Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is a discussion with Robin Wirthlin about DNA tools and methods involving segment data. AncestryDNA doesn't provide segment data, but the other companies do! With chromosome browsers and segment data, you can use segment triangulation and chromosome mapping to prove common ancestors. Join us as we talk about how this all works! Links The Chromosome Browser: A Tool for Visualizing Segment Data by Nicole at Family Locket Segment Triangulation by Diana at Family Locket Chromosome Mapping – Visualize Your DNA and Identify the Ancestors Who Passed It On To You by Robin at...
After completing a research like a pro with DNA project, you may not have come to a proven conclusion. Or perhaps you finished your objective and are ready to move forward with something else. What's next? How do you continue to make progress on your goal or choose a new goal? Here are several suggestions. Continue Your Research and Writing Start another iteration of the same objective If you didn't come to a proven conclusion after writing your research report, start a new project with the same objective. You will have a new starting point and known facts. Perhaps your...
Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is a discussion with Robin Wirthlin about how to use DNA tools and methodology in your genetic genealogy. This is part 1 of DNA tools, focusing on creating genetic networks, pedigree triangulation, and the What are the Odds tool at DNA Painter. We grouped these together because they are usually the first tools and methods to use. You don't need segment information or chromosome browsers to use these tools. You can use your AncestryDNA results and create clusters, find where your pedigree intersects with the matches in that cluster, and answer your research...
Do you write reports after you've completed some research on your family? Have you worked with DNA to prove a hypothesis that traditional research could only hint at? If so, you'll want to get your conclusions out of your brain and on to paper. What does a research report look like? Today I'm sharing the report I wrote on my hypothesis of Benjamin Cox as the father of Rachel Cox. I used DNA as part of the evidence and incorporated it into the report. My research report was the culmination of a project I did for a Research Like a...
Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is an interview with Dana Leeds about her method of color clustering DNA Matches. This is called the Leeds Method. When she first shared her method last year, it became an instant success. The Autocluster reports created at Genetic Affairs and the Collins Leeds method are both based on the Leeds Method of color clustering. Listen in to hear all about the Leeds Method and Dana's experience doing the Research Like a Pro study group. Links Genetic Genealogy Tips and Techniques Facebook group Genetic Affairs - AutoCluster tool based on the Leeds Method...
Have you visited a Family History Center near you lately? You might be surprised at what you find. I just returned from a trip to my hometown Burley, Idaho. While there I was treated to a tour of the newly updated Burley Idaho Family History Center by one of the consultants, Tamara. My parents started their genealogy research in the 1960's and spent many hours at this center viewing microfilm. I was curious to learn about the history. Dave Badger, one of the center's directors gave this information: The center originated in 1961 when a number of local genealogy enthusiasts...
You’ve analyzed your DNA, compared it with family history information and records, and worked diligently to gather information about your family—What’s next? The final step in the Research Like a Pro with DNA process is to write your conclusions and correlate the information in a report. This report may be written to yourself, family members, or clients. Basically, it’s a summary of the information about your DNA matches, common ancestors, and verification of biological connections to your relatives. DNA plus genealogical records give the ultimate confirmation that your ancestors’ identities are verified and that they are biologically connected to you....
Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to find tax records. We discuss our go-to places to search, starting with the FamilySearch Wiki. Diana shares how she found the Maryland tax records transcribed and indexed at the Maryland Archives website through a link in the Wiki. We also discuss using the FamilySearch catalog to tap into all the digitized microfilm available online at FamilySearch that is typically unindexed, browse only microfilm. This is probably the most common way we have accessed tax records. There are also online indexed collections of tax records at both Ancestry.com and FamilSearch....
Are you keeping your genealogy systems updated and functional? You might have spent a considerable amount of time organizing your records and prioritizing projects, but then you took a research trip, attended a conference, or watched a webinar, and now have a stack of papers and a flash drive full of digital records. If you're feeling weighed down again, the step you might be missing is reflection. Regularly capturing the new items that have risen to the surface, reviewing your calendar and project lists, and processing new materials can keep your mind free to do its best work. This is...
Have you discovered the value of using a research log? If not, you might want to experiment with using one for your next research project. Fine tuning a research log that worked for me was a major benefit of the accreditation process. When I started adding DNA as evidence in my research, I needed to tweak the log to reflect my correspondence with my DNA matches, I've shared each step of my DNA research project to prove Benjamin Cox as the father of Rachel Cox and linked to those articles below. Now it's time to reveal my research plan and...
