Every year on April 25, the scientific and genealogy communities come together to celebrate National DNA Day—an event commemorating the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953. For genealogists, this day is a perfect opportunity to explore genetic genealogy, learn more about DNA testing, and uncover new family connections.
Whether you’re new to genetic genealogy or have already taken a DNA test, National DNA Day is the ideal time to take your research to the next level. This guide will help you understand how to participate, take advantage of DNA testing discounts, and use genetic genealogy to enhance your family history research.
1. Why National DNA Day Matters for Genealogists
DNA testing has revolutionized genealogy by providing scientific proof of ancestry, ethnicity estimates, and connections with biological relatives. Participating in National DNA Day allows genealogists to:
✅ Learn about DNA testing and how it helps with genealogy.
✅ Take advantage of DNA test discounts.
✅ Analyze and interpret DNA results more effectively.
✅ Connect with distant relatives and confirm family lines.
✅ Explore deeper ancestry through Y-DNA and mtDNA testing.
If you haven’t yet incorporated DNA into your genealogy research, National DNA Day is the perfect time to start!
2. How to Participate in National DNA Day
A. Take a DNA Test (Or Buy One on Sale!)
Many DNA testing companies offer significant discounts on National DNA Day, making it a great time to purchase a kit.
🔹 Top DNA Testing Services for Genealogists:
- AncestryDNA (http://www.ancestry.com/dna) – Best for ethnicity estimates and cousin matching.
- 23andMe (www.23andme.com) – Includes health reports along with ancestry results.
- MyHeritage DNA (http://www.myheritage.com/dna) – Strong European database and deep ancestry insights.
- FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) (www.familytreedna.com) – Offers Y-DNA and mtDNA testing for deep paternal and maternal ancestry.
- Living DNA (www.livingdna.com) – Good for detailed regional breakdowns.
👉 Tip: If you’ve already taken a test with one company, consider transferring your raw DNA data to another platform (like MyHeritage or GEDmatch) to expand your results without buying a new kit.
B. Analyze Your DNA Results More Effectively
Already have your DNA results? National DNA Day is the perfect time to go deeper into your genetic genealogy research.
🔬 Steps to Better Understand Your DNA Results:
- Review Your Ethnicity Estimates – Compare across different testing services for accuracy.
- Examine DNA Matches – Reach out to new DNA relatives to compare family trees.
- Use Chromosome Browsers – FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage offer tools to analyze shared DNA segments.
- Research Y-DNA & mtDNA – If you’re looking for deep ancestry, consider advanced tests.
- Upload Your Raw DNA Data – Expand your reach by adding your results to multiple databases.
📌 Where to Upload Your DNA Data for Free:
- GEDmatch (www.gedmatch.com) – Great for chromosome mapping and cousin matching.
- MyHeritage DNA (http://www.myheritage.com/dna) – Offers ethnicity insights and cousin matching.
- FamilyTreeDNA (www.familytreedna.com) – Supports deeper Y-DNA and mtDNA analysis.
👉 Tip: Be sure to adjust your privacy settings before uploading DNA to any public database.
C. Connect with DNA Matches and Build Your Family Tree
One of the most exciting aspects of DNA testing is finding new relatives and breaking down genealogical brick walls.
🔎 How to Reach Out to DNA Matches:
- Introduce yourself politely – Mention any shared surnames or locations.
- Compare family trees – If they don’t have one, offer to help them build it.
- Look at shared DNA segments – This can help determine how you’re related.
- Ask older relatives to test – More data points help clarify family connections.
👉 Tip: Use the “What are the Odds?” (WATO) tool on DNA Painter (www.dnapainter.com) to estimate possible relationships with DNA matches.
D. Attend DNA Webinars and Genealogy Conferences
Many genealogy organizations offer free webinars, courses, and Q&A sessions on National DNA Day.
📅 Upcoming DNA Day Webinars & Events:
- Legacy Family Tree Webinars (www.familytreewebinars.com) – Hosts genealogy and DNA-related workshops.
- National Genealogical Society (NGS) (www.ngsgenealogy.org) – Offers educational webinars.
- ISOGG (International Society of Genetic Genealogy) (www.isogg.org) – Provides DNA research guides.
- DNA Weekly (www.dnaweekly.com) – Reviews and explains different DNA tests.
👉 Tip: Follow #NationalDNADay on social media to discover events and discounts.
E. Share Your DNA Journey with Family and Friends
National DNA Day is a great time to get your family involved in genealogy.
👨👩👦 Ways to Engage Your Family:
- Encourage relatives to test – More family members = better DNA matches.
- Create a DNA family history book – Include photos, ancestry charts, and test results.
- Make a migration map – Plot where your ancestors came from based on DNA and historical records.
- Host a DNA-themed family gathering – Discuss results, share family trees, and celebrate your heritage.
👉 Tip: Use Canva (www.canva.com) to design family history charts and graphics.
3. Beyond National DNA Day: Next Steps for Genetic Genealogy
Even after National DNA Day ends, there’s still so much more to explore.
📌 What to Do Next:
- Join DNA discussion groups (Facebook groups like “Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques”).
- Research historical context – How migration, war, and social changes shaped your DNA story.
- Take an advanced DNA test – Consider Y-DNA or mtDNA for deeper ancestry research.
- Continue building your family tree – Use DNA to verify traditional genealogy.
👉 Tip: Check out The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine Bettinger for expert advice on DNA research.
Final Thoughts: Make National DNA Day Count
National DNA Day is an incredible opportunity to expand your family history research, connect with relatives, and unlock the secrets of your genetic past. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience in genetic genealogy, this day is a chance to deepen your understanding and celebrate your ancestry.
Have you used DNA in your genealogy research? What discoveries have you made? Share your experience in the comments!
Additional Resources for DNA Genealogy
📜 Genealogy Research Tools: FamilySearch | Ancestry
🧬 Genetic Genealogy Learning: DNA Painter | ISOGG Wiki
🎥 Free Webinars & DNA Learning: Legacy Family Tree Webinars
Make the most of National DNA Day and discover the stories hidden in your DNA!
Jackie's Genealogy 
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