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How To Accurately Interpret DNA Test Results

DNA has become an integral part of personal genealogy research, and knowing how to accurately interpret DNA test results can be complicated. We’ve compiled the basics of our best DNA articles to give you an overview of different genetic genealogy concepts you’ll need to know to accurately expand your family tree. Read this article and enjoy the free downloadable eBook to start your journey towards mastering genetic genealogy.

How To Understand Your Closest Autosomal DNA Matches

Autosomal DNA test results at the major genetic genealogy testing companies (23andMe, Ancestry, Family Tree DNA, LivingDNA, MyHeritage) include two main elements:

  • Ethnicity admixture estimates
  • Genetic cousin match lists

Ethnicity estimates are a central focus of companies’ marketing efforts and a significant motivation for many testers. They can provide important context for genealogical investigation. However, genetic cousin match lists are more useful for solving family history mysteries and answering long-standing questions about a family tree.

Read more here to find out how to understand your autosomal DNA matches. 

6 Reasons Why Taking An Autosomal DNA Test Can Bring New Insights Into Your Known Ancestry

How can taking an autosomal DNA test bring new insights into your known ancestry? In this article, we talk about 6 ways a DNA test could further your understanding of your family history:

  1. Verify and validate documented research
  2. Discover concealed family tree lines
  3. Add descendant lines to complete family units
  4. Collaborate with new-found family members 
  5. Help others learn more about their family ancestry
  6. Preserve family history

To dive deeper into each of these reasons, read the full article here. 

Using Ethnicity Estimates To Generate Genealogical Hypothesis

When carefully analyzed, ethnicity estimates can sometimes aid in forming hypotheses that can be tested through more in-depth research with genetic cousin match lists. Even so, ethnicity estimates are still estimates, and will continually be refined as company reference panels and algorithms improve. These ethnicity estimates should be considered within the context of all available evidence, including genetic cousin relationships. 

Learn more about:

  • Why and how to use caution with ethnicity estimates
  • How to make sense of the percentages
  • How to use an absence of information to find genealogical answers
  • How to use and interpret ethnicity chromosome paintings
  • How to determine paternal or maternal chromosomes
  • Understand the difference between x-DNA, y-DNA, and mitochondrial DNA
  • How to pinpoint the source of unexpected autosomal DNA test results

Read the full article here: Using Ethnicity Estimates to Generate Genealogical Hypotheses

6 Signs of Misattributed Parentage In Your Genetic Family Tree

What is misattributed parentage? This is where a presumed parent is not the biological parent of an individual or their ancestor, and is quite common in people’s family trees. Rates of misattributed paternity are estimated to be between 2% and 12% and may vary between populations. 

Even with a conservative estimate of 2% probability of misattributed parentage event per generational linkage, this suggests that approximately 13% of individuals in the general population will have at least one case of misattributed parentage in the first three generations of their family tree (for themselves, a parent, or a grandparent). 

How do you know if you have misattributed parentage in your genetic family tree? Read about 6 signs that will help you determine this in our article here. 

Introduction To Ethnicity Admixture DNA Test Results

First of all, what is ethnicity and what does it tell you about your ancestry? How does each DNA testing company define ethnicity? It may seem straightforward, but there are a few things to know before you begin interpreting your DNA ethnicity results.

  • Ethnicity is a grouping of people based on shared attributes like traditions, ancestry, language, culture, history or religion.
  • Each DNA testing company defines populations and regions differently. For example, at AncestryDNA, Danish admixture is sometimes split between Norway, Sweden and Germanic European regions, while at FamilyTreeDNA, Denmark is included in both the Scandinavian and Central Europe designations.

Some individuals who test at multiple DNA testing companies receive different ethnicity estimates from each of them. These differences and changes are not a reflection of the validity of the underlying science, but rather the differences between the reference populations, algorithms, and approaches used by each of the companies. 

There’s a lot to learn about how DNA test results can help you accurately validate and expand your family tree. Our team of genetic genealogists can help you answer any questions you may have. Set up a consultation to get your specific questions answered. 

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How To Organize Your Personal Genealogy Research

organize genealogy research

Personal genealogy research can be an exhilarating journey, unearthing stories and connections that span generations. However, this pursuit can become overwhelming without proper organization, leading to confusion and missed opportunities.  

Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting down this path, implementing effective organizational strategies is essential for maintaining clarity and maximizing your discoveries.  

Here's a guide to help you organize your genealogy research and streamline your processes to find success in your genealogy goals.  

Set SMART Genealogy Research Goals 

With the start of each new year, many of us think about and set new goals to accomplish, to live by, and to achieve. Now is the time to set these goals and better our family's lives. Each new day presents new opportunities to reach these goals, and if we fall short one day, we can always strive to do better the next. With the new year upon us, you have likely considered goals you would like to achieve, but have you considered including genealogy research-related goals you would like to work on? 

Begin by defining your objectives. Determine what you want to achieve with your research. Are you interested in building a comprehensive family tree, exploring specific branches, gathering documents to join a lineage society, or discovering details like immigration records or military service? Establishing SMART goals will guide your research and keep you focused.  

Learn how to set SMART genealogy goals to make this year a success. 

Gather and Assess Existing Genealogy Information 

Collect all the documents, photographs, letters, and oral histories you already have. Review and evaluate these materials to identify gaps or inconsistencies in your knowledge.  

Document everything you know about your family members, including names, dates, locations, and significant life events. You may be surprised at the wealth of knowledge you already have.  

As you begin to create your family tree, accuracy is important. Watch this video to learn how to build an accurate family tree:

If you need guidance about the genealogy research process, what records are essential, and how to start gathering information, click here to read more.  

Choose Genealogy Research Software or System 

Select a genealogy software or system that suits your needs. With so many online tools, such as Ancestry, MyHeritage, or FamilySearch, you can find the platform that meets your needs. 

These sites provide resources to build and manage your family tree, attach records, and organize your research findings. If you prefer non-digital methods, consider using binders, notebooks, or spreadsheets to track your data. 

We've even had clients organize their family tree using Excel spreadsheets. Watch here to learn more. 

Establish a Genealogy Filing System 

Develop a consistent and logical filing system for both physical and digital documents. Organize physical documents in labeled folders or binders categorized by family lines or record types.  

For digital files, create folders with clear naming conventions and subfolders for different family branches, document types, or research repositories. 

Genealogy Document Sources and Citations 

Accurately cite your sources for each piece of information you gather. Even if a family story has been passed down for generations, future generations will only have a way of validating the information with proper citations. 

Maintain a standardized method of citing documents, websites, interviews, and other sources you consult. This practice ensures credibility, aids in verifying information, and assists others who may review your research. 

When writing a genealogy report, citations are crucial. Learn how to cite your sources here correctly.  

Create a Genealogy Research Log 

Keep a detailed research log to track your investigations. Record the date, location, sources examined, findings, and any next steps. This log helps prevent duplication of efforts, highlights research gaps, and lets you pick up where you left off during future sessions. 

Nothing is more frustrating than taking a break from research and returning to the project later without a research log. You end up wasting valuable time remembering what you have already done, but with a research log, you can quickly start again.  

Visit https://www.americanancestors.org/tools/research-templates for research templates you can download for free to help organize your research.  

American Ancestors Research Log

Regularly Back Up Data 

Safeguard your research by regularly backing up your data. Whether you use cloud storage, external hard drives, or both, ensure that your research records remain protected in case of technological mishaps or data loss.  

Collaborate and Network With Other Genealogists 

Engage with fellow genealogists, local historical societies, or online forums to share knowledge, seek advice, and collaborate on challenging research aspects. Networking with others in the field can offer fresh perspectives and access to resources that might accelerate your discoveries. 

Social media platforms can provide a community to share and ask questions about your research. Facebook can be beneficial with many genealogy groups you can join for free.  

Joining a genealogical or hereditary society can help expand your knowledge and grow your tree, and there is likely one near you.   

Review Personal Genealogy Research and Update Periodically 

Set aside time periodically to review and update your research. As new information becomes available, new census records are released, or your research goals change, revisiting your findings is a great idea. It can be refreshing to find records that were unavailable even a few years ago.  

Don't give up on those brick walls. Sometimes, you need a bit more time for records to appear.   

Organizing Your Personal Genealogy Research Is Worth It!

Embarking on a genealogy journey is an enriching endeavor that will challenge you and bring significant meaning and joy to your life. By implementing effective organizational strategies, you can navigate the maze of historical records and personal narratives with clarity and purpose.  

Stay methodical, document diligently, and enjoy the thrill of uncovering your family's unique story, one generation at a time. 

Remember, organizing your genealogy research is a personalized process. Tailor these strategies to fit your preferences and needs, allowing you to create a system that supports your research style.  

Need assistance with your family history? Request a quote here, and you'll be connected with our client solutions team.  

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Best Genealogy Videos of 2023

One of the best things about genealogy is that there really is not stopping point. Once you reach one goal, there's another brick wall to break through, another family line to research, another story to learn about an ancestor. A life filled with genealogy filled life is a never ending adventure.

As part of this adventure, we love to support your learning and growth as a genealogist through our YouTube channel. Whether you do family history research for fun or as a profession, we know there is something for everyone on the Legacy Tree Genealogists YouTube channel.

Here is a countdown to the Best Genealogy Videos of 2023.

VIDEO #5: How to Use DNA Matches in Your Genealogy Research?

What do you do with all the DNA matches you’ve just discovered? How do you weave them into your family tree and make sense of them all?  Paul Woodbury, gives you some great tips to get started on weaving your DNA matches into your genealogy tapestry.

VIDEO #4: How Do You Start Working With a Genealogist?

What does it actually look and feel like to start working with a professional genealogy firm? What are the first steps? What do you need to bring to the table? How will the team guide you toward a meaningful and successful goal? Learn more in this short video!

VIDEO #3: How to Build an Accurate Family Tree

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they begin their family history journey is simply importing information from another relative's family tree rather than taking the time to verify its accuracy. One of the most rewarding things about doing family history research is getting to know your ancestors one by one. Find out how to build an accurate family tree from the very beginning!

VIDEO #2: How to Use DNA ThruLines and Family Relativity

How do you use Ancestry’s ThruLines or MyHeritage’s Family Relativity once you’ve uploaded all of your DNA results into each platform? How can you make sure you’re accurately filling out your family tree? How much paper documentation do you need to support your DNA results? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this short video.

VIDEO #1: Real Stories: Finding Japanese Ancestors

Have you ever been curious about what it’s like to work with Legacy Tree Genealogists? We thought we’d let you hear from our clients themselves in our latest YouTube video installment. Our first Real Story is about one of our client’s journey to get through a brick wall with her husband’s Japanese family line. Watch the #1 Best Genealogy Videos of 2023 below.

Learning and growing in your genealogy pursuits is an adventure of discovery. Thank you for being a part of our story. Need help to take on your family history research? Request a free quote.

New content is posted on our YouTube channel weekly and we invite you to subscribe so you don't miss out on new updates and strategies from our professional genealogists.

 

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Top 10 Genealogy and Family History Articles of 2023

What is genealogy

We’ve compiled a list of our best genealogy and family history articles for the entire year of 2023 based on your interests and needs. Every week, one of our professional genealogists writes an article to help you navigate your family history research and get through any brick walls. From DNA to dual citizenship to regional specialties, our genealogy articles cover every nook and cranny! Here are the most popular articles of 2023!

10. How DNA Can Transform African-American Family History Research

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.

The field of African-American genealogy is wrought with challenges. Beyond the emotional difficulty of the subject matter–dealing with records which describe the captivity and subjugation of human beings–African-American genealogical research is also difficult because records are scarce. 

To learn more about the advancements in African-American DNA testing and how it can help you with your family history research, read the full article here. 

9. Six Signs of Misattributed Parentage In Your Family Tree

While DNA testing and genetic evidence are certainly useful for breaking down challenging historic brick walls, the implications of DNA testing can also hit closer to home in the modern era when it comes to research on misattributed parentage.

In cases of adoption, unknown parentage or misattributed parentage, genetic genealogy methodologies enable identification of close biological ancestors whose identities might otherwise remain unknown, and which represent immediate brick walls for any genealogist dealing with such a scenario in their immediate family tree. 

To read more about common signs of misattributed parentage, you can read the full article here. 

8. 3 Essential Websites For German Family History Research

If you have German ancestors in your family tree, or if you have worked on German family history research for anyone else, you may have noticed that Germany is a country that doesn’t include national indexes to their records. In order to conduct research for your German ancestors you need to know the specific town or city where your family lived as well as the parish they attended. Since parish churches could cover several nearby towns, the parish where your ancestors’ records are located might be different from where they actually lived.

To find out which websites can help you navigate the challenges of German family history research, read the full article here. 

7. How To Join the Mayflower Society

Would you like to join the Mayflower Society? In this article, we walk you through the steps to prove your Pilgrim ancestry.

Proving your connection to a Mayflower passenger can be challenging. Tracing your ancestry four hundred years in time can mean 20 or more generations must be researched with documentation verifying the birth, marriage, and death of each individual. The steps outlined below will assist you in your quest to become a member of the Mayflower Society. As an added bonus, we discuss two unique tools to use in the process. 

Read the full article to find out what you need to do to become a Mayflower Society member!

6. How To Get Irish Dual Citizenship With or Without Irish Ancestry

Did you know that you can become an Irish citizen if one of your grandparents was born in Ireland? Or that you can become an Irish citizen if one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth but was not born in Ireland? 

Several websites have information about eligibility requirements and the process for applying for dual citizenship if you’re currently a citizen or living in Ireland. Read the full article to learn more about how to apply for Irish dual citizenship. 

5. Using AI For Genealogical Research

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for genealogy research is still in its infancy but gaining momentum as each new tool is released, including ChatGPT and Google Translate. These tools do not replace the need for a professional genealogist to analyze the data but can speed up the research process by finding information more rapidly. 

We asked our research team how genealogists can apply AI to their genealogy research projects. Read the full article for their key learnings and cautions. 

4. Researching Cherokee Ancestry

As genealogists, we’re often asked to research the likelihood and details of a client’s Native American heritage. The Cherokee are currently the largest federally-recognized indigenous tribe in the United States. Although they originally lived in the Southeastern United States, they were among the people forcibly relocated by the policies of President Andrew Jackson in the 1830s via the Trail of Tears.

Today, many of their descendants are headquartered in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. They were known as one of the “Five Civilized Tribes,” and were known to be closely interacted and assimilated with the settlers of their areas. They even started become U.S. citizens as early as the 1810s and 1820s.

To learn more about researching your Cherokee heritage, read the full article here. 

3. How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Genealogist?

Genealogy research has its ups and downs as you work devotedly to fill out your family tree with accuracy and confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding when you are able to easily locate documents and piece together DNA results on your own. However, it can be surprisingly overwhelming and isolating when you hit a brick wall or aren’t quite sure if other family members working on your tree have validated all of their results.

Depending on your needs and goals, working with a professional genealogist can save you months, even years, of frustration. Find out about the cost and value of working with a professional genealogist in this article. 

2. 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. This article reviews important genealogical relationships based on some of the pertinent variables. 

1. When Your Relative Does Not Appear As a DNA Match

Genealogy can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be frustrating, even devastating, when you encounter problems that don’t seem to make sense. What do you do if your family member’s DNA doesn’t seem to match your own? In this article, Adrienne Abiodun explains how you can solve this all-too-common problem. 

 

It’s been a great year here at Legacy Tree Genealogists! Thank you for all of your support and comments. If you’d like to receive updates about new blog posts, sign up here!

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Genealogist Holiday Gift Guide 2023

For many of us, the holidays mean family time. We gather together to celebrate lasting traditions and create new ones, drawing closer to the ones we love and strengthening ties with them. Coming up with meaningful gift ideas for our loved ones, however, is a common struggle. What does she like? What would make him happy? Does he really need another necktie? 

Consider the gift of genealogy this holiday season. Whether you are buying for a family history enthusiast, or just want to capture precious family memories, genealogy is always a great gift idea. And it can come in many forms. 

In the Genealogist Holiday Gift Guide 2023, you'll find a little something for everyone on your list.

Genealogist Holiday Gift Guide

Family History Research with Legacy Tree Genealogists

Extending your family tree, finding missing links and ancestors, and tracing your genealogy with accuracy is a fantastic gift for the person who has everything. Whether the gift is for you or a family member, you can save $200 on professional genealogy research this holiday season.

Learn more about the steps to hiring a professional genealogist and SAVE $200 ON SELECT RESEARCH. Offer valid through December 22, 2023.

Legacy Tree Genealogists Holiday Gift Guide

Preserve Family Memories with Artifcts

Have you or a family member gathered family history records, photographs, and family heirlooms but need a way to preserve them? At Artifcts you can combine photos, videos are audio to create digital Artifcts of your precious items to preserve for generations. And for a limited time save 25% on Artifct memberships.

Enjoy the 12 Days of Artifcts starting December 1st and start preserving your stuff and memories now. Visit artifcts.com to learn more.

Artifcts Genealogist HOliday Gift Guide

Family Tree Wall Charts from Family ChartMasters

You've done your genealogy research and now you need a way to display it. Gifting a family tree wall chart is a great way to share your research with others and visually see your hard work come to life. At Family ChartMasters you are able to submit your family tree information and receive a professional wall chart ready for display. And this holiday season, some great savings are in store at Family ChartMasters.

Take 75 % off all extra copies of a custom decorative wall chart, no code needed. But don't delay. Last day to order a Set-Style or Fill-in-the-Blank chart is December 13th (for Christmas delivery). Learn more about all of the chart varieties available by visiting www.familychartmasters.com.

Family Chartmasters Genealogist Holiday Gift Guide

Learn to Read German Handwriting and German for Genealogists with Germanology Unlocked

If you have German ancestors and want to learn to do their research on your own, this gift is for you. With two great holiday offerings from Germanology Unlocked, you will be reading and translating German handwriting in no time.

Germanology Course Bundle Deal (Online, Self-Paced, Lifetime Access)

Save $157 on the Germanology Course Bundle Deal! With the bundled courses «Reading the Old German Handwriting» and «German for Genealogists», learn to transcribe AND translate your German genealogy records – and save over $150 while doing so!

Deal good until December 25 only. With life-time access to both courses, you can start whenever you like, and go back and review whenever you need to work on your genealogy! Join thousands of students who can now read their German ancestor's records. No coupon code needed-discount automatically applied.

Link: https://germanologyunlocked.teachable.com/p/germanbundle

German Handwriting Immersion Workshop (Live with Handwriting Expert Katherine Schober)

Learn to read your German records in just eight weeks in this immersive workshop experience.

Dates: January 25 – March 21

Time: Every Thursday, 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET. Each session will be recorded and sent out to all registrants.

Get 12 hours of LIVE German handwriting instruction with German Script Expert Katherine Schober. Receive live instruction to make sure you understand as you learn! ($1200 value)

Link: https://germanologyunlocked.com/german-handwriting-immersion-workshop/

Cost: $997. Monthly payment plan available.

Holiday Discount: Save $100 for the holidays with code LEGACY100. Offer expires December 24. Coupon may be used with the monthly payment plan. 

Germanology Unlocked Genealogist Holiday Gift Guide

Restore Photographs with MemoryCherish

MemoryCherish, the nation's top-rated photo restoration studio, offers the perfect sentimental gift by transforming aged or damaged photos into vibrant, preserved memories. With a customer-loved score of 4.96/5, we're dedicated to restoring the beauty of every pixel. This holiday, wrap up a gift that revives the past and enriches the future—one restored photo at a time.

For a limited time save $5 off with code LEGACYTREE. Give the gift of photo restoration this season with MemoryCherish. 

Learn more and start your photo restoration today.

Memory Cherish Genealogist Holiday Gift Guide

Learn and Improve Your Genealogy Skills with Genealogy TV

Giving the gift of genealogy education can be life changing.  With GenealogyTV you can gift that special someone a subscription to Genealogy TV Academy where they will find lessons, handouts, worksheets and 2 live Zoom sessions per month to continue learning and growing in their genealogy skills, on their own schedule.

Holiday special: 25% off with code GTVA25%

Genealogy TV Genealogist holiday gift guide

Visit Ancestral Sites in Italy with My Bella Vita 

Visiting ancestral sites is a beautiful way to bring your family history to life. If you have family from Italy, 2024 may be the time to talk a walk through the past. My Bella Vita Travel is a luxury tour company specializing in private and group heritage tours in southern Italy, with a special focus on the Calabria region.

Now through December 24, 2023 Legacy Tree readers can save 15% off select 2024 tours, such as the Food and Wine of Calabria Tour, Taste of the South Tour and the newly updated luxury Small Group Heritage Tour of Calabria, the only tour of its kind in the world, as it offers travelers the unique opportunity to explore their family’s ancestral village, in the context of an energetic and dynamic small group tour.

Single travelers can use the code LEGACY15, while the code LEGACY15-2PAX will save a couple almost $2,000.

My Bella Vita Travel genealogist holiday gift guide

Find Your DNA Matches with GEDmatch.

GEDmatch is a free DNA comparison and analysis website for people who have tested their autosomal DNA using a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, such as Ancestry, 23andMe, FTDNA, or have a custom file from other sources.

Testers download their DNA data file from the testing company, and then upload it to GEDmatch. GEDmatch processes the file, adds it to a genealogical database, and provides applications for matching and further analysis. Because GEDmatch aggregates files from all testing companies, you have a high potential for finding DNA matches.

For a limited time, take 10% off Tier 1 Coupon exclusive to the Legacy Tree community – Use code LegacyTree2023. Use by December 31, 2023.

This holiday season we don't need more stuff, we need meaningful connections with the people in our lives, both the living and those who have gone before. We wish you a happy holidays full of family, connection and the things that matter most. With this Genealogist Holiday Gift Guide you are one step closer to connecting with your roots and giving a gift that matters.

If you are ready to give a gift that lasts for generations to come, contact us for a free research quote.

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How To Get Italian Dual Citizenship: An Interview With Italian Citizenship Assistance

 

A new law enacted in March 2025 may render some of the information below inaccurate.

 

If you're Italian-American and passionate about your heritage, this article will help you understand if you're eligible for Italian dual citizenship and what you'll need to do in order to be successful. We interviewed the founder, Marco, of Italian Citizenship Assistance to get as many details as possible to help you on your journey. 

Legacy Tree: 

Tell me a little bit about Italian Citizenship Assistance. What is the origin and history of ICA?   

Marco: 

Italian Dual CitizenshipI established this company by myself, and I was the only one providing this service at that time. Soon after starting, I had to hire extra personnel because of demand, and my father helped, and still helps me in the hiring process. He's a valuable member of our team. We hire only high-quality people, and that is something everybody agrees with. It is something that sets us apart.   

I was working in the U.S. for a law firm and met members of the Italian-American community. I saw the interest that these people had in getting Italian citizenship. Around the same period, my sister was adopted, she's from Northern Europe, and she got Italian citizenship. So, those are the factors that prompted my decision to start this business.   

What inspired me was that many Americans wanted to acquire Italian citizenship, which was a larger interest compared to other communities. Italian-Americans love their heritage and are passionate about this process.  

Why You Should Pursue Italian Dual Citizenship

Legacy Tree:  

When you began ICA, were people mostly coming to you because of interest in their heritage? Were there legal reasons for the interest in dual citizenship, or was it more the draw to connection with their heritage?   

Marco: 

At the very beginning, when the number were lower, most people desired to reconnect with their heritage but mostly enjoyed the benefits of Italian citizenship. Free movement in the European Union, free healthcare, and purchasing real estate is more straightforward; furthermore, you can pass citizenship on to your children. In the beginning, these benefits pushed people to get Italian citizenship because Italian citizenship is one of the easiest that you can get in Europe. If you have Italian ancestry acquiring Italian citizenship is easier compared to Irish citizenship (which is only possible up to the grandfather). 

I would say that over the years the reasons why U.S. citizens want to claim their Italian citizenship remains the chance to re-connect with their Italian heritage, as well as to enjoy the free movement and opportunities that living in the EU brings. Also important for clients has been to pass on citizenship to their children, so that they can have more prospects for travel, work and study.  

In more recent times, I have also observed, with current social and political unrest; not just in America, but globally, that more U.S. citizens have other motivations for seeking their Italian citizenship. They wanted to have the chance to reside permanently in Italy or in the EU.  

Legal Barriers & Solutions To Gain Italian Dual Citizenship

Legacy Tree: 

Tell me a little bit about your team.  

Marco: 

A lot of them have a foreign language background. Many have a history, research, and genealogy background, and we also have lawyers on the team besides myself and professional translators. It's a combination of these kind of backgrounds. 

Italian Dual Citizenship

Legacy Tree:  

What legal barriers do you see people facing when trying to get their citizenship that your team might help them with?   

Marco: 

It's a complex process because Italian institutions, such as the consulates and municipalities, are overwhelmed with applications.   

People have commented to me that they find the process complex, and have wondered why it isn’t straightforward. However, Italy, like many other countries, has systems in place to help manage and regulate. The bureaucratic nature of these systems does not mean that individuals of Italian descent aren’t welcome; in fact the opposite is true. It is just simply that the process can be complex, which is why we are here to help.  

One of the difficulties can be submitting applications to local administration services. However, as already mentioned, this is more an issue of bureaucracy, and the fact that it is their role to verify and fact-check all documents. I understand why this can cause frustration to applicants, but, as my team tells them, as long as documents are all in order, there aren’t normally any problems. 

Legacy Tree: 

Having your assistance when they're trying to make this happen is helpful because I imagine some people try to do it independently and then come to you and say, I tried, and I can't make this happen. Will you please help me? Do you get clients like that who have been attempting independently and need help to complete it?  

Marco: 

Yes, very often.   

Relocating To Italy With Dual Citizenship

Legacy Tree: 

Do you find most people move to Italy permanently once they achieve dual citizenship, or do they maintain their residency elsewhere and have dual citizenship?   

Marco: 

It depends really, but we have seen that there have been many people from other countries who qualify for Italian citizenship, such as Brazil and Argentina, and the reasons they want to come to Italy, or to Europe, are because of the economic opportunities it affords, as well as re-connecting with their heritage.  

In terms of U.S. citizens, I would say of those we have supported, they tend to want to explore their heritage as well as pass on citizenship to their children; making sure they also have the opportunities that Italian citizenship gives.  

Also interesting, is that more recently more Americans are relocating to Italy. The reasons for this can be twofold: to experience life in Italy as a citizen and enjoy the lifestyle Italy offers. Either way, I have definitely noticed an influx of Americans who are eager to relocate to Italy.  

The Time and Costs To Gain Italian Dual Citizenship

Legacy Tree: 

If I'm a new client, what would be the expectation when we come to you? What would I be expecting in terms of a timeline and potential cost?  

Marco: 

The key point that I tell people is to be patient because the process is that, a process. There are many factors to consider when embarking on a citizenship application, and so having patience and understanding that this takes time is very important.  

The timeframe is generally around 12 months, and this is because there are many documents to collate and verify. These documents then need to be translated and legalized, and we play a very significant role in this. All this requires time to ensure the documents are accurate and without error.  

It is the Consulate where you reside that processes your application, and, depending on their backlog, it can take up to 24 months. However, if all documentation is in place and correct; then this shouldn’t be the case.  

Some of our clients have also relocated to Italy as it is quicker to make the application here, and we have assisted many in the process of applying in Italy, as well as supporting with areas such as finding residence. It is reassuring for clients to know that they have options which will shorten their waiting time for citizenship.  

We start with a free assessment of the case. A potential client will give us the information, and we will then assess the case. People are surprised because we do the initial assessment and research for free, and get back to those who are eligible to claim citizenship. We give back all the documents and information that we found during the initial research, which is also free of charge.   

Legacy Tree:  

Wow! That's excellent customer service.   

Marco: 

People like that because it demonstrates we are invested in customer care, and  after they engage our services, we handle the application process entirely. We acquire all the documents from the U.S., Brazil, Italy, etc., and we handle the whole process.   

How Genealogy Research Can Help The Dual Citizenship Process

Legacy Tree: 

When would your clients need the help of Legacy Tree Genealogists in addition to what you are doing for them?  

Marco: 

That's an excellent question. In many cases, we can get all of the critical information before they engage our services.  

In some other cases the client has little to no information on their family. 

In these situations, we generally tell the client that we can’t determine with absolute certainty if all the documents needed exist, and it's hazardous to proceed with very little information. We tell them that they can talk to a professional genealogist to obtain the missing information before they engage our services.  

Legacy Tree: 

Is it a lot of work to stay current on changing regulations or laws for Italian citizenship?  

Marco: 

Not really, because the laws for dual citizenship have never changed, so the process is the same. It is just that the process is stringent and requires everything (documents) to be in order to avoid delays or discrepancies in the application.  

Successful Italian Dual Citizenship Stories

Legacy Tree: 

Tell me one of your favorite client stories.   

Marco: 

I have a client in which the process took about five years. He initially handled the process by himself and was turned down because of some discrepancies in the documents. Then he engaged our services, we filed an appeal, and he got citizenship. That was a very challenging experience. He had severe discrepancies in his documents, and it was tough to tell who in his family was who. But eventually, we made it.   

Then, we had another client who recently relocated to Italy full-time, and he purchased a house with our real estate branch: we also have a branch of the organization that offers real estate services and supports clients to purchase property. He bought a house in Tuscany and after obtaining citizenship relocated to Italy with his family in the town where his great grandfather was from, and now they're happily living in Tuscany.   

Legacy Tree: 

What other services beyond dual citizenship are you able to provide?   

Marco: 

People come to us primarily for citizenship-related services or certain types of visas that most Americans seek, like the elective residency visa for people who want to retire in Italy. This visa is for people who are not citizens and can't become citizens by descent but want to retire in Italy. And Italy offers that kind of visa based on passive income.  

We also help the spouses of dual citizenship applicants. When a person gets citizenship, typically, the spouse wants to either get citizenship through marriage or to get a residency permit that allows them to stay in Europe with their spouse. We can assist with that. Then, we help with current children and children born after a person becomes a citizen. So, there are a lot of services related to citizenship for people who have become citizens and for their family members.   

And then, very often, they want to purchase or rent properties in Italy. We offer a very similar service where we start with an initial consultation or a series of consultations, sometimes where they tell us what they want, and then we go and look for properties for them. Some people find the property themselves. Others want us to help them find the property, which we do. They tell us the budget, where, and the property requirements, and then we go and look. Then, we complete the purchase, which is very complex. It's a very old system where there is a notary involved. We often take care of that process without the client's presence in Italy. They give us power of attorney, we buy the property, and we mail the keys to them, and then they travel as Italians and go live inside their property.   

Legacy Tree: 

As an example, if my husband got his Italian citizenship, I was not a citizen, and you helped me get residency, but we had children that were born before he was an Italian citizen, are they considered Italian citizens?  

Marco: 

If the children are minors, they will be included in the application. They also become Italian citizens automatically. Suppose there are adult children of the applicant. In that case, we always ask whether the adult children want to be included because it's much better to do the process together so they can become citizens simultaneously. If the adult children are left out of the process, they will have to redo it all over again if they become interested.   

Legacy Tree: 

If a person is interested in starting the dual citizenship process, what are their next steps?  

Marco: 

We offer a free eligibility evaluation that is well explained on our website. We will then research for free to determine if you qualify and have a good case.   

You can also watch our podcast on YouTube to get many of your questions answered. With over 300 episodes, there is sure to be an answer to your question.   

If you are ready to step into your Italian heritage and begin the process of dual citizenship, you can contact Italian Citizenship Assistance at italiancitizenshipassistance.com.   

 

If you need help identifying and documenting your Italian ancestry, contact us at Legacy Tree Genealogists for a free quote for genealogy research into your Italian ancestors.  

If you'd like to learn more about how to go about getting Italian Dual Citizenship, you can read our resource articles here.  

 

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How to Accurately Verify Native American Ancestors

What would you like to know about your Native American ancestors? Are you applying for tribal membership? Do you want to know more about DNA test results that reveal you have Native American or indigenous heritage? We’ll explore all of this and more below. 

Native American Ancestors

Finding Native American Ancestors: Common Goals 

TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP: UNITED STATES & CANADA

Many LTG clients come to us looking for evidence to prove that they have a connection with a specific Native American or Indigenous tribe for the purpose of gaining tribal membership. There are also many people who are interested in tribal connections for other reasons as well. Perhaps people in Canada want to verify if they are related to First-Nations tribes or if they might even be Métis–a unique mixed Indigenous tribe that also has European, primarily French, ancestry.

If clients in the United States want help providing proof of their native ancestry to join a specific tribe, we must prove that someone in their family is a direct descendant of someone on a tribal roll in Oklahoma for the Five Civilized Tribes. Other indigenous tribes in the United States and Canada have different rolls or registers that may require a certain degree of blood quantum to be able to prove that someone is part of that particular tribe. 

LTG will trace their lineage back in time, looking for an ancestor who would be on those rolls. Researchers search the rolls and include their findings in the completed report. The client can then submit that information to tribal councils to apply for membership. 

SOUTH PACIFIC

LTG has also helped people from the South Pacific who are interested in their Indigenous background. This region can be more challenging because family history in these cultures are primarily oral histories, which makes traditional genealogical research difficult. 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

We can also work with people with ancestry from Central and South America, especially Mexico, who are looking for Indigenous connections from this part of the world. While there are many different indigenous groups in Central and South America, there isn’t really a way to apply for official membership with these groups like there is in the United States and Canada. 

How is indigenous heritage research different than other genealogical research?

Native American Genealogy

The most obvious difference is the amount of records available. There are a lot less records to work with for verifying Indigenous heritage, which makes it much more difficult to trace family lines back in time. Records that do exist are written from the perspective of the people who created them–such as a government official or an ecclesiastical leader. These record-writers were writing from their own cultural perspectives rather than about the individual from their own unique culture. This can be quite distressing for people to try to discover the reality of their heritage. 

For example, many records don’t even mention a Native American woman’s name on birth or baptism records of their child. The European father’s name would have been mentioned, but not the woman’s. The record would have just said “Indian woman.” To make things more frustrating, a priest might have noted that the child was simply born of a family member. Worst of all, the family name might have been recorded as “Savage” because the priest was indicating that they were Native Americans. 

It’s also common that records simply aren’t available because people tried to hide their Native American ancestry to avoid horrific persecution and bias during much of United States history. Many people tried to pass as European to keep themselves and their families alive and safe. 

How to use oral history to help find Native American ancestors

The role of oral history within genealogical research is evolving. Before people began keeping a written record, oral history was the way generations passed on knowledge and wisdom of their lineage and heritage. Some cultures, especially Native Americans and other indigenous groups, rely heavily on oral traditions. That’s how they remember and pass on their history from generation to generation. 

In western history, the written record became more commonplace around the 1500s. The genealogy profession primarily relies on the evidence of written records since that time. However, the reality is, just because something isn’t written down, doesn’t mean it isn’t true. As genealogists, it’s important to consider the oral history that each family continues to share. Oftentimes the oral history provides great clues to track down physical records and documents to verify those stories. 

Is it possible to use DNA evidence to prove Native American ancestry?

None of the Native American tribes in the United States accept DNA evidence for membership. DNA tests might tell you that you have a certain percentage of Native American ancestry, but they can not tell you which tribe you came from. For example, your DNA test might reveal that you are a quarter or even half Native American, but it will not tell you if you’re Cherokee, Iroquois, or Nez Perce. 

It’s also crucial to note that most Native American DNA test results do not differentiate descendancy between indigenous groups in Canada, the United States, or Central or South America. If your DNA test results show Native American ancestry, it’s likely the results are revealing a relationship with indigenous Central American heritage rather than a tribe from the United States.  

Generally speaking, DNA is not a tool that many Native American or indigenous peoples use for tracing their ancestry. If someone grows up in a culture and understands who they are within that culture, a DNA test isn’t going to change that. DNA evidence might say they come from a variety of backgrounds, but the culture is already in place, and it may not be of interest to find out more about their historical background. DNA results simply aren’t as interesting or important to many Native American and indigenous peoples. 

How can a professional genealogist help people verify their Native American ancestry? 

Genealogists help people learn about their family history, including Native Americans and other indigenous cultures as they collect stories to use to find more documentation. They search local government and church records to add supporting historical background to verify the family stories. 

As professional genealogists, researchers have years, sometimes decades, of experience that helps them navigate archives all over the world. Once they’ve found records, they are able to analyze and correlate the data to provide a truthful report for each client. 

Learn more about finding and verifying your Native American ancestors: 

Explore Your Cherokee Heritage

Tracing Cherokee Ancestors with DNA, Tribal Citizenship, and Cherokee Rolls

Connecting Culture to Ancestry: The Cherokee Heritage Center

If you’d like to work with a professional genealogist to help you find out more about your Native American ancestry, you can submit a request for a free quote here. 

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University Libraries as Genealogy Research Goldmines: Academic Archives for Family History

Who knew that university libraries were such treasures for genealogy research? They are! And there's probably one near you. Read on to find out how to utilize university libraries for your genealogy research.

“A university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library.”

– Shelby Foote 

university library for genealogical research

There are currently 23,624 universities in the world. Assuming each university has at least one library—well, that’s a lot of libraries. Historically, most books were kept at the university—where the library was. Modern university libraries hold much more than books. Your modern local university library can be a veritable treasure trove of traditional genealogical resources, including:  

  • reference materials and indexes 
  • census records  
  • local histories and archives  
  • newspaper collections  
  • databases  
  • church records  
  • military records  
  • maps  
  • atlases 

Some of these may be digitized materials you can access only at the library. Then, there are the real gems: Rare books and unique artifacts (think non-digitized), historic photograph collections, letters, journals, recorded oral histories, and personal papers of people of the past—the things you’ll want to experience in person. The historic university library was also where the professors were—the scholars who knew what was inside all those books (or even wrote some). The same holds today.  

 Why a University Library For Genealogy Research? 

  • University libraries are gathering places for scholars, fostering intellectual exchange and collaboration.  
  • The university library provides a space for academic discussions, seminars, and workshops (mine offers ongoing genealogy workshops).  
  • University libraries often take a long-term view of knowledge preservation and dissemination.  
  • University libraries subscribe to academic journals that publish peer-reviewed articles written by experts in every field.  
  • Professors rely on the library's collections to assign readings and conduct research, and the university has an academic reputation to uphold.  
  • A substantial university library can attract faculty and students, enhancing prestige.  

Many university and college community libraries are affiliates of AGES, the Association of Genealogy Educators and Schools. Founded in 2018, AGES was established to promote genealogy and family history learning within higher education institutions. They aim to support and encourage scholarly research in genealogy and family history. Some community colleges, such as Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada, now offer Family History Research Rooms for novice or amateur family historians. The Wallace State University library in Hanceville, Alabama, offers non-credit genealogy courses through their Center for Career and Workforce Development’s Continuing Education program. Joanie Barnes, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, started a group called “Genealogy Over Lunch” with her friend, Tom McFarland. For the past ten years, their group has met on the third Thursday of each month during the semester to discuss everything from DNA testing to specific databases to international research.  

When You Can’t Get Yourself To A University Library

Many university library catalogs are now online and offer powerful search engines to help you find what you need. You can typically search by author, title, subject, or keywords. Many have digitized local historical documents, newspapers, and manuscripts that can be accessed online, often for a fee or at a lower cost than obtaining physical copies. Online catalogs provide a convenient way to easily access and verify bibliographic information for the sources you consult. 

genealogy research library

Ask Your University Librarian For Archival Help 

 “When the going gets tough, the tough get a librarian.”

– Joan Bauer

Genealogy is history; historical materials take up space and must be organized, cataloged, and safeguarded. This is the work of librarians, and you can likely find a university librarian who is highly subject-specialized and has a vested interest in and personal passion for whatever time and place you are currently researching. If they aren’t experts in identifying ancestors in 17th-century Italian church records, they can probably put their hands on a dissertation about that. The university librarian can help you navigate that library’s collections effectively. Many offer one-on-one research consultations. And, if they don’t have what you need by some chance, they’ll typically have robust interlibrary loan services. This can be especially helpful for accessing rare or out-of-print books and documents.  

Try Using a Genealogy Research Guide 

University librarians assemble research guides on a variety of subjects for student use. These curated collections are typically organized in a structured and user-friendly format, often available online through the university library’s website. They may include links to books, databases, primary sources, archival collections, and websites that are particularly useful for researching a specific place or time. Research guides may include information on properly citing genealogical sources and documents, essential for maintaining accurate records and citing sources in your research.  

Genealogy research guides include tutorials and how-to guides that walk users through various aspects of genealogical research, such as deciphering old handwriting, understanding census records, finding and evaluating sources, Native American or African American research, or using specific genealogy software. They typically include contact information for librarians or university professors who can help. To access a guide for genealogy research in a university library, visit the library’s website and navigate to the “Research Guides” or “Subject Guides” section. From there, look for a guide related to genealogy, family history, or local history. You can see an excellent university library genealogy research guide here and community college library research guides here and here.6 

Think Outside the Genealogical Box 

University libraries often house resources of particular interest to a geographic area or culture. Immersing yourself in the time and place of your ancestors can provide insights into the cultural context of their lives—if not reveal to you their birth, marriage, and death dates. If you’re facing a genealogical brick wall, maybe you are overlooking essential clues about your ancestors that might be unveiled by a deeper dive into their regional customs, traditions, languages, migration patterns, naming conventions, and social patterns. What kind of local laws affected the family? How did their community respond to war times or national politics? Is there a biographical sketch of a family member in a county's history? What about the library’s collection of telephone or city directories? 

Ever heard of “nuckmuck?” That’s the genealogist nickname for NUCMC, the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections. Manuscripts are original, often handwritten artifacts such as family bibles, diaries, letters, account books, records of a funeral home, or even a midwife’s ledger. NUCMC, a finding aid sponsored by the Library of Congress, seeks to catalog and show you where you can see it. Many university libraries are qualified NUCMC institutions, meaning they offer free access to them. Best of all, they have librarians who use it to help you find what you need. 

library

Ask About Regional Treasures 

University libraries often have special collections. My local university library has a full Civil War uniform in their special collections. Are you researching your New England pilgrim ancestors? The Tracy W. McGregor Library of American History at the University of Virginia (UVA) has one of the earliest accounts of the English settlement at Plymouth, Massachusetts, a primary source detailed narrative of the Pilgrims’ experiences during their first year in the New World. Want to know how your British great-great-grandmother made treacle? PennState University Library has a collection of historical British and Scottish recipe books. Think of anything distinct about your ancestors—and there is probably an extant university library collection applicable to their history—somewhere near you.  

Reach Out Before You Go 

Before you book a flight to your fantasy university library, you might want to hop online and scope out your local university library’s collections. And, before you head over to the nearest college town, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask about the library’s hours of operation and what you need to bring with you. Anyone can visit a library, but to enter a reading room, you might need an appointment and, at the very least, a library card. To get that, you’ll probably need identification and proof of address. A small price to pay in exchange for a dazzling family history discovery or genealogical treasure!  

 

If you'd like to work with our global team of professional genealogists, you can set up a free assessment here to find out if your project qualifies for further investigation.