Join us at Norway House in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday 12 September 2026 for a split-day
seminar exploring how DNA can help you test, expand, and strengthen your family tree -
and tackle some of those long-standing ancestral puzzles.

The 3 morning sessions (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM) are open to anyone curious about DNA and
family history. Whether you’re just considering DNA testing, have tested but aren’t quite
sure what to do next, or are already several steps in but want to take your research to the
next level, these talks will meet you where you are. We’ll cover the fundamentals (including
“should I test?”), proven analytical techniques, and practical DNA software tools, some of
which now incorporate AI to make analysis more efficient and accessible.

You’ll see how DNA can move you beyond “I just wanted to know where my ancestors came
from” into a more rigorous and rewarding process: untangling gnarly family mysteries,
identifying and connecting with new cousins, and fact-checking what you thought you
knew using real scientific evidence. Make no mistake: DNA research does not replace
traditional document-based genealogy; instead the two approaches work together in an
essential and powerful partnership. In the same way, AI does not replace careful genetic
analysis; it can help surface possibilities faster, but conclusions still depend on evidence,
context, and human reasoning.

After a lunch break, the optional afternoon workshop (1:15 PM - 3:00 PM) offers a hands-on
experience for a limited group of 20 participants (advance reservation required). This
session is designed for researchers who have already tested their DNA (Ancestry.com
preferred) and want guided instruction using their own results. Participants should bring an
internet-capable laptop or tablet computer and their Ancestry.com DNA log-in credentials.
An Ancestry Pro Tools subscription ($9.99/month, cancel anytime) is recommended. A full
Ancestry records membership or an available free trial will enhance your experience, but is
not required.

The instructors, Dixie Hansen and Ramona Roller, are longtime friends and fellow genetic
genealogists with deep experience and contagious enthusiasm for what DNA can reveal in
family history research. They’re eager to share both their knowledge and their passion –
and invite you join them for a day of discovery on September 12.