If you have used Ancestry to build a family tree, you have likely since the ancestor hint feature, those iconic green leaves. Hints are pieces of information in the Ancestry database that their formula deems very likely relates to the person in your tree. They can be really helpful, because often they are right. They… Continue reading Be Cautious with Ancestry Hints
Author: Liane Jensen
MyHeritage DNA Introduces Ethnicity Estimates
Today MyHeritage announced that their site now has ethnicity estimates for DNA testers. MyHeritage sells their own DNA test, and for now still accepts free uploads of DNA results from other DNA testing companies. It may be a good time for you to bring your results to MyHeritage, if you haven't already. Once the database… Continue reading MyHeritage DNA Introduces Ethnicity Estimates
Remembering on Memorial Day
Today I attended a Memorial Day ceremony in my hometown. One of the speakers at the ceremony mentioned that many people think of Memorial Day as merely a good day for a barbecue. Barbecues are great, but it is also important to think about the reason for this holiday. Memorial Day is a day to remember… Continue reading Remembering on Memorial Day
Citation is an Art; Multiple Formats Can All be Valid
In genealogy, citing your sources is vital. But sometimes it feels like there are so many different types of citation formats to memorize, from vital records to online sources to samplers. It can feel discouraging to try to format a citation on your own, and then discover that Elizabeth Shown Mills did it a different… Continue reading Citation is an Art; Multiple Formats Can All be Valid
Why Does it Take So Long for Ancestry to Receive My DNA Sample?
Have you wondered why it seems to take so long for Ancestry to receive your DNA sample? I did. A few weeks ago during the DNA Day sales I ordered Ancestry DNA test kits. My kit arrived in California and my mother's kit arrived in Florida on the same day, Tuesday, May 2nd. I took… Continue reading Why Does it Take So Long for Ancestry to Receive My DNA Sample?
Registration Open for Free Southern California Jamboree Streaming Sessions
Registration is now open to view live streaming sessions of the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree conference June 9-11. Registration is free, sponsored by Ancestry. Register on the website here. Register to see the sessions live and then on-demand until July 10. Right before the conference is a day of DNA lectures on June 8th. You… Continue reading Registration Open for Free Southern California Jamboree Streaming Sessions
Genealogy Search Tips, Search without a Name
There are many ways to search a genealogical database. Have you ever searched a database without filling in the name fields, just other fields? First of all, many names in records have been poorly transcribed. Sometimes only if you search for the individual by other identifying information, like age and location, will you find them… Continue reading Genealogy Search Tips, Search without a Name
DNA Used to Identify Child in Casket Discovered While Renovating Home in San Francisco
A year ago a very old child's coffin was discovered during a home renovation in San Francisco. In the 1800's the land had been part of the Odd Fellows Cemetery of the Richmond District. Tens of thousands of remains from the cemetery were relocated, but apparently these were left behind. The nonprofit Garden of Innocence… Continue reading DNA Used to Identify Child in Casket Discovered While Renovating Home in San Francisco
How to Help an Older Person Take a Saliva-Based DNA Test
UPDATE: An update to this article: Helping an Older Person Take a Saliva-Based DNA Test, One Success and One Failure This weekend I met Judy Russell, the Legal Genealogist, at her seminar hosted by the Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society. I mentioned that my grandmother was having difficulty taking the saliva-based DNA tests from Ancestry and… Continue reading How to Help an Older Person Take a Saliva-Based DNA Test
I Finally Took a DNA Test
Last month at Michael Lacopo's presentation for the Sacramento German Genealogy Society he asked who had taken a DNA test, and I couldn't raise my hand. Even though I manage many of them for relatives, I hadn't taken one myself. During this DNA Day's sales I ordered three Ancestry DNA kits, one for my mother, my… Continue reading I Finally Took a DNA Test
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