Genealogy Center
DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy
DNA and Genetic Genealogy
DNA testing does not replace the old-fashioned hard work necessary to document your family's history, but it will indicate if you're on the right track or have somehow gotten sidetracked into researching people who are not actually related to you. Getting the most from DNA testing will require you to do some investigating to determine which test is best for you, what the results will actually tell you, and to explore the leads of people who are genetically close to you.
KEVIN CURTIS / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Universal Images Group
Here is a great place to begin the DNA education process:
- International Society of Genetic Genealogists The mission of the non-profit ISOGG is to advocate for and educate about the use of genetics as a tool for genealogical research while promoting a supportive network for genetic genealogists.
Expert Help with DNA in New Mexico
There are people in New Mexico who are quite knowledgeable and eager to help you learn more about DNA. Look for DNA classes through Osher, UNM Continuing Education, the New Mexico Genealogical Society, the Albuquerque Genealogical Society, and at the Genealogy Center to expand your knowledge on this topic.
New Mexico DNA Projects
Both of the projects below are hosted by FamilyTreeDNA and focus on families that have deep roots in New Mexico.
- New Mexico Genealogical Society DNA ProjectSupported by the New Mexico Genealogical Society and administered by Miguel J. Torrez, the project mission is to validate genealogies tracing back to their known origin in New Mexico using Y-DNA and mtDNA testing. The project’s goal is to use the genealogies and DNA results to better understand New Mexican ancestry by managing them in a database listing last known ancestors for the lines tested.
- New Mexico DNA ProjectAdministered by Angel R. Cervantes, this project is open to those whose Y-DNA or Mt-DNA line extends to New Mexico. The project's goals are to find New Mexican's ancient origins; to discover previously unknown living relatives; to determine migration patterns of different families; to see if similar sounding surnames are related; to discover how closely related families really are; to share this information with others so people can learn more about where they came from.
DNA Research Group
DNA Special Interest Group
The DNA Special Interest Group meets both in person at the Genealogy Center and online using Zoom at 10:30 am to noon on the first Friday of every month.
Just getting started with using DNA results to explore your family heritage? Join us online for free classes covering the basics in language you can understand.
Visit the Albuquerque Genealogical Society website for details about the ABCs of DNA classes, the DNA Special Interest Group, and more.
DNA Books
Books to Help Make Sense of It All
The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by
A one-stop resource for how to use DNA testing for genealogy. Guidance on DNA tests and choosing the right test to answer your specific genealogy questions. And once you've taken a DNA test, this guide will demystify how to interpret DNA test results
Call Number: 929.103 BettingerPublication Date: 2016
The Adoptee's Guide to DNA Testing by
A comprehensive guide to adoption genealogy that has the resources you need to find your family through genetic testing.
Call Number: 929.1 WeinbergPublication Date: 2018
Native American DNA by
Who is a Native American? who gets to decide? From genealogists searching online for their ancestors to fortune hunters hoping for a slice of casino profits, the answers to these seemingly straightforward questions have profound ramifications.
Call Number: 970.1 TallbearPublication Date: 2013
DNA for Native American Genealogy by
Offers detailed information and advice specifically aimed at family historians interested in fleshing out their Native American family tree through DNA testing.
Call Number: 292.103 EstesPublication Date: 2021
