Masterclasses – AFFHO Congress 2027

Learn new skills with our Masterclasses

Before the Congress programme commences on Saturday and Sunday, we are pleased to offer the following Masterclasses conducted by experts in their field. Masterclasses are limited to 30 participants and cost NZ$75 each. Note: you can only attend one each day and they are on first come, first served basis.

Saturday Masterclasses

Saturday, 13 February 2027 at 8am

What are the Odds? (WATO) with Jonny Perl (LT1)

What are the Odds? (WATO) is a tool at DNA Painter that can help you solve family mysteries. It works by comparing different hypotheses for how a DNA tester might fit into a family tree containing their DNA matches. The tool also provides a useful way to organise, visualise, and interpret matches.

This masterclass will include a concise explanation of both the original WATO and the newer WATplus, with illustrative examples showing how each can be used in practice. Hands-on practical guidance will help attendees apply the appropriate version to their own research questions.

Jonny Perl is a genealogist, DNA enthusiast and web developer based in Swansea, Wales. He is the creator and founder of dnapainter.com, an award-winning web application for family historians working with DNA that helps people around the world interpret the results of their autosomal DNA tests.

Demystifying AI: A Practical Workshop for New Users (LT2)

Presented by Andrew Redfern and Fiona Brooker

This hands-on workshop is your starting point for using AI in family history research, no prior experience needed. Working through a variety of short exercises together, you’ll learn what tools like ChatGPT and Claude actually do, how to write simple, effective prompts, and where AI genuinely helps (and where it doesn’t). You’ll leave having tried it for yourself across different kinds of research tasks, with the confidence and key skills to apply it to your own research afterwards.

Fiona Brooker and Andrew Redfern are experienced family history educators and international presenters, known for their engaging and practical approach to teaching genealogy. They have delivered multiple extended courses, including three five-part series for Legacy Family Tree Webinars, and are regular speakers at conferences. Having collaborated on numerous presentations and projects, they bring a well-developed, complementary teaching style that resonates with a wide range of audiences. Their work focuses on strengthening research skills through critical thinking, source analysis, and the effective use of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

Oral History as a valuable tool in family history work (Mezz3)

Presented by Emma-Jean Kelly

Oral History is a vital part of family history practice. Memories, stories, half-remembered experiences can all add to the richness and depth of the family history. In an age where many people are reading less, having sound recordings alongside pictures and videos can help enliven and spark interest in the stories of our families. Learn how to use oral history to support and enhance your practice. It’s not difficult, and sometimes it just takes turning on the voice recorder on your phone. However, good quality recording techniques can make a huge difference and lead to podcasts, broadcasts and more.

Emma-Jean has worked as Senior Historian at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand. She now works for Wheako Pōneke, Experience Wellington, and is an independent oral historian and writer. Oral History is an important part of her practice, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge and learning from others. She is also an active member of Lower North Island Irish Interest Group.

——————————————————–

Sunday Masterclasses

Sunday, 14 February 2027 at 8am

Chromosome Mapping with Jonny Perl (LT1)

In this practical workshop, Jonny will explain the principles of chromosome mapping and the motivation behind it. He will then demonstrate the benefits of testing different family members, while showing strategies for using unidentified DNA matches to extend a chromosome map.

This approach provides a clear visual framework that complements shared-match analysis, particularly in cases where multiple relationships make shared matches difficult to interpret.

By the end of the session, attendees will understand how chromosome mapping can document which ancestors contributed different segments of DNA, helping to identify unknown DNA matches.

AI as a thinking partner for family historians (LT2)

Presented by Andrew Redfern and Fiona Brooker

This hands-on masterclass reframes AI as a thinking partner for family historians, not an answer engine, and targets those already using AI tools in their research. Working through practical tasks together using AI to challenge assumptions, expose gaps in evidence, and expand research pathways, you’ll leave with a clear, repeatable approach you can apply straight away to your own research.

Writing your family history (Mezz3)

Presented by Janine Irvine

The workshop will help participants prepare their research for publication. We will work through the different stages of turning notes into narrative to prepare for publication and explore different options for publishing family histories.

The workshop will help participants to:

Learn about organising research and content for writing;
Design a narrative structure and set up a plan for writing;
Prepare for publishing; and
Reflect upon their role as author in the process.

This will be an interactive session – bring along your projects and questions!

Dr Janine Irvine is a life writer and oral historian who has helped numerous individuals, families and communities over many years to record their histories, organise archives and collections of family memorabilia, and publish their stories for private and public audiences. Included among her book publications are: The stories of places – a literary approach to writing local history; From there to here; Eyes skyward – Nugget Cohen; The pioneer history of the Roose family (Pukekohe); and Rakaia – Our History.