"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 … [Read more...]
How Do I Determine Genetically Equivalent Relationships?
An understanding of genealogical relationships is necessary before diving into genetically equivalent relationships in your family history. This article will provide an overview of both concepts.Correctly evaluating shared DNA within the context of genetically equivalent relationships first requires mastery of genealogical relationships. Here we review important genealogical relationships based on some of the pertinent variables. For the sake of simplicity, we limit our analysis to biological … [Read more...]
“Who Is This?” 6 Steps to Determine Genetic Relationships of Your DNA Matches
In this article we share the steps you need to take to help determine the genetic relationships of your DNA matches.You’ve taken a DNA test. The day finally arrives when you get a notification in your email: your results are ready! You eagerly log into your account and begin navigating your genetic heritage. Eventually, perhaps after viewing your ethnicity admixture results, or looking at different genetic traits, you make your way over to your match list. There are hundreds of people who … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Product Review: DNA Painter
DNA Painter, a DNA analysis tool created by Jonny Perl, was the well-deserved winner of the 2018 RootsTech DNA Innovation Contest. Jonny’s creation effectively meets key needs for genealogists as they engage in genetic analysis and interpretation.Evaluating Amounts of Shared DNAOne of the first approaches employed by genealogists in genetic analysis is evaluation of shared DNA between known and unknown genetic cousins. Some amounts of shared DNA are more likely for certain levels of … [Read more...]
Right Person, Right Place, Right Time: Documenting the Unknown in your DNA Test Results
Resources to help you in documenting the unknown in your DNA test results.Each DNA testing company warns that DNA testing can reveal surprises and previously unknown information about your family. In fact, customers of these databases make unexpected discoveries every day. These discoveries can be distressing and traumatic but might also be exciting and compelling. As you navigate the emotions and reactions of this experience, we recommend reviewing this list of resources to help. In other … [Read more...]
Covering Your Bases: Introduction to Autosomal DNA Coverage
“Why does my sister have different ethnicity percentages than I do?” “Why does my brother have different genetic cousins than I do?” “If we have the same parents, then shouldn’t we have the same ethnicity or the same relatives?” If you have had these questions regarding your DNA test results, you are not alone! These are some of the most common questions about genetic genealogy tests that we receive from our clients and our readers. If you have these questions, it also indicates that you are … [Read more...]
Developing a DNA Testing Plan
You have taken your DNA test, and you have your ethnicity estimate, but how does genetic genealogy testing actually help you with your genealogy? Where do you even begin? By developing a DNA testing plan you can ensure that you pursue your research with a focused goal in mind, which will help determine how best to proceed.Even though ethnicity estimates get a great deal of attention, the most genealogically valuable element of your DNA test results is the match list which connects you to … [Read more...]
Beginner’s Guide to Swedish Genealogy Research
Don't be intimidated by patronymic naming patterns! We'll walk explain the basics of Swedish genealogy, and where to find the records you need to extend your Swedish ancestry.Foreign language obstacles and patronymic naming patterns are commonly cited reasons for avoiding Swedish genealogy research. But with an understanding of a few basic concepts, Swedish genealogy research can be simple, fun, and successful!What is a patronymic name?A patronymic name is one that is created when a … [Read more...]
Spanish and Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews
* Article originally published in May 2017; requirements for this law are in flux Spanish and Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic JewsWithin the last three years, Spain and Portugal have begun to offer citizenship to the descendants of Sephardic Jews who were exiled during the religious persecutions of the late 15th century. As a result of these new laws, we’ve received many requests for research into possible Sephardic ancestry. We are happy to assist in these research efforts, but … [Read more...]
Going Beyond Ethnicity Estimates in DNA Testing
As a specialist in genetic genealogy, one of the most frequent topics I address in my conversation with others is ethnicity estimates. Someone might say something like: “I’m not really sure how much to trust those genetic tests since my grandmother was Italian, and I only came back with 15% Italian in my results. If they can’t even get the ethnicity right, then what use are they?”In reality, there are two parts of genetic genealogy test results: ethnicity admixture and genetic matches. … [Read more...]
