Discover your roots with DNA

ARE there a few branches missing from your family tree, have you ever wondered where you actually come from, or are you curious about your background and don’t know where to start?

Well, Annette Delaney from the Bendigo Family History Group is here to help, and, making use of genetic science, will provide the tips and tricks she’s compiled during her own decades-long genealogical hunt at an upcoming event.

“If you’ve hit some brick walls in your research for family, DNA may just be the answer to your questions,” she said.

“This session will provide an understanding of what is involved in DNA testing and what we can do to trace family using this information.

“It’s suitable for anyone curious about family and those keen to develop their family tree. Many people have family trees going back many, many generations, then along comes DNA and provides a surprise or two.”

In terms of her own 30-year research journey, Ms Delaney said a particular roadblock she’d faced was a person in Scotland who didn’t appear to exist.

“DNA provided some matches to a large family group in the USA, and we soon worked out that our two-times great grandfather had possibly jumped ship or arrived under an assumed identity,” she said.

“It took a while but we found this elusive ancestor. I’ve also been able to assist a couple of adoptees to identify family and they in turn led us to a very different location in Scotland for our own ancestors.

“There are many excellent resources available to assist in the search for family, and DNA is another important tool.”

Titled Finding Family Through DNA, the event is set for the Bendigo Library on Thursday, 25 August from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

Book a free ticket visit bit.ly/3Sxo5h5.