When you get your DNA test results, there's a good chance your DNA matches aren't as straight-forward as you had hoped, and there's a lot of room for misinterpretation. Here's some helpful things to consider as you begin your journey into the world of genetic genealogy! If you’ve gotten involved in genetic genealogy at all in the last few years, you have probably heard the phrase “DNA doesn’t lie.” This is meant to imply that, while records left behind by our ancestors can sometimes be … [Read more...]
Ask a Genealogist: Interesting Facts About French-Canadian Research
We recently sat down with researcher Brandt Gibson to discuss French-Canadian research and how it might differ from other areas of genealogy research. Not only did we get some great information, but we learned a lot about what drives a researcher like Brandt. Q: Would you introduce yourself and tell us about what initially interested you in genealogy and French-Canadian research? A: My name is Brandt Gibson and I’ve been a researcher for 18 years. I've been working for Legacy Tree … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Hire a Genetic Genealogist
It's common to come to an impasse in your research, and you might be curious about what it means to hire a genealogist. In this article, we'll help you identify why and how you might consider hiring a genetic genealogist to assist you with family history research related to DNA. When does it make sense to hire a genealogist? Why would you need 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 … [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 privacy What 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 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...]
Using DNA to Solve Genealogy Brick Walls
Have an elusive ancestor that can't be found? We'll show you how using DNA to solve genealogy brick walls might be the answer! We’ve all had the experience of trying to research an ancestor that seems to just appear out of thin air. Despite our best efforts, we just can’t seem to find that elusive ancestor in the records they should be in, and we don’t know why. DNA is a powerful tool that can help us break through these brick walls and find our ancestors on the other side. It recently helped … [Read more...]