One of our researchers, Paul Woodbury, describes the journey of a DNA sample from the instant the sample is taken until it is analyzed in the laboratory. The following article is a reprint from the July-September 2020 issue of the National Genealogical Society Magazine and is published here with permission. How does DNA testing actually work? How can spitting into a tube result in an ethnicity estimate, a list of genetic cousins, and other DNA data? This article reviews the technology … [Read more...]
Genealogy Tips & Best Practices
As the world's highest rated genealogy research firm, the experts at Legacy Tree Genealogists have compiled a collection of genealogy tips and best practices to help you find YOUR ancestors! From methodology and education, to writing a family biography, we explain the who, what, where and why of family history research!
Legacy Tree Onsite: Tips for Maximizing Leads in Chilean Genealogy Research
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. In this article, one of our researchers discusses ways to maximize leads and get around brick walls in Chilean Research.Overview of Chilean ResearchRecords in Chile can be very informative. For the most part, the municipal and civil records are full of information and leads - if everything you are looking for is after the year 1887. The Chilean government started keeping more … [Read more...]
How can DNA Solve Unknown Parentage and Break Down a Brick Wall?
One of our researchers uses her own family tree investigation as an example to explain how DNA can be used to break down brick walls, solve an unknown parentage case and uncover surprises in genealogical research.Important Female AncestorsWho are the important female ancestors you would like to honor in your life? Sometimes finding historical records about our female ancestors is not enough. Sometimes, all you can do is send in a DNA test, hoping that somehow, some way, you will find a … [Read more...]
A Journey Through Life
One of our genealogists shares a tribute to her father-in-law and the cherished book of memoirs he created. We also share tips for writing your life story.It’s “a little bit drama, a little bit comedy, and a lot documentary.”A warning notes “Dates are generally accurate, but some may be subject to memory flaws.”It took more than 20 years to create and fills a 4-inch thick three-ring binder.And it is now a family treasure: A Journey Through Life.For 20 years my father-in-law … [Read more...]
Meet Jill, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Meet Jill, one of Legacy Tree Genealogists talented project managers! Jill Balmuth got the genealogy bug in 2005 when a stranger showed up to her grandmother's funeral. That stranger turned out to be her grandmother's first cousin, who shared family stories and information about relatives close and distant. She wanted to know more, and a love for genealogy was born.Prior to joining Legacy Tree Genealogists, Jill had a genealogy consulting business, Jewel Genealogy, named to honor … [Read more...]
Ancestors and Their Pets: All Creatures Great and Small
The Legacy Tree team loves animals, and recently some of them shared stories of ancestors who had pets, or worked with animals, and even had close encounters with dangerous beasts!A cousin’s pet calfMany of our ancestors lived on farms, or in rural areas, and grew up around livestock. This photograph from Washington state in the 1930s clearly demonstrates a family member’s attachment to one of the calves. Unfortunately, this friendship had to end when times became tough (or perhaps simply … [Read more...]
Pandemonium and Family Reunions: The Best Laid Plans
Planning a family reunion? We've created a list of activities for planning the perfect family reunion - whether that's in-person or virtual!This has been a crazy and difficult year! Even if work has been stable and consistent, the kids have been out of school a lot more than usual and things at home have been chaotic. But in between the stress and the online homework, there have been happy moments too: reconnecting with those closest to us and finding ways to get together through technology … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Top 10: Best Family History Blog Articles from 2020
A countdown of the best family history blog articles from 2020.Another year has come and gone, and what a year it has been! Before we usher 2020 out the door, we want to share our countdown of the best family history blog articles from the past year. Did your favorite make the list?10. There’s a Degree in That?? Genealogical Education Opportunities9. Third Cousins Twice Removed and Consanguinity: Figuring Out How You’re Related to Your Relatives8. Understanding Your AncestryDNA … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Hire a Genetic Genealogist
Have you hit an impasse in your research? It may be time to turn to a pro. We share our top 5 reasons for hiring a genetic genealogist.When does it make sense to hire a genetic genealogist? What can a genetic genealogist do for me? While the reasons for seeking the help of a DNA expert can vary, here are some of the most common scenarios we've seen from our clients: You’ve taken a DNA test at a major testing company, and now you’re sitting there looking a list of people who you are … [Read more...]
Meet Allison, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Meet Allison, one of Legacy Tree Genealogists talented project managers!Allison McCord started her career in Family History seated next to her grandma as they thumbed through a 5-inch-thick genealogy book that held the fruit of her grandmother’s research. It was then that she realized she wanted to learn more about her progenitors. Even as a young girl, Allison sensed that in between the lines of all those pages of ancestral life sketches and pedigree charts and family group sheets were … [Read more...]
