Using DNA for German family research

Video of the presentation by Cate Pearce  from the 2018 German-Australian History and Heritage Conference in Adelaide.

DNA testing is most helpful for breaking through family history brick walls in cases where the paper trail has been exhausted. Furthermore, DNA testing connects us with our genetic cousins who share a common ancestor and who might have information, photos or documents that can broaden our research. This presentation is not about the science of DNA, it is about how you can use this valuable tool for your family history research. DNA case studies are presented that focus particularly on German family history research. It also explores current social, legal and political trends in Germany regarding the current reluctance Germans have shown towards the use of direct-to-consumer DNA testing for genealogy.

About the Speaker

Cate Pearce is a genetic genealogist and the convenor of the DNA interest group at the WA Genealogical Society. Having been an archival based genealogist for many years, Cate now regards the application of DNA testing as an essential tool for any genealogist's toolkit and she is passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. Cate is also a registered family historian with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies in Canberra, working to help reunite Aboriginal families dislocated by past government child removal policies, by using traditional archival research and DNA.