The Medway Discussion Group met to delve into the world of DNA testing. I would like to state at this point that I am not a geneticist and that any scientific errors in this report are more than likely due to my limited knowledge of this subject!
There are three different types of DNA tests: Y-chromosome (or Y-DNA), which traces the male side of the family from one generation to the next; mitochondrial (or mtDNA) which traces the female side; and autosomal DNA tests, which are the ones commonly available, which can be used by anyone and will give results from both sides of the family tree.
Several of the group have taken tests, with varying degrees of success in finding useful information that has enabled them to move forward with their family history research. One member was able to confirm a suspected link to a convict in Australia. The DNA matches enabled her to develop a family tree and see where said convict fitted into the family. She pointed out that this did involve a lot of detective work on her part to link the two trees together, but DNA testing proved to be a useful tool in the box.
‘Shared matches’ were highlighted as useful. This involves looking at the matches of those people who you are matched with. This may prove useful in piecing together your tree.
There were questions asked about contacting matches and the likelihood of those matches replying. Obviously, responses can never be guaranteed but it was suggested that one member had success by contacting those matches who had taken the time to do more detailed work on their trees.
Security was a concern that was raised. Members were advised to look at the options available when uploading results as there may be various options for the degree of visibility you want your results to have.
A question was asked about how far back it is possible to go using DNA. It was suggested that it’s not just a question of ‘going back’ but also of making links to cousins, second cousins, etc. Third and possibly fourth cousin links are possible before the amounts of shared DNA become so small as to not prove useful. It was suggested that two (or more) siblingstesting would give access to more matches, as would asking parents to test, if that was an option.
It was pointed out that, if an Ancestry test is taken, it is then possible to upload results to other websites to access as many potential ‘matches’ as possible.
One final thing to point out is that it is possible to access help with family history research (including what to do with your DNA results) by booking a session with a KFHS volunteer through Medway Archive Centre in Strood. Just remember to take along your login and password with you to be able to access your results.
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Report by Helen Stenhouse