DNA stories: Evidence and Proof (Notes for the SAG Writing Discussion Group on 12 November 2020)

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We all love sharing our DNA stories.  The challenge is what's that DNA we share with our DNA match proving?  This slide from Veronica Williams' presentation at our recent Irish Day is the challenge of genetic genealogy.  Evidence and proof are recurring themes in our AdvanceDNA Discussion Groups particularly when we're going public with our work!


Here's a slide I use when introducing DNA....you only need to read the heading as the next two slides tell the story of what's needed to meet the proof standard.  Why not join our DNA sessions and find out more?  Genetic genealogy is a new tool for the family historian and, as I now say, the biggest revolution for the family historian since the invention of paper!  Our understanding of using this tool in our family history is evolving very quickly.  


The next slide is a summary of the dot points above.  In essence, the more distant the likely relationship the more evidence is required to prove the relationship beyond reasonable doubt.  While we're not professional genealogists, we accept the need to embrace the Genealogy Standards of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG).  You can read more HERE.



You can read the instruction that wikitree.com provides for DNA confirmations HERE.

This recently published article on How to Write and Publish a Proof Argument with DNA Evidence is both comprehensive and readable and essential for those of us who are looking to write about our DNA discoveries.

DNA Stories written by members of the SAG DNA Discussion Group

  • Veronica Williams' story of reuniting her Britton family is HERE.
  • Veronica's story on which Noll brother is her great-grandfather is HERE.
  • Vicki Hails' story of finding all the Brimble children is HERE.
  • Kathryn Barrett's story "The Gheas: Our Eurasian Family" is HERE.
  • My story written with Martyn Killion of reuniting Jane Feeney, our great-great grandmother, with her mother and siblings is HERE.
For members of the SAG-
  • Barbara McAlary's story of finding her great grandfather, Felix Chatel, is HERE.
  • My early Descent article about finding the family of my great-great grandmother, Mary Bonner, is HERE.
Louise Coakley's has hundreds more stories at genie1.com. au HERE.

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