Family Locket Genealogists – RootsTech 2022
About Us
Welcome to Family Locket! Diana Elder, AG, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin are professional genealogists who educate through their blog, books, and teaching. Diana and Nicole are the mother-daughter team who authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide and are co-hosts of the free Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast. Diana is an Accredited Genealogist professional specializing in the gulf-south United States region. She is a Commissioner on the Board of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). Nicole is a professional genealogist who focuses on Southern U.S. research and incorporating DNA evidence into tough cases. Robin Wirthlin is a genetic genealogist with expertise in using DNA in family history research. Together, Diana, Nicole, and Robin authored Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence.
Scroll down to find coupon codes for our online courses & free research guides.
Free Weekly Podcast
Diana and Nicole discuss genealogy research methodology in their weekly podcast, Research Like a Pro. Learn about research objectives, analysis, locality research, research planning, source citations, report writing, case studies, DNA evidence, and more. To view a list of recent episodes, click here: Research Like a Pro Podcast recent episodes. To receive the weekly episodes, subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite podcast app. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes.
“I’ve enjoyed listening to Nicole and Diana share their knowledge on all things genealogy. While I consider myself an intermediate genealogist, I’ve already learned many new things – and hope to learn even more as I work on developing my abilities to that of a professional. Many thanks to you two!” -Kenneth
Newsletter
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Research Like a Pro with DNA Book
Research Like a Pro with DNA, our newest book, came out in March 2021 in e-book format. It is now also available in paperback! Click here to purchase at Amazon.
Title: Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence
Description
Would you like to use DNA evidence in your genealogy research? Do you have thousands of cousin matches, but no idea what to do next? Perhaps you have found some evidence to support your theories, but are not confident in your conclusions. Learn a step-by-step method to organize and use your DNA test results to find and confirm ancestors in your family tree. Diana Elder, AG, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin share the method they use in their professional research to incorporate DNA with documentary evidence. Study the methodology in each chapter, then apply it in your own research by completing the associated task. You will group and evaluate your matches, diagram descent from the common ancestor, plan next research steps, track correspondence and research in a log, and write a report incorporating DNA evidence. Work samples and templates are included.
Excerpt from the Foreword by Paul Woodbury
Over the years I have continually refined my own research processes in genetic genealogy. At the same time, I have met other practitioners who are continually refining their own. Throughout this journey, I have found the truth in Abraham Maslow’s famous quote that “it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” When I am successful with one approach, my first inclination has sometimes been to force every new research problem into the same strict approach. Gradually, I have learned that not every research project is best suited for my hammer du jour – my favorite new tool, approach, or methodology. As I have adopted and mastered new tools, methodologies, approaches, and strategies my arsenal has grown to the point that I can now consider a research problem on its own merits and select, prioritize, and implement the most appropriate strategies and approaches based on the context of a problem. If you follow the steps of Research Like a Pro with DNA, you will get to this point too. The book presents a process for researching, analyzing, and writing about DNA evidence, and while this process is strict enough to reinforce careful and thorough research habits, it is also flexible enough to permit customization for the needs of a particular problem. Rather than presenting you with a hammer which will fail you anytime you face something other than a nail, Research Like a Pro with DNA provides you with a toolbox, instruction manual, and resources for regular updates and add-ons.
Genetic Genealogy is a rapidly developing and constantly evolving field. DNA match lists are constantly changing as are the tools and methodologies for interpreting DNA evidence. For this reason, many other books on genetic genealogy have been obsolete almost immediately off the press. Research Like a Pro with DNA is different in that its overall strategies and processes for evidence analysis are evergreen. Meanwhile, its discussions of tools, methodologies and strategies may be subject to change as the field evolves; however, for these elements the research Like a Pro podcast series and blog provide a fantastic supplement for continued growth and for staying on top of new developments.
As you close the chasm between genetics and genealogy, as you master the strategies and tools for DNA evidence analysis, interpretation and writing, as you refine and prioritize your research process and launch (or even just maintain) your genetic genealogy education, Research Like a Pro with DNA will help you on the journey. Get ready to Research Like a Pro with DNA.
Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG is the DNA team lead at Legacy Tree Genealogists where he has helped to solve hundreds of genetic genealogy cases. He also regularly presents webinars and genealogy conference lectures. He currently teaches and coordinates “Introduction to Genetic Genealogy” at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. From a young age, Paul Woodbury fell in love with genealogy research. To pursue his passion for this field, he studied genetics and family history at Brigham Young University. To aid in his desire to share his knowledge with others, he has also received a master’s degree in instructional design and educational technology from the University of Utah. Read more about Paul at the Association of Professional Genealogist’s directory here. See Paul’s upcoming and past webinars at Family Tree Webinars here.
Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse – Coupon for $36 off
Our Research Like a Pro with DNA online course is available for just $189 (regularly $225) until 3/20/2022 using coupon code DNARoots2022. Click below to register or learn more.
Would you like to learn how to use DNA in your genealogical research? Do you need a step-by-step process to guide you? The Research Like a Pro with DNA e-Course will help you make progress on your goals, whether to confirm a relationship proven through documentary research, test an hypothesized ancestral relationship, or discover unknown parents of an ancestor.
Learn how to assess and organize your DNA matches, create a research objective, make a research plan, keep a research log, and write a report. Watch eleven lectures recorded by Nicole Dyer, Diana Elder, and Robin Wirthlin. Take quizzes and join our private Facebook community to share your assignments and receive feedback. Check in during our live monthly office hours session to get help in a group setting. The e-Course will give you the extra boost you need in your research efforts. You’ll be able to work at your own pace and still receive valuable assistance along the way. Learn more or register here.
DNA Tools Bell Curve
DNA tools help us work with our DNA results. There are so many tools—which ones do we use first? What is a logical order for using tools to work through DNA research projects? This bell curve is a great visual of which DNA tools to use and a general guide of how much time to spend working with them.
Books, Felt Family Tree Kits, and DNA Process Charts
Research Like a Pro is available for only $4.99 on Amazon Kindle, or $19.99 for the paperback. Find Names for the Temple is just $2.99 on Amazon as well, and on our website for $5.99. You can also find a felt family tree kit pattern and DNA process tree charts.
Research Like a Pro Online Course – Recently Updated in 2022
Coupon Code for $36 off
Use coupon code RLProots2022 to receive the eCourse for $89 instead of $125
Expires 3/20/22
Could you use some structure in your genealogy research? Do you need help breaking down your brick walls? Take our Research Like a Pro eCourse to learn how to analyze records, make a research plan, create citations, keep a research log, and write a report. Watch nine video lectures recorded by Diana Elder, AG, and Nicole Dyer. This eCourse was recently updated in 2022 to include all the best tips and technology.
Register for the Research Like a Pro Online Course Here
Take quizzes, listen to our free podcast, and read chapters from the book. Join our private Facebook community to share your assignments and receive feedback. Check in during our monthly live office hours to get help in a group setting. The e-Course will give you the extra boost you might need in your research efforts. You’ll be able to work at your own pace and still receive valuable assistance along the way.
“As a strong, mostly self taught, intermediate genealogist, I was
longing for more formal education. It needed to be something I
could do at home and at my own pace. The Research Like a
Pro e-course gave me the tools to be a methodical researcher
and a more organized genealogist. Through the course
assignments I have mastered both creating citations and report
writing, two aspects of genealogy research that were very
intimidating to me. Diana and Nicole are both supportive and
helpful throughout the process via email, Facebook messages
and office hours, as is the RLP Facebook community. I am
happy and proud that I was able to complete this challenge.”
-Susan, RLP eCourse graduate
Study Groups
We offer Research Like a Pro Study Groups twice a year – Research Like a Pro with DNA (RLP with DNA) in the spring and Research Like a Pro (RLP) in the fall. The next RLP study group will be this fall and will focus on documentary research. Registration begins July 20 and classes begin September 7. Learn more here: RLP Study Group.
In the Research Like a Pro with DNA study group next spring (2023), we will follow a step-by-step process to help you either confirm a relationship proven through traditional research or test a hypothesized ancestral relationship. RLP with DNA focuses on using autosomal DNA in your genealogical research. One of the prerequisites for the study group is to have access to your autosomal DNA test results. You may also wish to include evidence from Y-DNA and Mitochondrial DNA tests in your research project, but these tests are not required for the study group. Click here for more information: Research Like a Pro with DNA Study Group.
Join our email list for updates: Study Group Email List.
Free Downloads
As a thank you for visiting our booth, we wanted to give you some free documents. Here are some of our popular freebies available to download:
U.S. Federal Census Tables Template
Children’s Activity
Need a fun activity for children or youth? Print this scavenger hunt. Kids can use FamilySearch on their phone, laptop, or computer to find the icons needed to fill it out. First, you will go to FamilySearch.org, then sign in. Click Family Tree and expand your tree by clicking on the arrows at the end of each line. Look for the various icons such as: available, needs information, in progress, record hints, research suggestions, data problems, etc. Children will answer questions including “what is the most unusual name in your family tree?” and “how many great grandparents do you have?”
Get copies of the Find a Name Scavenger hunt here: Find a Name Scavenger Hunt.
RootsTech Classes
Below we are sharing the names of our class presentations that are part of the RootsTech 2022 experience. We hope you find them useful!
Diana Elder, AG
Jurisdictions Explained: Finding New Avenues of Research for Your Family (Class Session)
Exploring each level of record-keeping for a locality can reveal additional records for a research subject. Learn about specific records kept on the town, city, county, state, regional, and federal levels and strategies to locate them. Watch here.
Researching and Writing about Skeletons in the Family History Closet (Class Session)
We all have them: ancestor stories that tend to be hushed up: illegitimate children, desertion, abuse, mental illness, etc. How do we discover the facts and what do we do when our family history research uncovers something unexpected? Recording these kinds of details can be difficult. We’ll explore ways to tell our ancestor’s story with integrity and kindness. Watch here.
How to Interpret a DNA Network Graph (Tips and Tricks)
Diana Elder leads you through a DNA case study on tackling a genealogy brick wall using network graphs. This DNA tool helps you visualize DNA matches and is a valuable way to find relevant matches and discover connections between groups of related matches. For additional help interpreting cluster charts and network graphs, join our online course, Research Like a Pro with DNA. Watch here.
Learning to Research Like a Pro (Booth Demo Video)
Diana Elder shows you how to make progress in your research by following an organized process. Follow her case study showing how creating an objective, a timeline, and doing locality research laid the foundation for the research. Then see what results came from using a research log and completing the project with a research report. Watch here.
Understanding Your Ethnicity Estimate at FamilyTreeDNA (Tips and Tricks)
Learn how you can use the DNA tools at FamilyTreeDNA to learn more about your ethnicity estimate. Discover how to make new discoveries about your DNA matches by comparing their ethnicity to yours by segments. Watch here.
Understanding Your DNA Ethnicity Estimate at 23andMe (Tips and Tricks)
Learn how you can use the DNA tools at 23andMe to learn more about your ethnicity estimate. Discover how to make new discoveries about your DNA matches by comparing their ethnicity to yours by segments. Watch here.
Nicole Dyer
How to make a DNA Network Graph (Tips and Tricks)
In this tutorial, Nicole Dyer shares how to use Gephi to cluster DNA matches. Gephi is an advanced DNA tool that helps you create network graphs of DNA matches. These graphs help you visualize clusters of matches and connections between clusters. Finding the most recent common ancestral couples of your clusters helps you know where to find relevant matches for your research question. Those who are technologically savvy and have used the DNAGedcom client before to gather matches and shared matches will have the most success. For additional help visualizing your DNA matches in clusters, join our online course, Research Like a Pro with DNA. Watch here.
Find and Confirm Ancestors with DNA Evidence (Booth Demo Video)
Learn how the Research Like a Pro with DNA online course can help you find and confirm ancestors with DNA evidence. Nicole Dyer shares her Dyer research project and how the RLP with DNA process helped her find a hypothesis for her husband’s 3rd great-grandfather’s parents. For additional help in incorporating DNA in your family history research, join our online course, Research Like a Pro with DNA. Learn more at https://FamilyLocket.com/rootstech. Watch here.
How to Know if a Matching DNA Segment is Maternal or Paternal (Tips and Tricks)
At DNA Painter, you can assign DNA segments you share with matches to your ancestors and create a chromosome map. This can help you discover how you are connected to unknown DNA matches. But can this help you figure out if an unknown match is maternal or paternal? Professional genealogist and Research Like a Pro with DNA instructor, Nicole Dyer, shares two ways to find out if a segment is maternal or paternal. Watch here.
How to Add a DNA Match to Airtable (Tips and Tricks)
Airtable is a relational database you can use to keep track of DNA matches in a research project. Learn how to get started with the base Nicole Dyer uses in the Research Like a Pro with DNA online course and study group and add your first DNA match. Watch here.
How to Download DNA Match Lists with DNAGedcom Client (Tips and Tricks)
In order to analyze your DNA matches in a spreadsheet and use specialized DNA tools, you need to download your DNA match lists with the DNAGedcom client. DNAGedcom was created by Rob Warthen and is a must-have tool for intermediate-advanced genetic genealogists. Professional genealogist Nicole Dyer shares why she uses the DNAGedcom Client and how to download your matches. Watch here.
Robin Wirthlin
Create A Family Tree With Your DNA Matches-Use Lucidchart To Create A Picture Worth A Thousand Words (Tips and Tricks)
Robin Wirthlin shows an overview of Lucidchart software and how it can help you create a variety of family trees to illustrate the connections between you, your DNA matches, and your shared ancestors. For additional help creating Lucidchart diagrams of DNA matches, join our online course, Research Like a Pro with DNA. Watch here.
Research Like a Pro with DNA – A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence (Booth Demo Video)
Robin Wirthlin explains how to Research Like a Pro with DNA by following an organized process. A case study illustrates the process, and you can follow along to see how the process can help you in your own research and help you break through brick walls to find your missing ancestors. For additional help in incorporating DNA in your family history research, join our online course, Research Like a Pro with DNA. Watch here.
How can DNA Enhance My Family History research? (Tips and Tricks)
Learn tips about how DNA can help you in your family history research from a professional genealogist and Research Like a Pro with DNA instructor, Robin Wirthlin. Watch here.
How to Analyze a DNA Match (Tips and Tricks)
Learn about DNA match lists, and how to use the information to understand and analyze relationships with your DNA matches. Learn tips from a professional genealogist and Research Like a Pro with DNA instructor, Robin Wirthlin. Watch here.