Theories of Family Relativity is part two of a series of articles to help you navigate MyHeritage DNA matches and tools. Read part one here. Genetic genealogy is founded on the observation that when two testers share DNA, they share common ancestry. In the case of autosomal DNA tests (like the one offered by MyHeritage), the ancestor who was the source of that shared DNA could be through any of the respective testers’ ancestral lines and could be any number of generations back in the … [Read more...]
Cuban Genealogy Research: Useful Tips and Tricks
Cuban genealogy relies primarily on government civil registration and Roman Catholic church records. Unfortunately, very few of these records are available online. And knowing your ancestor's exact location of where they lived in Cuba is also a requirement, making Cuban research seem next to impossible. Though limited by access problems, researching your Cuban family is possible and can be highly successful given the right tools. Tracking down the town of origin and identifying available … [Read more...]
My Heritage Travel: Reconnecting to our Ancestral Roots
Heritage travel isn’t always about white sand, warm water, and sunshine. For those seeking to reconnect with their ancestral roots in faraway places, a heritage vacation is a unique and enriching experience that offers a chance to explore one's roots and cultural heritage. By visiting the sites where one's ancestors lived, worked, and thrived, you can connect with distant relatives, learn about the local history and culture, and experience the traditions and customs passed down through … [Read more...]
Using AI Effectively for Genealogy Research
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for genealogy research is still in its infancy but gaining momentum as each new tool is released, including ChatGPT and Google Translate. These tools do not replace the need for a professional genealogist to analyze the data but can speed up the research process by finding information more rapidly. We asked our research team how genealogists can apply AI to their genealogy research projects. Here are some of their key learnings and cautions. First, How … [Read more...]
Autosomal DNA Test Results: Using Ethnicity Estimates to Generate Genealogical Hypotheses
The material in this autosomal DNA blog article was originally published in the October-December 2021 issue of NGS Magazine. It is updated and republished here with permission. Autosomal DNA test results at the major genetic genealogy testing companies (23andMe, Ancestry, Family Tree DNA, LivingDNA, MyHeritage) include two main elements: ethnicity admixture estimates and genetic cousin match lists. While genetic cousin match lists are the most helpful resource for solving genealogical … [Read more...]
Digging for Deaths Part 2: Census Mortality Schedules
As discussed in the first installment of this series, Census mortality schedules can be used without official vital records to document the deaths of individuals who passed within a year of the official census date. However, a deeper understanding of the structure of each year’s schedule and an eye for detail may lead to additional discoveries. Asking the Important Questions: Differences Between Census Years The numbers and types of questions asked differed across census years. For example, in … [Read more...]
Family Reunion Ideas: Sharing and Preserving Your Family History
It's difficult to come up with family reunion ideas year after year. People have been holding family reunions for generations to reconnect with relatives, introduce the newest members to the family, and remember their shared ancestors. As a genealogist, a reunion is an excellent time for a captive audience to share and preserve your family history for future generations. Here are a few tips and tricks to prepare you for your next reunion. Family Reunion Ideas: Sharing Your Family … [Read more...]
RootsTech 2023 Recap: Uniting and Learning In Genealogy Family Research
It was surreal and wonderful to see everyone at RootsTech 2023 Genealogy Family Research in person again after a couple of years away during the pandemic. Legacy Tree Genealogists were happy to see old friends and make new ones as we all came together through our passion for genealogy research. The theme of RootsTech 2023 was “Uniting.” Genealogy research helps us unite our families past, present, and future. Through all the ups and downs of the never ending genealogy journey, it’s reassuring … [Read more...]