The DNA Interest Group is a special interest group of NSDCGS designed to educate and inform people about the use of DNA testing for genealogical purposes through lectures on DNA followed by small group breakout discussions and individualized help with DNA results. Open to all levels of computer/genealogy experience.
- 3rd Saturday of the month (except December)
- In-person: Georgina Cole Library Community Room
- Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
- Virtual via Zoom – Registration link below
- Presentation: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Most meetings will be hybrid (in-person and virtual)
- Presentation recordings are available to current NSDCGS members
Upcoming Speakers and Topics
July 18, 2026 – HYBRID
A Systematic Approach to Validating Ancestry DNA Thrulines: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly presented by Diana Elder
Diana Elder will present virtually on Zoom
Presentation will be recorded; available on society website for 30 days
Virtual attendees – Register HERE
We’ll explore how ThruLines helps you identify potential relatives through shared DNA segments and visualize genetic connections. However, not all Thrulines may be correct. Learn about the limitations so you can set realistic expectations. Discover strategies for overcoming common pitfalls in ThruLines, such as faulty family trees and false positive matches. We’ll examine the DNA research process, including assessing matches, analyzing pedigrees, and setting clear research goals. You’ll learn to evaluate ThruLines hypotheses by analyzing DNA evidence, verifying historical records, and identifying false positives to ensure the accuracy of your research.
Diana Elder AGⓇ, AGLTM, is a professional genealogist accredited in the Gulf South region of the United States. Diana authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide and co-authored the companion volume, Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence. She created the study group and eCourse that teach the Research Like a Pro process through videos and learning modules. Diana and her daughter, Nicole, share research tips on their website, Family Locket (https://familylocket.com/), and host the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast.
Diana regularly teaches at genealogy conferences such as RootsTech and the National Genealogy Society Conference. She also presents webinars and seminars to local genealogy societies across the United States.
Past Topics
2026
- January: Understanding Your DNA Health Reports presented by Kelli Bergheimer
- February: Who, What, Where, How and Why: Using Y-DNA presented by Ron Velarde
- March: Shared DNA at a glance: the new DNA matrix tool presented by Jonny Perl
- April: 160-Year-Old Mystery Solved – The Parents of Mary & Sam Revealed Using Banyan DNA presented by John Motzi
- May: Comparing DNA Ethnicity Estimates presented by Richard Hill
- June: My DNA Brought me to the Forest, but Where are all the Trees? presented by Sara Cochran
2025
- January: Building Genetic Networks presented by Kathleen Fernandes
- February: IGG: A DNA Tool Solving the Unsolvable presented by Britta Brewer
- March: Privacy, DNA, and Genealogy: Handling the Double-Edged Sword presented by Thomas MacEntee
- April: CANCELED
- May: Ancestry Dots, ThruLines and an Organized Plan presented by Kelli Bergheimer
- June: 160-Year-Old Mystery Solved: Simultaneous Probability Model Reveals the Parents of Mary and Sam presented by John Motzi
- July: Pedigree Triangulation: A Key Methodology for Genetic Genealogy presented by Diana Elder
- August: Using DNA Test Results in Genealogical Research: A How-To Guide presented by Kathleen Fernandes, Ph.D
- September: DNA Doesn’t Lie, But Should We? Ethics and 21st Century Genealogy presented by Judy Russell
- October: DNA Matching Technology on MyHeritage: A New Frontier in Genealogy presented by Daniel Horowitz
- November: FamilyTreeDNA + WikiTree: The Power of Collaboration for Your DNA Matches presented by Katy Rowe-Schurwanz
2024
- January: DNA Misconceptions presented by Kelli Bergheimer
- February: What is ISOGG? & How to Use Its WIKI! presented by Kitty Cooper
- March: Unlocking the Power of DNA Projects for Your Research presented by Rachel Unkefer
- April: What’s in a Picture: Visualizing DNA and Family Relationships presented by Kathleen Fernandes
- May: Preparing for 3rd Party DNA Tools presented by Sara Cochran
- June: Scapple for Genetic Genealogy – The Simple Tool that Packs a Punch presented by Michelle Trostler
- July: DIG Open Forum Meeting
- August: Adoption Meets DNA presented by Beth Swartz
- September: DIG Open Forum Meeting With Zoom
- October: DNA Matchmaking Made Easy on MyHeritage presented by Shannon Combs-Bennett, QG, MSc, FSAScot
- November: Maximize Your Maternal Research with the New Mitotree and Mito Discover presented by Katy Rowe-Schurwanz