Directory of Members

Richard Hill was the first known case of an adoptee using genetic genealogy DNA tests to identify his birth family. He is the author of two books. Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA is an award-winning personal memoir that follows his decades-long search for his birth parents.

Hill's Kindle Short Book, Guide to DNA Testing, gives readers just enough information to choose the right DNA tests for their purposes.

He founded DNA-Testing-Adviser.com and the DNA Testing Adviser Facebook Page, both of which transferred to new ownership in August 2021.

Richard's new website is DNAfavorites.com where he shares more than 150 links to the best DNA testing resources. He also provides news and tips through his DNA Favorites Facebook Page.

Richard's award-winning book is Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in my DNA. The Next Generation Indie Book Awards named Finding Family as one of the top independently published memoirs in 2013. Kirkus Reviews calls the book an engaging, page-turning memoir that thoughtfully puts together the pieces of a family puzzle. The eBook version won a gold medal in 2013 Global Ebook Awards.

DNA Testing / Genetic Genealogy
Reuniting Adoptees with Biological Families

1. Finding Your Family with DNA Testing

Learn how adoptees and others find biological parents and siblings through DNA testing. Review the case that started it all and see today’s recommended strategies. View examples of surprise discoveries and see the tools used to identify relationships.

2. Genetic Genealogy Today

Review the basics of genetic genealogy, the three major test types, and the offerings of five leading companies. Learn the key factors that impact your results and compare the strengths, limitations, and favorite features of each company. See some third-party tools you can use to extract even more information from DNA test results.

3. Comparing DNA Ethnicity Estimates

Learn the reasons why DNA ethnicity tests often yield unexpected results. See why siblings can have surprisingly different ethnicities and why Native American ancestry is rarely found. Compare one person’s ethnicity reports from all the major DNA tests and learn why one test or another might be your best choice for ethnicity purposes.

4. Y-Chromosome Insights & Strategies

Learn how Y-DNA testing of suitable males can trace and confirm paternal lines in your family tree. How to choose the right test and how to work with your genetic matches. Examples cover STRs, SNPs, genetic distance, match thresholds, Tip reports, the Y-DNA tree, haplogroups, group projects, account settings, and more.

Will supply master for handouts
Will travel to US locations or present online
Richard's book is for sale at his in-person lectures
Will supply laptop
Required: projector with proper cable connection for laptop; screen or wall upon which to project images

• RootsTech
• Federation of Genealogical Societies
• National Genealogical Society Family History Conference
• Who Do You Think You Are? Live (England)
• Southern California Genealogical Society
• We Are Cousins Virtual Conference
• Milwaukee Irish Fest
• International Conference on Genetic Genealogy
• Michigan Genealogical Council
• Northwest Ohio Genealogy Seminar
• Louisiana Adoption Advisory Board Conference
• Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan
• Irish Genealogical Society of Michigan
• South Bend Area Genealogical Society
• Detroit Society for Genealogical Research
• Franklin County (Ohio) Genealogical & Historical Society
• West Michigan Genealogical Society
• Jewish Genealogical Society of Broward County (Florida)
• Various DAR Chapters
• Numerous city and county genealogical groups and public libraries