DNA tests can reveal important details regarding ancestry and ethnic origins. We explore how DNA and ethnicity are intertwined. Many of the queries we receive at Legacy Tree Genealogists concern elusive ancestors who are difficult to trace. Sometimes there are rumors of descent from Native American, African, or Jewish ancestry. Other times there are no clues at all regarding an ancestor’s origins. In cases of ethnic origins, DNA testing is a unique tool that can assist in proving or … [Read more...]
The Who, What, Where, and Why of Genetic Genealogy Testing
In the future, genetic testing will become an increasingly integral part of the fields of family history and genealogy. Even now, genetic testing is sometimes considered necessary as part of the reasonably exhaustive search required for the genealogical proof standard. In this introduction to DNA testing for family history purposes, we'll outline how DNA tests work, provide an explanation of the tests available and the companies that offer them, and finally, explain what results you can … [Read more...]
DNA: Transforming African American Genealogy
Are you interested in learning more about your African American heritage? Advancements in African American DNA testing may provide answers when historical records don't exist. In 2006, PBS aired a television program called African American Lives in which Henry Louis Gates Jr. explored the genealogies of prominent African-Americans. In this mini-series, Gates used traditional genealogical research in combination with DNA analysis to reveal secrets about his guests’ family histories.[1] As … [Read more...]
Biological vs. Cultural Heritage
Biological vs. cultural heritage, also known as nature vs. nurture, is a question withstanding the test of time. If DNA testing reveals surprises in your family tree, consider what "family" means to you. Genealogy is full of surprises. As I was wrapping up a large pedigree project for one of our clients recently, a couple of birth records that had been lost in the mail finally arrived. They revealed that the man the client had always known as her paternal grandfather was not actually … [Read more...]
A Change in DNA Test Offerings By Ancestry
There are recent changes in the DNA test from Ancestry, noting that their storage may affect your notification of genealogy matches. Here's what we recommend, and perhaps who to use in the future. Ancestry.com announced last week that they are no longer offering yDNA and mtDNA tests and will no longer store the data obtained from these tests after September 5, 2014. We haven't recommended Ancestry for these particular tests for a long time, but if you have had these tests done through … [Read more...]
DNA Testing for Genealogical Research
DNA testing for genealogical research is a relatively new concept. Here we break down the basics of each type of DNA test, why it's important, and who should do it. It seems that every day there are multiple news articles regarding DNA and how it is used to solve a crime, make a new medical discovery, help an adoptee find their biological parents, or any number of other subjects. Just as DNA is used as a tool in these situations, it can now be used by genealogists to help uncover the truth of … [Read more...]