Genealogy isn’t just about sifting through documents anymore. DNA analysis gives us scientific clues about how our family fits together, something that documents can’t always do. It has revolutionized the field of genealogy. In this blog post, I’ll give you three reasons why you should add DNA to your genealogy research.
When most people take a DNA test from Ancestry or any other testing company, they often just want to know their “ethnicity” results. But there is so much more to discover.
So, what are the reasons you might want to include DNA in your genealogy research?
Reason #1: Ethnicity
I know, I know… I just downplayed this in my opening sentence, but it’s still important and can be very useful in your research. Looking at the results comparing my sister and me, you can see the difference in the DNA we inherited:
Remember, these numbers are just estimates, so take them with a grain of salt. Each testing company defines its ethnic regions differently. Some may be broad whereas others are more detailed. The percentages among the different companies may vary, too.
Even with all these differences, the one thing to keep in mind is that ethnicities can help when comparing yourself to another DNA match.
For example, if your parents have different ethnic backgrounds, it’s easy to see which side of your family a DNA match may fit. Look for ethnicities in your match list for the region you want to focus on. This may help you put clusters of DNA matches together and figure out how they are all related.
I wrote a blog post early in my blogging days about my ethnicity. Check it out here.
Reason #2: Verifying Ancestral Lineage/Brick Walls
If you’ve already done a ton of work on your family tree, but it’s all been with documentary evidence, DNA can verify those lines. You can compare the DNA between you and many (MANY!) matches to confirm the identities of your ancestors.
This can be helpful when the paper trail runs dry and you need another way to see if what you have is correct. DNA can also help determine a common ancestor you have with one of your matches and possibly break through those ancestral brick walls.
Perhaps you’ve heard stories about your ancestors and you want to see if they are true or you want to refute them. DNA can validate oral family history and traditions.
Reason #3: Connecting With Unknown Cousins
This may be one of the better reasons to have your DNA tested. By finding DNA matches, you can connect with living descendants who have stories and possible heirlooms you don’t have. This is a wonderful way to bring your ancestors to life and begin relationships with new family members.
Reach out to your genetic matches through the messaging platforms provided by the testing companies. They may not always write back, but it’s worth a try.
If you do communicate with matches, what a wonderful way to collaborate on your genealogy research. You can share information, documents, and hopefully, photographs. This not only helps you but them as well.
Is there a branch of your family tree you didn’t know about or has been forgotten over the years? Figuring out how you relate to your DNA matches can help you reconnect with relatives who may have lost touch over the years.
Finally
As a professional genealogist, DNA must be in my arsenal. With that in mind, I have and continue to take DNA institutes and classes. One of my longstanding DNA classes is through Diahan Southard’s DNA Study Group. You can learn more about it at her website, www.yourdnaguide.com. She also has a wonderful YouTube channel with free information.
The two institute courses I took were Genetics for Genealogists: Beginning DNA and DNA Dreamers: Integrating DNA Evidence to Resolve Complex Cases. If you ever get a chance to dive into a weeklong institute course, I highly recommend it. Check out IGHR (Institute for Genealogy and Historical Research) and SLIG (Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy) for more.
Genealogy tip: You never know where people are going to test, so why not test with all the companies to have the best chance to answer your genealogy research question? One of the easiest ways to do this is to transfer your data. For example, if you test at Ancestry you can upload your raw results to places like MyHeritage and Family Tree DNA and unlock their tools for a small fee.
Whatever the reason for having your DNA tested, it can add a new dimension to your family history. Let me know if I can help piece together your ancestral puzzle.
