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!

The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Y-DNA Testing

June 5, 2020 by Gretchen - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher 2 Comments

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 scope, it can be a tremendous aid in breaking through more distant genealogical brick walls.The testing coverage of the Y chromosome has increased in recent years, and the cost has dropped significantly, making advanced testing an option for more consumers. This article is not a how-to on interpreting results, but will discuss some basics of Y-DNA testing, and hopefully provide some ideas for how Y-DNA testing might further your genealogical research. The Basics of Y-DNA TestingBack to …

To Test or Not to Test – An Excellent Question

May 29, 2020 by Paul - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher 2 Comments

"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 information, and its current and potential future uses are reasons to pause and consider the options.From its beginnings in the early 2000s, genetic genealogy has grown as an increasingly pertinent and prominent sub-field of the larger field of genealogical research. While DNA testing for genealogical purposes was initially limited to specific circumstances and was primarily confined to Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA investigations, the advent of direct-to-consumer autosomal DNA tests has …

From Beaver Pelts to Totem Poles: Key Canadian Genealogy Resources East to West

May 22, 2020 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 2 Comments

A guide to key Canadian genealogy resources, coast to coast!East to west, Canadian genealogy resources offer an abundance of delights for family history! The record landscape begins with the first non-indigenous early 16th century settlement by the French in present-day Quebec, and although things didn’t really start rolling in terms of nation-wide settlement until Confederation in 1867 — the birth of the Dominion of Canada — the tantalizing opportunity for many families to be traced in Canada as far back as the early 17th century exists.Yet where should your exploration begin? If your non-indigenous ancestor lived in Canada before Confederation, it’s a safe bet — with some exceptions for Métis and fur trade ancestors — that you’ll be hanging out in provincial record sets belonging to the eastern half of Canada, for the country had yet to expand significantly beyond what are now the following provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and …

Solutions for a Weed-Free Yard, Genealogy-Style: Genealogy Podcasts

May 15, 2020 by Kim - Legacy Tree Genealogists Project Manager Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but there are just some chores that I loathe to do, like weeding. Right now, with spring in full swing, my yard is growing a healthy crop of weeds. My solution to making it more enjoyable? Listening to genealogy podcasts! Here are five of my favorite genealogy podcasts that make the time fly when doing any mundane task: Genealogy Gems is hosted by Lisa Louise Cooke, and her podcast “helps you make the most of your family history research time by providing quick and easy-to-use research techniques.” Along with sharing research tips and techniques, she offers helpful websites and resources, invites other well-known speakers in the genealogy community to share their knowledge and expertise, and features listener email, book reviews, and interesting genealogy stories, as well as the latest in genealogy news. Lisa is a popular speaker and presenter at genealogy conferences and for societies. You can find out more here. Extreme Genes is a …