1. Now That you have Tested
What does it mean

2. Before you Look at the Results…
Have you created a “form letter” ?
Dear __________;
I have received my results from the DNA at _________ and it indicates a possible DNA connection with (insert name from Test Results) or (a test you are managing).
I have a simple tree available that I would like to share with you
OR I have a simple tree posted on (and give site) that shows pedigree information. I believe we may be related through ________ or _______ family. My information on this family is well researched or (very sparse) so perhaps by sharing we could fill in some blanks and determine a definite connection. The best way to reach me is at …..
I look forward to hearing from you.

3. Before you look at the Results
Have you created a simple tree on line somewhere
On Ancestry it is very easy as long as you maintain an account
You can create simple trees for each of your families in the form of Descendent Charts in your own family tree software
You can PRINT out Descendant Charts if you like the paper trail better
You can create a free tree at http: Legacy Family Tree

4. More than one test, More than one answer
Each test has its own Unique set of Answers
Autosomal-”Cousin Finder” and Ethnicity
Y-DNA Pedigree and Father’s family through the ages
mt-DNA Deep ancestry and ancient ancestor migration

5. Autosomal DNA
Finding that Next of Kin

6. Finding Cousins
Kinship is based on the amount of DNA shared on the 22 non- sex Chromosomes
Measured in centiMorgans cMs
Charts Available to guide on cMs relate to closeness of relationship
All this can be found at statistics

7. Shared centiMorgan Project
Blaine Bettinger

8. Another Way to Look at it

9. Different Companies Interpret things different ways

10. Overlap at the fringes can confuse things even more
Is it a Half Sibling or an Aunt or Uncle?
What about those once and twice removed
Don’t forget about Endogamy (sharing multiple ancestral pathways)

11. It Only Makes Sense if…. You have a Paper Tree They have a Paper Tree
You have both sides of your family tested OR
You can find Shared Matches

12. Ethnicity and its issues

13. If You Transfer…You may find a Cousin!
Transfer Ancestry to GedMatch (A Free sharing Site)
ancestry-dna-test-results-to-gedmatch/
Transferring FTDA to GedMatch
Transfer to FTDNA It is free to transfer but to explore you pay. 23&Me, My Heritage and Ancestry can all be transferred with some exceptions
Transfer to MyHeritage-Really easy and similar to Ancestry Transfer to FTDNA

14. Y-DNA
Pedigree Chart of the Male Line

15. Y-DNA follows the Male Pedigree Line

16. Use the Learning Center!
FTDNA Learning Center
Single Tandem Repeat STR are shown as Letters and Numbers
Single Nucleotide Poly Morphism SNP is shown as numbers
Y-DNA SNP Test  identifies your Haplogroup

17. STR Values

18. Join a Group
A Project for every surname, ethnic group, geographical group… mainers-with-irish-ties-are-smiling/

19. Groups have pages also
Maine Genealogical Page Maine Irish Heritage Center NSDAR DNA Project

20. Mt-DNA
It is a very specialized topic….Advanced level only!

21. Find a DIG and get involved
DNA Interest Group

22. Two active Groups in Maine
Maine DIG
Founded by Nancy Mason
Meets 2nd Saturday of Month at Gray Public Library 10-12
rdpress.com/
ps/ /
Great meeting info and a lot of links on the website. This group has been meeting for 2 years.
Central Maine DIG
Founded by Peter Smith
Meets 3rd Saturday of the month at Winslow Public Library 10-12

23. So Much DNA
So Little Time!