Here’s how adoptees and others searching for birth families can use both DNA testing and the free WikiTree genealogy website to help reconstruct their biological family trees. Thanks to Emma MacBeath and Chris Whitten for co-authoring this guest article. See their...
Can DNA tests detect “Mayflower DNA?” This Thanksgiving story looks at early intermarriage and pedigree collapse among early Pilgrims in New England and the possibility of DNA founder effect—and what this means for genetic detection of Mayflower roots by descendants....
Family history software that syncs with online trees—especially those linked to your DNA test results—can keep your genealogy research organized and, well, in synch. In a recent session of Diahan Southard’s DNA Skills Workshop, students learned strategies for building...
Use WikiTree to identify potential DNA matches—genetic cousins. This variation on targeted testing can help you explore whether you’re related to a specific ancestor. In the opening scene of the animated movie Aladdin, a traveling salesman is trying to sell us a...
Using vital records to build your family tree is a key strategy for successful DNA research. Here’s what vital records are and what you should know to find them. For the best experience with your DNA matches, you need a strong family tree. It should have as many...
*We regularly recommend products and services that we know and would use personally. Some recommendations use affiliate links. When you purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
