Rebroadcast - Getting the Most out of AncestryDNA - October 2026
$125.00
Regular price $79.99Explore every feature, solve family mysteries, and turn your DNA matches into real connections.
Course Type: Rebroadcast
October 14, 2026 7PM ET
AncestryDNA boasts the world's largest consumer DNA database, with millions of people tested. Which means your best chance of finding genetic relatives is probably already sitting in your Ancestry account. But if you’ve logged in, glanced at your ethnicity estimate, and thought “Now what?” — you’re not alone.
Whether you’ve just received your DNA results or you’ve been staring at a list of thousands of matches wondering where to begin, this session is designed to turn your curiosity into a clear research strategy. We will move beyond basic ethnicity percentages to help you master the powerful tools AncestryDNA offers, while showing you how to pair them with external resources for even deeper insights.
Instructor Shannon Combs-Bennett will walk you through the AncestryDNA platform from the ground up. You’ll explore the key features (ethnicity estimates, DNA communities, ThruLines, SideView technology, shared matches, and more), learn what each tool does well and where its limitations lie. Plus, discover practical workflows for using your DNA matches to solve real family mysteries.
This three-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. What you will learn:
- Master the Basics: Learn how autosomal testing works and how to navigate Ancestry’s massive database with realistic expectations.
- Navigate with Confidence: Get a handle on every major feature—from ThruLines and SideView to DNA Communities—and learn how to use them strategically.
- Build Your Workflow: Develop a step-by-step plan to organize your matches and identify ancestors directly within the Ancestry platform.
- Enhance Your Research: Discover how external tools like DNA Painter and spreadsheets can take your analysis to the next level.
- Know Your Limits: Get honest advice on when AncestryDNA is enough and when you might need to look elsewhere to solve a family mystery.
- Create Your Action Plan: Leave with a personalized strategy and clear next steps, whether you’re just starting out or refining years of research.
Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert
Shannon Combs-Bennett, MSc, QG, FSAScot, brings a rare combination of scientific training and genealogical expertise to the classroom. She earned her BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University before pursuing advanced studies in genealogy, completing her MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where she was awarded a PhD in History and Genealogical Studies in July 2026.
A Qualified Genealogist (QG) and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Shannon has spent over a decade teaching genetic genealogy to audiences ranging from local societies to international conferences. She currently serves as a Director of the Association of Professional Genealogists and is a frequent contributor to genealogical publications. Her award-winning book Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes received a Benjamin Franklin Silver Award, and she co-authored The DNA Guide for Adoptees.
What's included:
- Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
- Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
- PLUS -Registrants receive the Genetic DNA Cheat Sheet ($9.99 value) FREE
Learn from the community: While our rebroadcast sessions don’t feature a live, active Q&A, you won't miss a beat! You’ll get to see all the great questions previously asked by your peers and the expert answers that followed.
How you will benefit:
- Save Time: Instead of clicking around aimlessly, you’ll have a streamlined workflow that cuts through the noise of thousands of matches.
-
Boost Accuracy: By understanding the "why" behind DNA tools, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and make reliable family connections based on data, not guesses.
Maximize Your Investment: You’ve already paid for the kit; now you’ll actually use every feature you’re paying for, from ThruLines to SideView. - Reduce Overwhelm: Breaking down complex genetic concepts into simple action steps makes your genealogy journey feel like a fun puzzle rather than a daunting chore.
- Broaden Your Toolkit: You’ll learn how to pair Ancestry with external resources, giving you a "pro-level" edge without needing to be a scientist.
- Gain Clarity: You’ll walk away with a concrete plan, knowing exactly what to do next to break through your specific "brick walls."
Can’t attend on October 14th? All registered students receive access to the session recording for a full year, so you can revisit the material whenever it’s convenient for you.
$125.00
Regular price $79.99Explore every feature, solve family mysteries, and turn your DNA matches into real connections.
Course Type: Rebroadcast
October 14, 2026 7PM ET
AncestryDNA boasts the world's largest consumer DNA database, with millions of people tested. Which means your best chance of finding genetic relatives is probably already sitting in your Ancestry account. But if you’ve logged in, glanced at your ethnicity estimate, and thought “Now what?” — you’re not alone.
Whether you’ve just received your DNA results or you’ve been staring at a list of thousands of matches wondering where to begin, this session is designed to turn your curiosity into a clear research strategy. We will move beyond basic ethnicity percentages to help you master the powerful tools AncestryDNA offers, while showing you how to pair them with external resources for even deeper insights.
Instructor Shannon Combs-Bennett will walk you through the AncestryDNA platform from the ground up. You’ll explore the key features (ethnicity estimates, DNA communities, ThruLines, SideView technology, shared matches, and more), learn what each tool does well and where its limitations lie. Plus, discover practical workflows for using your DNA matches to solve real family mysteries.
This three-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. What you will learn:
- Master the Basics: Learn how autosomal testing works and how to navigate Ancestry’s massive database with realistic expectations.
- Navigate with Confidence: Get a handle on every major feature—from ThruLines and SideView to DNA Communities—and learn how to use them strategically.
- Build Your Workflow: Develop a step-by-step plan to organize your matches and identify ancestors directly within the Ancestry platform.
- Enhance Your Research: Discover how external tools like DNA Painter and spreadsheets can take your analysis to the next level.
- Know Your Limits: Get honest advice on when AncestryDNA is enough and when you might need to look elsewhere to solve a family mystery.
- Create Your Action Plan: Leave with a personalized strategy and clear next steps, whether you’re just starting out or refining years of research.
Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert
Shannon Combs-Bennett, MSc, QG, FSAScot, brings a rare combination of scientific training and genealogical expertise to the classroom. She earned her BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University before pursuing advanced studies in genealogy, completing her MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where she was awarded a PhD in History and Genealogical Studies in July 2026.
A Qualified Genealogist (QG) and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Shannon has spent over a decade teaching genetic genealogy to audiences ranging from local societies to international conferences. She currently serves as a Director of the Association of Professional Genealogists and is a frequent contributor to genealogical publications. Her award-winning book Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes received a Benjamin Franklin Silver Award, and she co-authored The DNA Guide for Adoptees.
What's included:
- Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
- Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
- PLUS -Registrants receive the Genetic DNA Cheat Sheet ($9.99 value) FREE
Learn from the community: While our rebroadcast sessions don’t feature a live, active Q&A, you won't miss a beat! You’ll get to see all the great questions previously asked by your peers and the expert answers that followed.
How you will benefit:
- Save Time: Instead of clicking around aimlessly, you’ll have a streamlined workflow that cuts through the noise of thousands of matches.
-
Boost Accuracy: By understanding the "why" behind DNA tools, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and make reliable family connections based on data, not guesses.
Maximize Your Investment: You’ve already paid for the kit; now you’ll actually use every feature you’re paying for, from ThruLines to SideView. - Reduce Overwhelm: Breaking down complex genetic concepts into simple action steps makes your genealogy journey feel like a fun puzzle rather than a daunting chore.
- Broaden Your Toolkit: You’ll learn how to pair Ancestry with external resources, giving you a "pro-level" edge without needing to be a scientist.
- Gain Clarity: You’ll walk away with a concrete plan, knowing exactly what to do next to break through your specific "brick walls."
Can’t attend on October 14th? All registered students receive access to the session recording for a full year, so you can revisit the material whenever it’s convenient for you.