Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is part 2 of our series on getting things done. Following David Allen’s method, we discuss the second part – clarifying. You look at your list of projects and things to do, and think broadly about what you want to do. Consider delegating some of the things on your list. Then, put your items in a prioritized order, based on when you can get to them. Think deeply...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about David Allen’s book, Getting Things done: the art of stress-free productivity and the applications to family history and genealogy research. We discuss the overview of his program and some examples of capturing, clarifying, and organizing. Links Family History and Getting Things Done – by Diana at Family Locket Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, revised edition by David Allen – affiliate link to Amazon...
Have you located the route your ancestors might have taken as they traveled to a new area? Could exploring migration open up new areas of research in your genealogy brick walls? Taking a look at the historical roads and trails that our ancestors possibly traveled can add to their story and help understand more about their lives. It might even lead to more discoveries that could expand our knowledge of the family and extend the...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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. It’s a summary of the information about your DNA matches, common ancestors, and verification of biological connections to...