Is Big Y Testing For Me?: The Genealogy Side | Linda Reid
June 6, 2024 7:00 pm ET – sponsored by the Genetic Genealogy Special Interest Group
This presentation looks at the potential of the most powerful Y-DNA test from the perspective of the genealogist, not the scientist. Y-DNA testing is narrow, but deep. It focuses on a single line of descent, the Y-chromosome that follows the patrilineal line from father to son into the distant past. We can use Y-DNA tests for all lines of our family if we identify and test appropriate male relatives. This presentation looks at how to select testees for successful outcomes in the short term. Examples show different scenarios, including confirming published pedigrees to the mid-17th century.
Linda Reid
Linda is a retired librarian who started family history research over 40 years ago. She took an autosomal DNA test in 2011 and now manages over 50 kits at Family Tree DNA and many at the other companies. In the last few years her focus has been on Big Y-700 and mitochondrial DNA tests. She is a former facilitator of the Advanced Genetic Genealogy SIG of Toronto Branch. She has spoken on British/Irish genealogy and genetic genealogy at local society meetings and at OGS and BIFHSGO conferences. For many years she volunteered at the Toronto Family History Centre (LDS Church). Linda believes that genealogists should test as many family members as possible, particularly those of the oldest generation alive. They should ensure that there are samples at FTDNA for future Big Y and mitochondrial DNA tests that represent different family lines.
