The Legacy Tree Genealogists Blog

Hand-picked, tested and trained, our professional genealogist team knows how to find your story. We search the world for answers. Find the un-findable. And we’re experts at everything from tracking down rare international records to analyzing DNA test results. Based near the world’s largest family history library in downtown Salt Lake City, we also work with researchers and archives around the globe. Contact us today if you would like help discovering your ancestors!

Eight Steps to Pursue with New Autosomal DNA Test Results

May 16, 2022 by Paul - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher 1 Comment

Paul Woodbury is a DNA team lead and professional researcher at Legacy Tree Genealogists where he has helped to solve hundreds of genetic genealogy cases. In this article, a reprint from an issue of NGS Magazine, Paul discusses steps a researcher could take to begin using DNA test results. This article is published with permission.Several weeks after the submission of a DNA sample, the results finally arrive! An email appears announcing that the test has completed processing. It includes a link to sign in to review the test results. But what comes next? Where to start? The following are my recommendations for the first steps a researcher might take to begin using test results. This article provides a brief overview, and future columns will dig deeper into each of these topics. Set up a profile and attach a family treeFirst, if a profile has not been created, set one up. When considering what to include, review my previous article on this topic. [1] Adding a …

What Can You Do with Legacy Tree Genealogists’ Research? Meet Some of Our Affiliates!

May 5, 2022 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 6 Comments

Since 2004, Legacy Tree Genealogists has had the privilege of helping thousands of clients around the world discover their family history. Once you have completed a research project with us, you can share your family history in new ways. Many of our affiliate partners offer a variety of services that complement the genealogy services that we provide. In this blog, we are highlighting just a few of our newest affiliates. We encourage you to visit their websites and explore some of the great services they offer.Bring your legacy to life with a professionally produced video documentaryLeave for your descendants what you wish your ancestors had left for you. Video Family Biographies can provide a video documentary based on your Legacy Tree Genealogists' research.President and CEO, Robert H. Jordan, Jr. Ph.D., is a retired, weekend anchor for WGN-TV’s News at Nine and an Emmy Award winner. Jordan’s journalism career has spanned over 48 years and has showcased his exceptional …

Uncovering Hidden Jewels in British Isles Genealogy Research

April 26, 2022 by Sharon - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher Leave a Comment

Legacy Tree Genealogists’ Sharon McWilliams specializes in British Isles genealogy research. In this article, she discusses enlightening resources, or “hidden jewels,” in London that may help you trace your family history in the British Isles.The National Archives is now open to the public, but for those of us who can’t make the trip to Kew, there are millions of digital records available online at The National Archives Discovery Catalogue.Records that have been digitized can be downloaded immediately at no charge, simply by registering at The National Archives website. If a document has not been digitized, a search can be requested for a minimal fee. If successful, you will receive the estimated cost for a digital copy of the records you request.A Unique Gem May Be the Most Valuable – The Discovery CatalogueWith so many resources available in The National Archives catalogue, it can be important to use the “Advanced Search” option to allow you to focus your search more …

Where to Test? Genetic Genealogy Testing Options

April 18, 2022 by Paul - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher 2 Comments

Paul Woodbury is a DNA team lead and professional researcher at Legacy Tree Genealogists where he has helped to solve hundreds of genetic genealogy cases. In this article, a reprint from an issue of NGS Magazine, Paul discusses four major DNA testing companies’ tools and their benefits. The article is published here with permission.Four major DNA testing companies offer genetic genealogy testing—23andMe, AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, and MyHeritage— and there are several smaller testing companies. Each company has unique benefits, advantages, and insights to offer the serious genealogist.This article reviews (in alphabetical order) each of the major companies and some of the features they offer as of late 2020. For more detailed and continually updated comparisons of testing companies, read the International Society of Genetic Genealogy’s “Autosomal DNA Testing Comparison Chart.”*23andMe23andMe provides a $99 autosomal DNA test dedicated to ancestry analysis and a health + …