wrote in with this question about getting DNA from a hair sample:
“My sister-in-law’s father passed away before she could have his DNA tested. She does have samples of his hair. She was wondering if there is a lab who would do DNA testing for genealogy using hair samples? FamilyTree DNA and 23 and Me both do not do testing on hair. There are no other male relatives that she is aware that could be tested. She is interested in the yDNA especially.”
I turned to Your DNA Guide at Genealogy Gems, Diahan Southard, and here’s her answer:
“Good question! This is a common concern for many. Unfortunately, cut hair (which I am assuming is what you have) does not contain the necessary material for DNA testing. If he had any teeth pulled that she had saved, that would be a good source. Even sometimes a razor will work.
But even if you could find a suitable sample, as you mentioned, the standard genealogical testing companies do not accept non-standard samples. There is a company who does, called Identigene, but the testing is expensive, and really won’t give you what need, which is access to a yDNA database to look for matches.
Your best route is to continue to look for a direct paternal descendant of the line of interest. If your friend’s dad didn’t have any brothers, then what about her grandfather? Are there any first cousins around? What you are looking for is a living male who has the surname you are interested in.
If you can’t find one, your friend can still explore the autosomal DNA test, which will tell her about her paternal side, just in a less direct manner.
by Lisa Cooke | Feb 24, 2015 | 01 What's New, Conferences, DNA, images, RootsTech, Technology
Did you miss RootsTech 2015? You can watch highlights online for FREE!
Several RootsTech 2015 keynote sessions and lectures were videotaped for live streaming. Now they’ve been archived online. Click here to see what’s available.
Our own DNA correspondent here at Genealogy Gems, Diahan Southard, was recorded. You can now watch her presentation, “Getting Started in Genetic Genealogy.” Watch with relatives who might be interested in “doing DNA” with you! She makes a complex topic MUCH easier to understand.
Remember, once you’re ready to test (or had testing done), Diahan’s available as a personal coach to help you navigate the exciting world of genetic genealogy. And we’ve got her entire series of genetic genealogy quick guides available in our Store. Buy just the ones you need or the entire bundle for a great discount. These were super popular at RootsTech!
by Lisa Cooke | Feb 24, 2015 | 01 What's New, Genealogy TV, Jewish, Memory Lane, Oral History, United States, Video
A live event airing online on Thursday, February 26, at 7:00 pm Eastern Time (US) will feature the memories of children of Holocaust survivors.
The Museum of Jewish Heritage will be live streaming a special program, Stories of Regeneration from the Second Generation. “This storytelling event, produced to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, features notable 2Gs (children of survivors) and their extraordinary stories about growing up in the shadow of the Holocaust,” says a press release. “Through the live stream, the Museum of Jewish Heritage is delighted to enable limitless community participation in this incredibly moving, one-of-a-kind event.”
Can’t watch it live? The program will be archived on the Museum of Jewish Heritage’s YouTube channel.
This announcement came to us by way of JewishGen, an affiliate of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Click here to visit JewishGen and learn more about searching for your Jewish family history.
by Lisa Cooke | Feb 23, 2015 | 01 What's New, Conferences, United States
New York can be a fascinating but frustrating place to research your roots. Learn new skills to find your family history in New York at the second New York State Family History Conference in Syracuse, NY, September 17–19, 2015.
From an FGS press release:
“The Central New York Genealogical Society and the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society are cosponsoring the 2015 New York Family History Conference. This year’s event will also be a Federation of Genealogical Societies Regional Conference.
The three-day conference will be held September 17–19 at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center Liverpool, just outside Syracuse, New York. It will attract hundreds of researchers—both amateur and professional—and top experts in the field.
Nationally known speakers, Judy Russell, JD, CG, CGL, The Legal Genealogist; Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, FASG; David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FIGRS, FUGA, FamilySearch.org; Curt B. Witcher, Allen County Public Library; D. Joshua Taylor, Findmypast.com and President, Federation of Genealogical Societies; Dick Eastman, author and publisher; James D. Folts, Ph.D., New York State Archives; Henry B. Hoff, FGBS, editor of the New England Historical and Genealogical Register; Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., The Genetic Genealogist; Ed Donakey, FamilySearch.org, VP of FGS; Eric G. Grundset, Library Director, DAR Library; Jim Ison, CG, FamilySearch.org; Matt Knutzen, New York Public Library; Jen Baldwin, Findmypast.com; and, New York-specialist, professional genealogists Laura Murphy DeGrazia, CG, FGBS; Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS; Terry Koch-Bostic and Jane E. Wilcox will give lectures.
Attendees will have an opportunity to advance their skills in researching New York families, to build general skills and through 30 lectures in three parallel tracks and learn ways to build their local genealogical and historical societies through the FGS Focus on Societies day. In addition there will be three luncheons and a dinner, all with riveting speakers; and open-to-the-public Society Showcase; and exhibits by vendors and societies.
Registration is now open online. The registration fee for the three-day conference (excluding meals and printed syllabus) is $140 for the first 75 registrants (available through March 31 or until sold out); members of the CNYGS or the NYG&B receive a $25 discount. The conference program and exhibitor information may be found on the conference website, www.NYSFHC.org.”
Recently, Norma wrote in with this question about getting DNA from a hair sample:
If you can’t find one, your friend can still explore the autosomal DNA test, which will tell her about her paternal side, just in a less direct manner.
