JGSCT - About Our Next Program
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm EST
How to Attend:
- Virtual via Zoom
- Registration is free for both members and non-members. To register for the Zoom link, click here.
Program Description:
Help! I Got My DNA Results and I'm Confused -- Part 1.26.4 into to AScM
Are you overwhelmed by your thousands of DNA Results?You're not alone. Thousands of genealogy enthusiasts receive their autosomal DNA results from testing companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and Family Tree DNA, only to feel completely confused by what they find.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- Tens of thousands of DNA matches who claim to be "close relatives"
- Matches with no shared surnames or geographic connections
- Ethnicity results that don't match family stories
- Feeling stuck and not knowing where to start
- Ready to give up on genetic genealogy altogether?
- Clusters promise results and you are more confused?
Take a deep breath – help is here. Part 1.26.4 is Updated, and introduces AScM!
About Our Speaker
Gil Bardige was born & raised in Chicago and currently lives in the Columbus Ohio area. A graduate of the New York Institute of Technology, Gil retired in 2019 after a long career in air conditioning and refrigeration most recently as a National Business Development Leader for Trane Technologies.
At the "instruction" of his mother, Gil began his genealogy adventure in 1979 with 54 people in his tree. Today his family tree including extended family, is over 3,200 people tracing 4 branches back to his 5th great grandfathers born about 1740 in Berestechko, Volhynia, Russian Empire. His family arrived in Chicago in the early 20th century.
For nearly 20 years Gil has expanded his knowledge of Genetic Genealogy, testing at each of the four major DNA companies, and is Administrator of three Y-DNA projects at Family Tree DNA as a Volunteer. He loves to help people manage their expectations and begin to remove confusion from the DNA results whether it's Y-DNA, mtDNA, or Autosomal DNA. He has spoken at dozens of local events, international webinars and conferences, including at least 9 IAJGS Conferences and, most recently, at NGS 2026. Gil also developed the AScM (Average Segment centimorgan) methodology for DNA analysis in endogamous populations and is a recognized voice on the application of AI in genealogical research.
As the Chair of the Genealogy Committee of the Columbus Jewish Historical Society, Gil developed and hosts the monthly Kvell & Kvetch genealogy Q&A in Columbus. He co-hosts live Genetic Genealogy Q&A sessions at Jewish genealogy societies in Illinois and Toronto. For IAJGS, Gil serves on the Conference Strategic Planning Committee and manages the Conference Mentoring Programs. Gil is a member of APG (Association of Professional Genealogists).
Gil is a firm believer that you can use DNA results as a tool in your genealogical research as it generates clues that can help people confirm/deny relationships. His speaking style is high energy (you won't be bored) and he loves to take questions. People have said of his presentations, "Thank you, Gil, I am no longer confused!"
