DNA is no doubt an important addition to the world of family history research. Genetic genealogy helps to answer questions when the record paper trail goes cold. Genealogy and DNA testing has evolved since the first consumer tests were made available in 1999 to include autosomal, mtDNA and Y-DNA tests and tools. Today, test-takers can expect to learn more about their ethnic background, trace their maternal or paternal lines, and identify family members previously unknown due to adoption or unknown birth parents.
April 25th marks National DNA Day, a day that honors the
1953 discovery of DNA’s double helix and the completion of the Human Genome
Project in 2003.
The National Human Genome Research
Institute (NHGRI) began celebrating DNA Day annually on April 25th after the
108th Congress passed concurrent resolutions designating it as DNA Day. The
goal of National DNA Day is to offer students, teachers and the public an
opportunity to learn about and celebrate the latest advances in genomic
research and explore how those advances impact their lives.[1]
Because DNA advances are almost constant, it’s important
that we as researchers identify what questions we want DNA to answer, and what
tests and tools will help in finding those answers.
The National Genealogical Society (NGS) offers DNA education in several ways including books and publications as well as virtual and in-person educational opportunities. To learn more about incorporating DNA into your family history research, check out the following NGS offerings.
GenTech Toolbox Video On Demand: AncestryDNA Custom Clusters: Identifying Matches that Matter by Angie Bush. Available to purchase until 17 August 2026.
·
Forensic Genealogy by Michael S. Ramage
and Catherine B. W. Desmarais, 2024.
·
Genetic Genealogy in Practice by Blaine T.
Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne, 2016.
· GRIP Virtual Course (22-26 June 2026): Advanced DNA Evidence with Blaine Bettinger.
· GRIP In-Person Course (12-17 July 2026 at the
University of Pittsburgh): Genetic Networks: Start at the Beginning with Kelli Jo Bergheimer.
· From Revolution to Reunion: Using DNA to
Reconnect a German Family in America with Mary Kircher Roddy.
· DNA Standards: Establishing Revolutionary War
Ancestry with Catherine Desmaris.
· WORKSHOP - Bloodlines and Breakthroughs: Inside
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) with Allison Ryall.
· MemberConnects! Looking backon 25 years of commercial DNA testing with Bennett Greenspan, founder of
FamilyTreeDNA.
· The Power of Ancestry DNA
with Christa Cowan.
· DNA Discovery Column by Paul Woodbury.
National
Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ)
· DNA Articles by various
authors.
DNA Day 2026
Use DNA Day as inspiration to focus on your genetic
genealogy. NGS has what you need, no matter if you are a DNA newbie or an
advanced researcher. Look to NGS to learn more about DNA testing, matches, and
next steps.
Happy DNA Day!
[1]
“National DNA Day,” National Human Genome Research Institute (https://www.genome.gov/dna-day:
accessed 19 April 2026)
