DNA Testing Update

Aug 11, 2021

Genetic Genealogy Resources for Beginners

The title of this article says 5 resources. But it's actually five categories of resources with multiple examples in most of them. Many of the resources are good for anyone, not just beginners. Take a look.

Continue reading "Genetic Genealogy Resources for Beginners"

Aug 10, 2021

Prepare Now for Family Secrets to be Revealed through DNA Testing

Now that DNA tests can reveal deeply buried family secrets, some people are thinking ahead. This is just one example of a situation that needs to be handled differently in today's world of surprising DNA discoveries.

Continue reading "Prepare Now for Family Secrets to be Revealed through DNA Testing"

Aug 09, 2021

Debunking Three Myths About Your Immigrant Ancestors

For the vast majority of US residents, our ancestors came from other countries to find work, freely practice their religion, join family and friends already here, and escape danger back home. When compared with today's immigration issues, it seemed different...but not as much as people think. Diane Haddad address some myths in this article.

Continue reading "Debunking Three Myths About Your Immigrant Ancestors"

Aug 06, 2021

The Very Best Deal on a DNA Test is Here Now

The AncestryDNA test has the biggest user database by far. And you can use your raw data to get into several other databases. It's now sale-priced at $59. See this page.

Continue reading "The Very Best Deal on a DNA Test is Here Now"

Aug 06, 2021

Forced to Give Up Her Baby 66 Years Ago, She Finds Her Son through DNA Testing

An 86-year-old spent decades thinking of her son, who her parents forced her to put up for adoption in 1955. DNA testing led her to a granddaughter who was looking for the same man. All three generations have reunited.

Continue reading "Forced to Give Up Her Baby 66 Years Ago, She Finds Her Son through DNA Testing"

Aug 05, 2021

A Warning About Your Images on Ancestry

According to Ancestry’s new updated Terms of Service dated August 3, 2021, Ancestry will be able to use your photos, and anything else you ever uploaded or saved, in any way they want, for any purpose, forever. Both Judy G. Russell and Roberta Estes have sounded the alarm about this. Read Roberta's post for details.

Continue reading "A Warning About Your Images on Ancestry"

Aug 04, 2021

A Genetic Visualization Tool

I just learned about Talking Back from Judy G. Russell's blog. She describes one of the site's tools that shows the historical path of your Y-DNA or mitochondrial DNA haplogroup over thousands of years. Read her post to learn more.

Continue reading "A Genetic Visualization Tool"

Aug 03, 2021

Summer Sale at Family Tree DNA

Now is the time to save on all types of DNA tests at Family Tree DNA. Use this link to order and save on Family Finder, Y-DNA testing, and mitochondrial DNA testing. Click "Shop" at the top to see all the sale options. This sale ends on 8/31/21.

Continue reading "Summer Sale at Family Tree DNA"

Aug 02, 2021

Watch Up to 30 Genealogy Webinars for Free in September

Legacy Family Tree Webinars has created an event called Webtember. Register for free and watch live webinars on Fridays in September and many more pre-recorded webinars at your convenience. Some DNA topics are included. See the schedule and register at this link.

Continue reading "Watch Up to 30 Genealogy Webinars for Free in September"

Jul 30, 2021

Adding a Family Tree to Your DNA Results

Genetic genealogy works best when you combine DNA testing with family trees. In this article, Diahan Southard explains why adding the tree is important and exactly what that can do for you with each DNA test.

Continue reading "Adding a Family Tree to Your DNA Results"

Jul 29, 2021

When a Relative's DNA Doesn't Match

What do you do if your family member’s DNA doesn’t seem to match your own? First, you should avoid jumping to negative conclusions. What to do next is the subject of this article

Continue reading "When a Relative's DNA Doesn't Match"

Jul 28, 2021

Scientists Finally Finish the Human Genome

I thought this had been done. But it was only a draft version with vast gaps and errors. Now a team of 99 scientists has finally deciphered the entire thing. They uncovered more than 100 new genes that may be functional, and have identified millions of genetic variations between people. Some of those differences probably play a role in diseases.

Continue reading "Scientists Finally Finish the Human Genome"

Jul 27, 2021

How Many Ancestors Do You Have?

That's a question that's hard to answer. Blogger Dick Eastman takes us through the numbers and reminds us why we all must have lots of cousins in the limbs of our family trees.

Continue reading "How Many Ancestors Do You Have?"

Jul 26, 2021

A Faster Birth Parent Search that Guarantees Success

Thousands of adoptees have turned to DNA tests to find birth parents that they hope are still alive. Most still face months or years of genealogical digging. Experienced researchers at Origins International can do this so much faster than you can. If they don't find your birth parent within 90 days, you pay nothing. Use this link to learn more and get a free case review.

Continue reading "A Faster Birth Parent Search that Guarantees Success"

Jul 23, 2021

What’s the Difference Between Pedigree Collapse and Endogamy?

If you're using DNA to trace your family tree, you need to understand these two important terms. Roberta Estes provides an excellent explanation and shows how they can impact DNA test results.

Continue reading "What’s the Difference Between Pedigree Collapse and Endogamy?"

Jul 22, 2021

DNA Shows Early Humans Slept Around More Than We Thought

You may have read that early humans in Europe interbred with Neanderthals. New DNA evidence reveals that humans in Asia did the same with Denisovans. And there may have been others.

Continue reading "DNA Shows Early Humans Slept Around More Than We Thought"

Jul 21, 2021

Who Has The Largest DNA Database?

This article answers that question and more about the five major DNA testing companies. GEDmatch too. Interesting details and some historical numbers.

Continue reading "Who Has The Largest DNA Database?"

Jul 20, 2021

Free Genetic Genealogy Guide with 300+ Links

I just updated my "Genetic Genealogy Links" document adding dozens of useful links. Download the free PDF file and link directly to DNA-related books, tests, tools, articles, Facebook Pages, conferences, interviews, bloggers, and more.

Continue reading "Free Genetic Genealogy Guide with 300+ Links"

Jul 19, 2021

My Recommendation for Custom T-Shirts and More

I just received a hoodie with my business logo imprinted. It came from RushOrderTees and looks really nice. If you need custom t-shirts or other apparel for your business, team, or special event, this is the place to get them.

Continue reading "My Recommendation for Custom T-Shirts and More"

Jul 19, 2021

Seven Siblings Reconnected through DNA Testing

“It’s just incredible what the DNA does... It has just become a really great tool that we all benefited from.” That's a quote from one of the seven siblings in this genealogical journey that brought them all together.

Continue reading "Seven Siblings Reconnected through DNA Testing"

Jul 16, 2021

Save 25% on "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA"

My publisher has agreed to temporarily reduce the price of my book. Use this link. During checkout, look for “Have a coupon?” and enter DNA to get the 25% discount. 86% of readers on Amazon give it a 5-star rating.

Continue reading "Save 25% on "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA""

Jul 15, 2021

Two Tricks for Finding Common Ancestors

AncestryDNA has the largest database and the most trees. But it does not provide detailed shared DNA segment information. Blogger Jim Bartlett offers two tricks for finding the common ancestor in spite of this limitation.

Continue reading "Two Tricks for Finding Common Ancestors"

Jul 14, 2021

9 Must-Have Books About Genetic Genealogy

Whether you're a newbie or a veteran at working with DNA tests, you can always learn more from the best authors in the field. Family History blogger Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal provided this list of recommended books. I've read most of them and concur with her selections.

Continue reading "9 Must-Have Books About Genetic Genealogy"

Jul 13, 2021

New Podcast on DNA Testing, Adoptees, and NPE Surprises

I, Richard Hill, have been interviewed many times about my pioneering use of DNA testing to find my birth family. This new podcast episode by Brianne Kirkpatrick of Watershed DNA is my favorite. We get into a wide-ranging discussion about adoptees, birth parents, and DNA testing. I invite you to listen.

Continue reading "New Podcast on DNA Testing, Adoptees, and NPE Surprises"

Jul 12, 2021

A Better Y-DNA Matches Page

If you have done Y-DNA testing at Family Tree DNA, you should log into your account and see the improvements to the Y-DNA Matches Page. This follows the recent update to their autosomal DNA results. This blog post explains what's new.

Continue reading "A Better Y-DNA Matches Page"

Jul 09, 2021

The GEDmatch Education Page

GEDmatch is a mostly free DNA site built for genealogy research. You can upload your autosomal DNA data from any major testing company. They now have a curated list of educational content for both new and experienced users. See this page:

Continue reading "The GEDmatch Education Page"

Jul 08, 2021

Scientists Pursue the DNA of Leonardo da Vinci

Historians traced the genealogy of Leonardo da Vinci back 21 generations over 690 years. Now they're going to test the Y chromosome of living men in his direct paternal line for several fascinating purposes.

Continue reading "Scientists Pursue the DNA of Leonardo da Vinci"

Jul 07, 2021

Save 50% Digitizing Photos, Home Movies and More

In the past two years, I have used FOREVER to digitize and protect movies, videos, and thousands of photo prints. Right now they're running a 50% off sale through July 12. See this page and be sure to click "What is an item?" to see how they add up your order.

Continue reading "Save 50% Digitizing Photos, Home Movies and More"

Jul 07, 2021

Interesting New DNA Features at Ancestry

Ancestry has also been adding new DNA features to its website. Blogger Kitty Cooper covers some of them and shares a link to Ancestry's latest What's New Video. She also covers a new breakdown for people of German ancestry.

Continue reading "Interesting New DNA Features at Ancestry"

Jul 06, 2021

Now You Can Confirm or Reject Theories of Family Relativity

One of the most powerful genetic genealogy tools is the Theory of Family Relativity on MyHeritage. It uses historical records and family tree profiles to suggest how you and a DNA match may be related. After reviewing a theory, you now have the option to confirm or reject it. Read about this and more in the MyHeritage Blog.

Continue reading "Now You Can Confirm or Reject Theories of Family Relativity"

Jul 05, 2021

New Features on Family Tree DNA Website

Family Tree DNA continues to invest in its genealogy platform and tools. The website has several new features and enhancements. Blogger Roberta Estes takes us on a detailed tour of all that's new.

Continue reading "New Features on Family Tree DNA Website"

Jul 02, 2021

A DNA Discovery Story Unlike Any Other

As the author of "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA,” I love to read other stories about people using DNA tests to discover lost family. While all such stories have certain elements in common, each is a unique adventure.

Every time someone uses DNA testing to bypass deeply hidden family secrets, there are bumps in the road. Michael Blair faced many such bumps and attacked them head on.

Michael’s book certainly has the most eye-catching title. And I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story. He mixes genuinely heartfelt feelings with an irreverent tone that made me laugh out loud more than once.

Continue reading "A DNA Discovery Story Unlike Any Other"

Jul 01, 2021

As DNA Uncovers More Secrets This Family Keeps Growing

In the 1940s artificial insemination was rare. Yet one man began selling his sperm to various doctors. Today, DNA testing has uncovered 19 siblings who were never told about the circumstances of their birth. This article follows the discoveries and the aftermath. It even includes a detailed history of artificial insemination.

Continue reading "As DNA Uncovers More Secrets This Family Keeps Growing"

Jun 30, 2021

How to Assign Relationships to Ancestry DNA Matches

A recently added feature on Ancestry lets you assign relationships to known genetic matches. This blog post covers how to do that and how it can help your genealogy research. Examples are included.

Continue reading "How to Assign Relationships to Ancestry DNA Matches"

Jun 29, 2021

DNA Revelation Leads to Lawsuit for Medical Rape

DNA testing has uncovered many cases where fertility doctors used their own sperm to impregnate patients. In this case, the doctor himself tested on 23andMe so the parent-child match was an instant shocker. This article shows the actual test results, even the family tree.

Continue reading "DNA Revelation Leads to Lawsuit for Medical Rape"

Jun 25, 2021

DNA Connects Siblings And a Photo Explains the Match

In this heartwarming video, a brother and sister happily discover each other and meet for the first time. What's unusual about this case is a photo that shows how his father and her mother knew each other.

Continue reading "DNA Connects Siblings And a Photo Explains the Match"

Jun 24, 2021

You Can Help Change How People Think About Adoption

Lorraine Dusky evolved from a secretive unwed mother to become a leading advocate for unsealing adoptee birth records. Her book "Hole in My Heart" is a classic in the adoption community. To reach a much bigger audience and change the way people think about adoption, she has created an expanded and revised edition. To be taken seriously for reviewing and library purposes, the book needs an index for the new facts and commentary sections. It also needs professional formatting. Lorraine has started a gofundme page to cover these costs. I read the description linked here and made a donation. I hope you will too.

Continue reading "You Can Help Change How People Think About Adoption"

Jun 23, 2021

GEDmatch for Beginners

Andy Lee has a great series of videos on DNA testing. This one shows GEDmatch beginners four basic tools and the best order for using them. You can watch the video at this link and Skip Ads that play first.

Continue reading "GEDmatch for Beginners"

Jun 22, 2021

Original Birth Certificates: State-By-State Access

Many adult adoptees would love to get their Original Birth Certificate. But those records are sealed in most states. A few states now offer unrestricted access. This web page summarizes the access level by state and offers some tips for requesting access.

Continue reading "Original Birth Certificates: State-By-State Access"

Jun 21, 2021

DNA Test Leads to a Big Family Reunion

DNA testing revealed that this woman and her sister had different biological fathers. A search for her biological father identified several more siblings and lead to a big family reunion. NOTE: The text for this article leaves out facts covered in the video. Watch it if you can.

Continue reading "DNA Test Leads to a Big Family Reunion"

Jun 18, 2021

Fine Tuning WATO to Solve DNA Puzzles

One of my favorite third-party DNA tools is What Are The Odds (WATO) at DNA Painter. Since the five DNA tests that report how many centiMorgans you share with matches have different matching algorithms, you need to make some tweaks for the most accurate results. Blogger Leah Larkin shows you how.

Continue reading "Fine Tuning WATO to Solve DNA Puzzles"

Jun 17, 2021

5 Clues You May Have Native American Ancestry

Today, lots of people suspect they have Native American ancestry. Genetic genealogy DNA tests are just one possible way to check that. This article lists five different clues that may suggest further investigation.

Continue reading "5 Clues You May Have Native American Ancestry"

Jun 16, 2021

A Great Example of DNA AutoClusters in Genealogy

Today, some tools automatically cluster your genetic matches into groups that all have DNA in common. But you may not all share the same ancestor. This article is a great example of how such clusters can be used to solve genealogical puzzles.

Continue reading "A Great Example of DNA AutoClusters in Genealogy"

Jun 15, 2021

DNA Reunites 90-Year Old Mom with Her 70-Year Old Daughter

Seventy years is a long time to wait. Thankfully, a genetic genealogy DNA test helped connect this 90-year old woman with the daughter she placed for adoption 70 years ago. Their happy reunion was captured in loving detail by a professional photographer.

Continue reading "DNA Reunites 90-Year Old Mom with Her 70-Year Old Daughter"

Jun 14, 2021

Connecticut Adoptees Can Now Access Birth Certificates

Connecticut just became the 10th state to give adult adoptees full and free access to their original birth certificates. That's a basic human right that's still being denied in 40 other states. You can read more in this commentary by Lorraine Dusky.

Continue reading "Connecticut Adoptees Can Now Access Birth Certificates"

Jun 13, 2021

Father's Day Special Offers on AncestryDNA Test

The world's most popular DNA test is sale priced for Father's Day. Just $59 instead of $99. For just one dollar more, new and returning subscribers can add a 3-month World Explorer membership. Offers end June 20, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Use this link and then click See Offers.

Continue reading "Father's Day Special Offers on AncestryDNA Test"

Jun 11, 2021

A Faster Birth Parent Search that Guarantees Success

Thousands of adoptees have turned to DNA tests to find birth parents that they hope are still alive. Most still face months or years of genealogical digging. Experienced researchers at Origins International can do this so much faster than you can. If they don't find your birth parent within 90 days, you pay nothing. Use this link to learn more and get a free case review.

Continue reading "A Faster Birth Parent Search that Guarantees Success"

Jun 10, 2021

Father's Day Sale on DNA Tests at Family Tree DNA

Get Dad a DNA test for Father's Day. Since he's male, a Y-DNA test at Family Tree DNA is a perfect option. Their Family Finder test is also sale-priced. The sale ends 6/20/21. See this link for prices.

Continue reading "Father's Day Sale on DNA Tests at Family Tree DNA"

Jun 10, 2021

Mothers Demand Apology Over Forced Adoptions

The U.S. was not the only country that coerced pregnant women into handing over their babies because they were unmarried. Up to 250,000 women in Britain had to endure the same loss. Many of them are now asking for an apology from their government.

Continue reading "Mothers Demand Apology Over Forced Adoptions"