Are you set up for success? We share four tips to help you get the most from your 23andMe DNA test.The popularity of DNA testing in recent years has resulted in a tremendous increase in the numbers of testers in the DNA companies’ databases. Those testers represent a wide spectrum of motivations, genealogy experience, and understanding of test results. But regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, one thing is certain: everyone wants something in return for their investment. So how can you … [Read more...]
Adoption & Genetic Genealogy
DNA testing allows our team at Legacy Tree Genealogists to use DNA information as a means of learning more about family history & genetic genealogy. DNA is a biological record of an individual’s shared ancestry with their close and distant cousins. By analyzing the types, amount, size and position of DNA segments that two or more individuals share in common, we can collaborate with genetic cousins and identify additional information regarding their shared heritage. In many cases DNA testing helps to solve family mysteries and resolve questions about adoption and biological family members that would otherwise be impossible to investigate due to lack of records.
The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Y-DNA Testing
What is Y-DNA testing, and what is it used for? We'll explain the who, what, where, when why, and how of Y-DNA testing, and its applications for genealogy.DNA testing for genealogy has become really popular in the past few years, and incredible discoveries are being made through DNA testing that in many cases, could not be made any other way. Most of the recent attention has been on autosomal testing. However, Y-DNA testing also provides great genealogical value, and while more limited in … [Read more...]
To Test or Not to Test – An Excellent Question
"Should I take a DNA test?" We evaluate the reasons for - and against- taking a DNA test.*This article originally appeared in NGS Magazine, and is reprinted with permission.The first hurdle a researcher may face as they contemplate engaging with the growing field of genetic genealogy may be the decision of whether or not to take a DNA test in the first place. While DNA testing is increasingly useful for the genealogist, the power of genetic genealogy to reveal surprising or unexpected … [Read more...]
“Go Fish!” 7 Tips for Casting a Wide DNA Net
When seeking to identify a biological relationship, don't overlook the importance of casting a wide DNA net. We'll show you how!*names have been changes to protect privacyWhat Does "Casting a Wide DNA Net" Mean?Over the last decade, DNA testing has proven to be a powerful tool in genealogy research. One of the strategies repeated most often is the recommendation to "cast a wide net", or test at all the major testing companies. This is also commonly referred to as “fishing in all ponds.” … [Read more...]
“The Milkman’s Son”: Tips for Writing a Captivating Family History, and a Giveaway!
Randy Lindsay, author of The Milkman's Son, shares tips for writing a family history others will want to read, PLUS a giveaway for a copy of his book.Randy's StoryIn the summer of 2005, an ordinary trip to visit my dad changed my life. I should have known I was in for a surprise when he muted the sound on the television and had an actual discussion with me. Dad told me he was having dreams. He saw the faces of people he believed were his ancestors and even though none of these ghosts spoke … [Read more...]
“Where Are My Ancestors From?” 5 Tips for Using Migration Patterns in Family History Research
If you're having difficulty pinpointing your family's origins, these tips are for you! We share how to use migration patterns to extend your family history.You want to extend your family tree as far back as records will allow, but what do you do if you’re having a difficult time pinpointing your family’s origins? Migration patterns and genetic communities offered by DNA testing companies are two of the most overlooked pieces of research we have at our disposal. The following 5 tips will help … [Read more...]
How Do I Determine Genetically Equivalent Relationships?
An understanding of genealogical relationships is necessary before diving into genetically equivalent relationships in your family history. This article will provide an overview of both concepts.Correctly evaluating shared DNA within the context of genetically equivalent relationships first requires mastery of genealogical relationships. Here we review important genealogical relationships based on some of the pertinent variables. For the sake of simplicity, we limit our analysis to biological … [Read more...]
The DNA Guide for Adoptees: Book Review and Giveaway!
I recently had the opportunity to read The DNA Guide for Adoptees, by Brianne Kirkpatrick and Shannon Combs-Bennett. Shannon is a DNA Consultant at Legacy Tree Genealogists, and both authors are very well-versed in genetic genealogy and have much experience in helping adoptees identify their biological families.While the book is called The DNA Guide for Adoptees, it is actually a comprehensive guide to all avenues an adoptee can take or should consider in researching their biological … [Read more...]
Will the Real Frank Stanley Please Stand Up? How to Confirm Genealogy Research with DNA
A case study that demonstrates how to use DNA evidence in conjunction with document evidence to confirm genealogy research.My husband’s second great-grandfather, Frank M. Stanley, was a prominent Seattle real estate man who played a significant role in rebuilding the city after the Great Fire of 1889. He built, owned and operated several large apartment buildings including the Lenawee Apartments, the Barbara Frietchie Apartments, the Summit Vista Apartments, and the Stanley Apartments, … [Read more...]
“Children of the Dust”: How Genetic Genealogy Helped an Amerasian Woman Locate Her G.I. Father
With client permission, we share one woman's experience of growing up "Amerasian" and the important role genetic genealogy played in helping her locate her G.I. father.Growing Up AmerasianWhen Anni was little, she would often ask about her father, but her mother always gave her the same vague reply, “I met him Taichung, then I had you.” Anni was born in the 1960s - the daughter of a Taiwanese mother and an unknown U.S. serviceman fighting in Vietnam. Anni said she always felt different, … [Read more...]
