The Legacy Tree Genealogists Blog

Hand-picked, tested and trained, our professional genealogist team knows how to find your story. We search the world for answers. Find the un-findable. And we’re experts at everything from tracking down rare international records to analyzing DNA test results. Based near the world’s largest family history library in downtown Salt Lake City, we also work with researchers and archives around the globe. Contact us today if you would like help discovering your ancestors!

Ask a Genealogist: Tracing Ancestry in Spain

July 6, 2022 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 1 Comment

We sat down with Katy Barnes to discuss research in Spain. She spent seven years as a senior editor and researcher with Legacy Tree Genealogists, with a wide range of geographic specialties, and has a degree in family history and genealogy. What interested you in genealogy and specifically research into Spain?I've always loved history, writing, and other topics that frequently intersect with genealogy, such as politics, culture, and law. I discovered genealogy as a hobby in high school, trying to answer questions many people have about their origins and where they came from. I then attended a university where I could major in the subject.I got into Spanish and Latin American genealogical research by way of the language. I started taking Spanish classes in high school and really fell in love with it, thanks to a particularly good teacher I had. And then in college, I was able to supplement studying language with courses about Spanish and Latin American genealogy.Is research in …

Maria Sequichie, her Cherokee name was Wa-lee-yah

Ask a Genealogist: Exploring Your Cherokee Heritage

June 28, 2022 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 6 Comments

Michelle Carroll uses a combination of genetic genealogy and traditional research to help clients break through genealogy brick walls. In addition to holding a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University, her diverse background has resulted in a breadth of genealogical knowledge including Cherokee, African American, French Canadian/Acadian, and Norwegian ancestry. What got you interested in genealogy?I became interested in genealogy when I was in grade school and built my first family tree. I have been researching on a more serious level for more than 15 years. Helping people solve their family questions and mysteries is one of my favorite things to do. What specifically interested you about Native American research?Learning about my Cherokee heritage has been one of the most rewarding parts of my genealogical journey. I was lucky to grow up in a town with my maternal and paternal grandparents around me. The stories they told me about their …

Guest Blog: My Genealogy Travels and Research

June 23, 2022 by Legacy Tree Genealogists Leave a Comment

A family tree has many branches and researching ancestors can be an ongoing process. In fact, nearly half of our clients order additional genealogy research projects to answer more questions about their family history. One client, Norman E. “Ned” Donoghue, II, embarked on a quest to trace his ancestry half a century ago and has enjoyed learning more about his family’s past. When he wanted to extend his ancestry beyond his own available resources, he reached out to Legacy Tree Genealogists and has since allowed us to complete nearly 20 genealogy research projects for him. Here, Ned shares his personal journey.This article is written by Norman E. “Ned” Donoghue, IIThroughout my life, I’ve traveled far and wide to Europe, Central America, Africa (Morocco), many Caribbean and European islands, and around the United States. I have particularly sought to learn about the lives and struggles, triumphs, and challenges of my mother’s Brumbaugh family and my father’s Donoghue family …

Introduction to Genetic Ethnicity Admixture, women in front of building

Introduction to Ethnicity Admixture

June 15, 2022 by Paul - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher Leave a Comment

Paul Woodbury is a DNA team lead and professional researcher at Legacy Tree Genealogists where he has helped to solve hundreds of genetic genealogy cases. In this article, a reprint from an issue of NGS Magazine, Paul discusses how genetic ethnicity estimates can provide valuable clues for the composition of a test taker’s family tree. This article is published with permission.Obtaining autosomal ethnicity admixture results is the primary reason many people perform DNA testing. The DNA testing companies recognize this interest and in recent years have made genetic ethnicity admixture estimates the focus of their marketing efforts.In fact, autosomal DNA test results from the major companies include at least two elements: ethnicity admixture estimates and genetic cousin match lists. While the match lists are typically the most useful elements for genealogical research, ethnicity admixture estimates can provide significant context and clues regarding a test taker’s family …