It is an excellent time of year to think about the things we are thankful for! I’ve been thinking about DNA-specific blessings, and I made a list of my top 5. What are you grateful for in the realms of family history and DNA?
I’m thankful for:
- DNA tests that can help us discover ancestors whose names and lives are lost due to time and memory.
- Newly discovered family members.
- Renewed connections with cousins and distant family members who share a love of family history or at least have an interest in it.
- The opportunity to increase knowledge about genealogy and how we connect biologically to our ancestors.
- The opportunity to share what I’ve learned about DNA and family history with others. (The print version of our book, Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence, was just released!)
If you have the opportunity to gather for Thanksgiving or speak with family from a distance, consider asking them to take a DNA test to help you in your family history research. Some holiday sales are going on this week. See my post here that has advice about which DNA tests to take.
DNA test sales
Share Memories
Most importantly, ask your family questions about your heritage. Ask about the names of ancestors and where they lived. Are there missing branches in your family tree? Ask family members if they know clues about ancestors at the end of a family line.
Are there family stories about ancestors that your family can share with you? Are there stories that you can share with younger family members? If you are missing important loved ones this year, you could take a few minutes and write or record memories of them.
May you have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving filled with good memories and joy!
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Thanks for the note!