How DNA Testing Can Solve Family History Mysteries
by Jennifer MacArthur, P.h.D. and Robin Wirthlin
More and more people are taking DNA tests, either for fun—to see their predicted ancestral origins or ethnicity—or to learn more about their family history. DNA, which is short for deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic code carried in each of the cells in our bodies. It has always been with us and has been passed down from our ancestors throughout the millennia. DNA alone does not tell you a lot about your family history. But when it is used in conjunction with time-honored, traditional genealogical research, you have a powerful tool that will help you find your ancestors.
Articles about DNA and Genetic Genealogy
Would you like to read our articles about DNA and genetic genealogy? We have a whole category of blog posts dedicated to the subject by Diana Elder, AG, Nicole Dyer, Robin Wirthlin, and Hazel Scullin.
From segment triangulation and chromosome browsers to creating an objective for a DNA Research project, we have posts that will help in many areas. You may be interested in our posts on DNA and Locality Research, Genetic Networks, Understanding and Using your DNA Test Results, and Resources for Learning about Genetic Genealogy.
Would you like to join our annual Research Like a Pro with DNA Study Group? The study group is held each fall. Research Like a Pro with DNA is a study group to learn how to use DNA in your genealogical research. We will follow a step-by-step process to help you either confirm a relationship proven through traditional research or test a hypothesized ancestral relationship. The Research Like a Pro with DNA Study Group focuses on using autosomal DNA in your genealogical research. One of the prerequisites for the study group is to have access to your autosomal DNA test results. You may also wish to include evidence from Y-DNA and Mitochondrial DNA tests in your research project, but these tests are not required for the study group.
Learn more here: Research Like a Pro with DNA Study Group.