This chart from the Shared cM Project shows ranges of total shared cMs observed for known relationship levels at each of the major DNA testing companies. An interactive version is available through DNA Painter’s Shared cM Project Tool. Courtesy of Blaine T. Bettinger, thegeneticgenealogist.com, CC 4.0 Attribution License. In previous articles, I have introduced the Shared cM Project and tools for evaluating shared DNA at DNA Painter. This column explores the resources in more detail and … [Read more...]
How To Create Diagrams and Charts for Genetic Genealogy Research
This article is based on a similar article in the July - September 2022 issue of NGS Magazine and is republished here with permission. The Leeds Method, developed by Dana Leeds, enables genetic genealogy researchers to identify clusters of genetic cousins, based on color-code assignment of close matches and their shared genetic cousins. Chart created by author. Genealogists reporting on research should consider the use of charts, diagrams, tables, maps, and other figures to clearly … [Read more...]
Meet Carol, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Meet Carol, one of Legacy Tree Genealogists talented project managers! Genealogy has been a passion of Carol Genung’s for a long time. The genealogy bug first bit her when she was in junior high school and her dad’s aunt shared copies of the family tree she had researched. Carol diligently added the branches that she could at the time. Her passion was reignited a number of years later when she and her husband visited his aunt who had the family bible with entries back to the late 1800s. Carol … [Read more...]
Intro to German Genealogy: Practical Tips for Family History Research
Have you arrived at a place in your family history research where you need to learn about your German ancestors and how to find them? If they immigrated from Germany generations ago, where do you start, and what should you look for to make sure you build out an accurate family tree? Continue reading. We can help you get started with some tips for German genealogy! How To Find Your German Ancestor’s Home Town or Village Understanding Common German Naming Patterns Is Google … [Read more...]
“DNA Doesn’t Lie”: How To Accurately Interpret DNA Test Results
When you get your DNA test results, there's a good chance your DNA matches aren't as straight-forward as you had hoped, and there's a lot of room for misinterpretation. Here's some helpful things to consider as you begin your journey into the world of genetic genealogy! If you’ve gotten involved in genetic genealogy at all in the last few years, you have probably heard the phrase “DNA doesn’t lie.” This is meant to imply that, while records left behind by our ancestors can sometimes be … [Read more...]
Italian Heritage Travel: The My Bella Vita Experience
In this article, we interview founder of My Bella Vita, Cherrye, about their Italian Heritage Travel tours. If you have Italian ancestry and have always dreamed about returning to Italy to feel, taste, and see where your family comes from, continue reading! I grew up in America, so I understand the American expectation. I know the American traveler in a way that many Italian-based companies might not. But I lived in Italy for a long time. My husband is Italian and grew up in Calabria, and … [Read more...]
Five Tips for Contacting Genetic Cousins
Prior to contacting a genetic cousin, perform a preliminary search to estimate the potential nature of the relationship, what ancestral line may be the source of the shared DNA, and whether there are any shared ancestral locations, surnames or ancestor. Including details from this preliminary search in initial contacts can increase the chances of a response. (This article first appeared in DNA Discovery and has been republished here with permission). In all genealogical investigation, … [Read more...]
How To Plan a Successful Heritage Tour Experience
Have you been considering planning and going on a heritage tour to expand your family history experience and knowledge? Read on for expert tips from our partner at Norfolk Tours to make sure you don't go unprepared! Tourism and travel have always been essential to the world economy, with tourism reaching record levels in 2023 worldwide. However, a new segment of the travel industry, heritage travel, is considered one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry, equating to a $171 billion … [Read more...]