When we work with DNA in our family history research, one of the first steps is to separate the DNA matches into groups or genetic networks. The Leeds Method by Dana Leeds was developed a few years ago as a way to separate DNA matches manually. This method was revolutionary in genetic genealogy! Evert-Jan Blom of Genetic Affairs was the first to create a readily available way of automating separating DNA matches into groups. This process is easy to order, and it takes only minutes to receive an interactive report. Genetic Affairs licensed the AutoCluster tool to MyHeritage and GEDmatch....
Are you wondering how to tell if an AncestryDNA Thrulines estimate is reliable, or even possible? The Thrulines algorithm works by comparing your DNA matches, their trees, and all the searchable trees in the Ancestry public member tree database. If the algorithm can make your tree and your DNA match’s tree connect somewhere, the hypothesis shows up in Thrulines. One problem with this is the many errors in the public member trees database. Also, Thrulines is a computer algorithm, not a genealogist. Sometimes it merges identities that should not be merged. Also, most of us have thousands of matches in...
Have you thought about the steps to take to work through a DNA research project? Have you ever been stuck or lost during a project and wondered what you should do next? What do you do? I’ve thought about it a lot, and it motivated me to create DNA Process Trees that have a stepwise model/instructions/flowchart of the main steps to take when working through a DNA research objective. The steps help me maximize the research time I have available. Use coupon code DNAProcess25 to get 25% off the charts until 10/3/20 I have also added some logistical steps...
Imagine starting on a brand-new research project with DNA matches and an unfamiliar family tree. You want to get the most out of your precious research time and efficiently organize the DNA matches so you can focus on the family line(s) of interest. – What do you do first? – What’s the most effective method? Great questions! Try the methods outlined below to get started efficiently and effectively. Make a Leeds Method chart Spend 10-20 minutes creating a Leeds Method DNA Color Cluster chart. This will help you become familiar with the groups and identify the family lines to focus...
Do you have a tough research question involving autosomal DNA? Do you like visualizing your data? Have you considered using a network graph to see connections between matches? Let me tell you how a network graph helped me break my Dyer brick wall and gave me new avenues for research. Also, I’m sharing a coupon code for 15% off your Connected DNA network graph order – FamilyLocket15. This is good until the end of February. Who were the parents of John Robert Dyer? I have been searching for the parents of my husband’s 3rd great grandfather for the last several...
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...
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...
Updated 22 February 2021 A great way to get the most out of the list of your DNA matches is to separate the people into groups that cluster around one of your ancestral lines. If you can divide your match list into groups, you can focus on finding the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) that you share with that cluster of people. Once that common ancestor or ancestral couple is identified, you can focus your research on one familial line, and identify the DNA that you inherited from the common ancestor(s). The groups of related people are sometimes called “Clusters,”...
I attended Blaine Bettinger’s DNA class entitled “Adding Shared Matches and Genetic Networks to Your Research” today (Thursday) at RootsTech 2019. I’m excited to share my notes with you. Description Shared matching and genetic clusters are among some of the most powerful tools genealogists have to work with DNA evidence. We will look at some company and third-party tools that allow us to use these powerful networks! About Blaine Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence, and founder of DNA Central (www.DNA-Central.com), a membership portal for DNA education. He is the author of The Family...
Are you struggling to make sense of the clues to your ancestry found in DNA results? Maybe you’re an adoptee or working on an adoptee line in your family history. You might be missing an entire branch of your family tree and need a way to discover it using DNA. I recently helped my adopted sister, Nancy, identify her biological father through DNA networks and mind mapping. Today I’m sharing how I did it. I wrote about my sister’s story in Using DNA to Find Biological Parents: 3 Tips to Get Started and a Case Study I’m happy to report that through...
