DNA Painter, a DNA analysis tool created by Jonny Perl, was the well-deserved winner of the 2018 RootsTech DNA Innovation Contest. Jonny’s creation effectively meets key needs for genealogists as they engage in genetic analysis and interpretation. Evaluating Amounts of Shared DNA One of the first approaches employed by genealogists in genetic analysis is evaluation of shared DNA between known and unknown genetic cousins. Some amounts of shared DNA are more likely for certain levels of … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: A Visit to the Mid-Continent Public Library – Midwest Genealogy Center
Legacy Tree works with researchers all over the world to access records for our clients. We asked one of our researchers to share her experiences with family history research at the Midwest Genealogy Center located in Independence Missouri. Genealogists are in for an amazing surprise when visiting the 52,000 square foot Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC), part of the Mid-Continent Public Library system in Independence, Missouri. This unique library located just outside of Kansas City is focused … [Read more...]
Family History Research is a Meaningful Holiday Gift
Are you struggling to come up with meaningful holiday gifts for your loved ones? Consider the gift of heritage! For many of us, the holidays mean family time. We gather together to celebrate lasting traditions and create new ones, drawing closer to the ones we love and strengthening ties with them. Coming up with meaningful gift ideas for our loved ones, however, is a common struggle. What does she like? What would make him happy? Family history projects make unique, personal, and … [Read more...]
Right Person, Right Place, Right Time: Documenting the Unknown in your DNA Test Results
Resources to help you in documenting the unknown in your DNA test results. Each DNA testing company warns that DNA testing can reveal surprises and previously unknown information about your family. In fact, customers of these databases make unexpected discoveries every day. These discoveries can be distressing and traumatic but might also be exciting and compelling. As you navigate the emotions and reactions of this experience, we recommend reviewing this list of resources to help. In other … [Read more...]
Contacting Your Birth Parent or Siblings
At Legacy Tree Genealogists, we are often contacted by individuals seeking assistance in finding information regarding biological family members. Utilizing advancements in genetic genealogy and thorough genealogical research, we have helped many clients find closure. However, for many, the journey does not end at identifying their birth mother, birth father or siblings. We consulted with industry experts Richard Weiss of DNAAdoption.org and Curry Wolfe, for insight and guidance into the next … [Read more...]
13 Secrets to Getting Replies from DNA Cousin Matches
Tips from one of our professional genealogists for getting responses from your DNA cousin matches. It happens to all of us. You see you have new DNA cousin matches, and you get excited. Maybe they have a brick-wall surname you recognize, or maybe they’re a really close match, or maybe they’re in an area where you think your ancestors may have lived. You do a genealogy happy dance, and you send them a message. And then you wait. And wait. And wait. And nothing happens. It’s frustrating, … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Genealogists Recognized as One of Utah’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies…Again
Once again, Legacy Tree Genealogists has been named to the Utah100, MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN)’s annual list of 100 fastest-growing companies, this time moving up to rank as 46th on the list. The company was recognized at the 24th annual Utah 100 Awards program, held at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Recipients of the Utah 100 were chosen by the percentage of revenue increase of each company between 2013 and 2017. “We are excited to receive this recognition once again,” … [Read more...]
6 Things You Need to Know About the AncestryDNA Ethnicity Update
If you haven’t checked your AncestryDNA results recently, you’re in for a treat. The recent AncestryDNA update includes some big changes to its ethnicity estimates, and there’s something for everyone to explore. Here are six things you need to know to get the most out of this new tool for learning more about your ancestors. 1. Everyone has access to the updated reports. Like most new Ancestry features, this one was gradually rolled out to Ancestry users. That left some of us to watch and wait … [Read more...]