The Summer 2026 issue (Vol. 9, Issue 4) of the Wake Genealogy Watch newsletter is now available online for reading or download. Visit the WCGS website or click here: Wake Genealogy Watch, Summer 2026 . This issue includes: · Barbara McGeachy shares a summary of our coffee gathering in April. · A reminder to check out the updated Newsletter Cumulative Index, complete up to this issue · Jane Albright presents the Pleasant Grove UMC project to protect the historical graves of Free People of Color. · Four videos to boost your genealogy skills with AI and DNA skills · Two websites that give you historical context for your Revolutionary research and might even inspire a trip or two · Tips and resources to research the Loyalist you might find in your family tree, and how to recognize them. · Registration details for our upcoming local meet-ups and virtual meetings Photo Note : Please refer to the online edition where you can enlarge the photos to acc...

  This post is one I originally wrote for the  Fall 2020 issue of the Wake Genealogy Watch newsletter . The topics are still pretty fresh. I hope you find something useful here.  - Cyndi Deal DNA for genealogy is a big topic and there are no shortcuts on the learning curve, but there is so much DNA education at our fingertips right now. With so many great genetic genealogy webinars available on line, why not sharpen your skill set?  (Bonus - All but two of these are free!) - CD Beginner  You Can Do DNA (series 2024) , presenter - Diahan Southard.   (Updated and expanded to a series in 2024.  Parts 1-4 are here, Part 5 can be viewed on YouTube) New to DNA? Start here. This covers test types, test companies, testing strategies, best explanation of ethnicity estimates ever, and basic concepts in a very beginner friendly format.  What Exactly is a Centimorgan? An Introduction to the Science of DNA Testing , presenter - Ran Snir.   W...

 April 25 is DNA Day. It is a great day to take advantage of discounted kits from all the vendors and the free online learning event offered by the FamilySearch Library. Here are details and Zoom registration link. Note:  Times listed are Mountain Time . All times are 2 hours later in Eastern time . 2023 DNA Day at the FamilySearch Library Description 9:00 AM MST – DNA Basics: An Introduction to DNA and Genealogy (Beginner) – Have you heard your friends and fellow genealogists enthuse about DNA but don't know what it's all about? Wondering if a DNA test is right for you? Come learn about DNA, why it's valuable, which tests you can take, and how it might be helpful in your genealogy research. 10:15 AM MST – Why Oh Why Do Your Y-DNA? (Advanced) – Have you ever heard of a Y-DNA test or wondered if you should take one? This class will discuss the value of Y-DNA, who can take a Y-DNA test, and where to purchase a test. It will also discuss the different levels of testing (37, 1...