Jealous no more!

Did you sit there this past week, turning green at the posts from students in the DNA class at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh?

Did you try to get into one of the DNA courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy in January, only to get nosed out by someone else who grabbed the seat?

Without a doubt, DNA has gone mainstream in genealogy. It’s at the point where, in many cases, we simply can’t meet the first requirement of the Genealogical Proof Standard — the requirement that we conduct a reasonably exhaustive search of all resources that might produce the answer to a research question — without it.

But understanding DNA well enough to use it properly? Understanding when it can — and when it can’t — produce that answer we’re looking for? For that, we need to learn.

And how do we learn that when every institute class offered in genetic genealogy fills up in minutes?

Well… there are options. And there’s one option coming up soon that still has seats available if you act fast. So you don’t have to be jealous of everyone else who’s taking advantage of opportunities to learn about genetic genealogy — how to use DNA as part of our family history research.

It’s the inaugural 2014 International Genetic Genealogy Conference sponsored by Institute for Genetic Genealogy, and it’ll be held 15-17 August at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Washington, D.C.

The speakers include many of the most knowledgeable genetic genealogists and population geneticists from around the world. Dr. Spencer Wells, director of the National Geographic Society’s Genographic Project is the keynote speaker, and the program overall is terrific.

On Friday, August 15, after morning registration, you’ll be able to get in-depth explanations of the test offerings of the three major players in genetic genealogy testing: AncestryDNA from 1:15-3:15 p.m.; 23andMe from 3:30-5:30 p.m.; and Family Tree DNA starting at 7 p.m. (after dinner).

Sessions on Saturday, August 16, include Dr. Wells’ keynote, and presentations on YDNA, mitochondrial DNA, surname projects, African-American ancestry, using the X chromosome and using third-party tools to understand autosomal results — just to list some of the talks.

Sunday, August 17, offers sessions on Native American DNA, using DNA in adoption research, chromosome mapping, phasing, triangulation, case studies and even somebody who writes as The Legal Genealogist, talking about After the Courthouse Burns: Lighting Research Fires with DNA.

In-depth, hands-on, a wide variety of speakers and many opportunities to share.

All in one place, at one time, in just three weeks. And for a registration fee of only $85 for the entire conference.

You can get more information at the I4GG website: the conference schedule, a link to register, directions and more.

No need to be jealous of everyone who’s learning about DNA any more.

Come on out and join in the fun.