For many, genealogy is more than just a hobby—it’s a heartfelt journey into the past that can offer surprising benefits in the present. While most people begin researching their family tree out of curiosity or a desire to preserve family stories, what they often discover along the way is a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and even healing. As Easter approaches—a time often centered around family, renewal, and reflection—it’s a perfect opportunity to consider how genealogy can contribute to our mental and emotional wellness. Here are a few powerful ways that exploring our roots can be good for the soul. 1. A Sense of Identity and Belonging Researching your family history helps answer that age-old question: “Where do I come from?” Knowing your ancestral origins and uncovering the lives of those who came before you can create a strong sense of identity. Whether it's discovering the town your great-grandmother emigrated from or reading a century-old letter written by an ancestor, these connections help us feel grounded and give us a sense of continuity in an ever-changing world. Especially for individuals who feel disconnected from family, culture, or community, genealogy can fill in the gaps. It provides a narrative—a personal history—that reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. 2. Emotional Healing Through Storytelling Every family has its triumphs and its trials. Uncovering those stories—both joyful and painful—can be incredibly therapeutic. Many researchers report emotional breakthroughs when they learn about ancestors who endured hardships, loss, or adversity, yet persevered. These stories often mirror our own struggles and can offer perspective, resilience, and comfort. Even the process of documenting family stories can be healing. Writing down what you know, organizing photos, or compiling a family history can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It turns memories into legacy—and that act alone can be deeply meaningful. 3. Solving Mysteries Can Bring Closure For those with unknown parentage, adoption in their family tree, or long-standing “brick walls,” genealogy can feel like detective work. But unlike fictional mysteries, these are personal ones—often rooted in unanswered questions, loss, or missing pieces of identity. Solving these puzzles, whether through DNA analysis or historical records, can bring profound emotional resolution. Even if the outcome is not what was hoped for, the act of seeking truth can offer a sense of agency, clarity, and peace. 4. Building Intergenerational Connections One of the beautiful aspects of genealogy is that it brings generations together. Interviewing older relatives, sharing stories with younger family members, or collaborating on research projects strengthens bonds between family members. These shared experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of unity, especially around holidays and family gatherings. Family history projects can also become acts of remembrance and honoring. They remind us of loved ones who are no longer with us and help keep their memory alive. 5. Mindful Reflection and Joyful Discovery Genealogy invites us to slow down, reflect, and become immersed in meaningful detail. Whether it's reading an old census record, transcribing a will, or gazing at a faded photograph, these quiet moments offer a form of mindful engagement that can be calming and fulfilling. And of course, there’s the joy. The little victories—a new ancestor found, a long-lost cousin connected, a mystery solved—spark real delight. In a world full of stress and uncertainty, those moments of genuine excitement and curiosity are wellness boosters in their own right. Final Thoughts: A Family History of the Heart This Easter weekend, as many of us spend time with loved ones or reflect on those who came before us, consider how genealogy might support your own well-being. Whether it’s diving into an old photo album, making a family tree with your kids, or finally taking that DNA test, remember that every small step you take into your family’s past can bring unexpected peace, healing, and joy in the present. Genealogy isn’t just about discovering who our ancestors were—it’s about discovering who we are, too. Wishing you a peaceful and reflective Easter, filled with connection and discovery.
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As genealogists, we know the value—and the challenge—of working with historical documents written in long-forgotten hands. Whether deciphering ornate script or interpreting fading ink, extracting the data we need from original sources takes time, patience, and a good eye. That’s why I was intrigued when I was invited to test Handwriting OCR, an AI-powered handwriting-to-text converter that promises to transform even the toughest handwriting into editable, searchable text with speed and precision. In this blog—the first in a new series where I’ll test this platform across different historical document types—I’ll be sharing my results and observations from using Handwriting OCR on two death certificates from my own family history collection. My goal? To evaluate how this tool performs when handling one of the most commonly used—and often difficult to read—records in genealogical research. Why Death Certificates? Death certificates are critical genealogical records. They typically include a wealth of information: full name, date and place of death, age at death, cause of death, and often key clues like parents' names and birthplaces. But they also present unique transcription challenges. The handwriting is often hurried, medical terminology is complex, and formatting varies by time and location. Most existing OCR platforms struggle to process these handwritten documents effectively, so testing death records seemed like a fitting place to begin. Case Study 1: Samuel Steinman, 2nd Great-Grandfather *Note: Click to zoom in Handwriting OCR did a surprisingly competent job transcribing this document, but several subtle errors did appear—mostly understandable given the script and formatting challenges. Here are the most noteworthy findings:
Final Thoughts on Samuel’s Record: Despite a few small inaccuracies, this was an impressive result for a handwritten death certificate. These are the kinds of records that most OCR platforms simply can’t handle at all, and here the AI provided a nearly complete transcription with minimal editing needed. A human still needs to verify every detail (as we always should), but this tool significantly reduces the time spent manually transcribing. Case Study 2: Mary Harriet (Hulet) Steinman, 2nd Great-Grandmother *Note: Click to zoom in Mary Harriet’s certificate introduced different layout and formatting challenges, including more structured government fields and handwritten entries nestled between printed form labels. Here’s how Handwriting OCR handled it:
Final Thoughts on Mary Harriet’s Record: Again, I was impressed. Despite some layout issues and detail-level inaccuracies, Handwriting OCR extracted nearly all the handwritten content with a high degree of readability. For genealogists, these transcripts are immensely helpful starting points, especially when working with challenging handwriting or in bulk. Takeaways from Testing Death Records on Handwriting OCR AI-powered transcription tools like Handwriting OCR are opening exciting new doors in genealogical research. While they are not perfect (nor should we expect them to be), what they offer is a huge leap forward in automating some of the more tedious aspects of our work. Here’s what stood out most in this first test:
For any genealogist who’s ever squinted at an old death certificate under poor lighting or spent hours transcribing by hand, this platform offers a welcome solution. It’s not a replacement for human verification, but it’s a powerful companion that can accelerate our workflows and help us focus more on the analysis, stories, and connections that make genealogy so rewarding. Coming Soon: Testing Handwriting OCR on Other Genealogy Documents This is just the beginning. In upcoming posts, I’ll be testing Handwriting OCR’s capabilities on:
Have you tested AI handwriting tools for genealogy? What worked (or didn’t) for you? Let me know in the comments! If you find that this would be a valuable addition to you genealogy research toolkit, Handwriting OCR will provide an exclusive offer code to all my blog readers! Just let me know! More AI and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more AI in Genealogy and other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
4/6/2025 Exploring Ancestry’s New “Networks” Feature: A Powerful Tool for Connections Beyond the Family TreeRead NowAncestry recently unveiled a new tool that has the potential to reshape how we document, visualize, and analyze the relationships surrounding our ancestors. Simply called Networks, this new Pro Tools feature allows researchers to build out dynamic relationship webs that go far beyond traditional family lines. Announced at RootsTech and currently in BETA, Networks is already proving to be a valuable resource for exploring the people who interacted with, lived near, or were otherwise involved in our ancestors’ lives—even if they weren’t blood relatives. In genealogy, we often say that it takes a village—not only to raise a child but also to build out a meaningful, contextual family history. Networks offers a new way to capture that village. What Is the Networks Feature? Networks is designed to:
A Real-World Example: Using Networks for Census Boarders I first encountered the Networks feature while working on a client case, and I decided to give it a try right then and there. In the 1910 census, I found a family living together—husband, wife, children—and several other individuals listed in the household. Among them were three men marked as the husband’s “brothers,” and two boarders. Oddly, I had found no additional records linking the three supposed brothers to the family. That’s where Networks came in. Using the new tool, I added all of these individuals to a network linked to the head of household. I treated it like a research workspace: I tagged each person, added census data as media, and even began building out mini-profiles for the three “brothers” and the boarders. Whether the census taker made an error or the relationships are genuine but obscured, this feature gave me the freedom to explore those possibilities without needing to force these individuals directly into the family tree structure. Key Features That Make Networks Useful
How to Access the Networks Feature As of now, Networks is available only to those with an active Pro Tools membership on Ancestry and can only be accessed through the Ancestry website—not the mobile app. There are multiple ways to get to it:
Why This Matters Genealogy is as much about social context as it is about names, dates, and places. Networks fills an important gap in our research process by giving us a structured, visual way to explore the people who encircled our ancestors’ lives—those who may have had deep personal, social, or economic significance but don't appear in a traditional family tree structure. The tool may especially prove useful for:
Final Thoughts While still in BETA, Ancestry’s Networks feature is a useful addition for genealogists at every level. It encourages critical thinking, offers flexibility, and considers the complexity of human relationships—something every family historian grapples with at some point. Whether you’re piecing together a mystery in the census, mapping out an immigrant cluster, or just trying to figure out who that “mystery boarder” might have been, Networks gives you a new lens to view your research through. And sometimes, that fresh perspective is just what we need to break through a long-standing brick wall. Have you tried the Networks feature yet? Share your experiences—I’d love to hear how others are using it in their research! More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
One of the biggest joys in genealogy is making connections—finding long-lost relatives, collaborating with family members, and discovering shared ancestry. MyHeritage has just made that process even easier with their newest tool, Cousin Finder. This innovative feature helps you identify and connect with relatives who share your ancestors—all without taking a DNA test! What Is Cousin Finder? Cousin Finder is a brand-new feature exclusive to MyHeritage that uses the power of family tree matches to identify your blood relatives. It builds upon MyHeritage’s Smart Matches, which compare your family tree with millions of others to find overlapping ancestors. But rather than leaving you to sift through endless matches, Cousin Finder does the work for you, automatically pinpointing the relatives who share a direct ancestral connection with you. How Does It Work? To take advantage of Cousin Finder, you’ll need a family tree on MyHeritage that includes Smart Matches with other trees. The more detailed your tree, the better your results will be! Here’s how it works:
Why This Matters for Genealogists For years, DNA testing has been a key tool in identifying unknown relatives. But not everyone has taken a DNA test, and not every match provides a clear relationship path. Cousin Finder fills this gap by using well-researched family trees to build connections based on documented lineage. Here’s why it’s a game-changer: ✅ Find cousins who haven’t taken a DNA test – Many genealogists have extensive trees but haven’t tested their DNA. Now, you can connect with them based on shared ancestry alone. ✅ See exactly how you’re related – Unlike DNA matches, which can sometimes be unclear, Cousin Finder provides a definitive relationship path based on family trees. ✅ Collaborate with newfound relatives – Once you find a cousin, you can message them (with a MyHeritage subscription) to share information, exchange records, and fill in missing branches of your tree. ✅ Expand your tree faster – Learning from relatives who have researched different branches of your family can help you uncover new generations, stories, and connections. How Is It Different from Smart Matches and DNA Matches? While Smart Matches highlight possible connections between trees, they can be overwhelming because of the large amount. Cousin Finder simplifies the process by extracting only your confirmed relatives, making it easier to focus on meaningful connections. Unlike DNA matches, which rely on genetic relationships, Cousin Finder works from family trees. While tree-based research requires verification, it offers a clearer picture of exactly how you’re related—something DNA alone can’t always provide. Getting Started with Cousin Finder You'll find Cousin Finder under the Discoveries drop-down, and it's free to use for all MyHeritage users, though reaching out to matches requires a subscription. It’s currently available on the MyHeritage website and mobile browsers, with app support coming soon. If you already have a tree on MyHeritage, now is the perfect time to explore Cousin Finder and see just how many cousins you have waiting to be discovered. And if you don’t have a tree yet—what are you waiting for? This tool makes it easier than ever to build, grow, and connect your family history. Have you tried Cousin Finder yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—drop a comment below! More MyHeritage and Other Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more MyHeritage and other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage and Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
Ancestry has rolled out an exciting new feature currently in BETA: the Image Transcript tool! This AI-driven tool can transcribe handwritten journals, diaries, and letters that are uploaded to your family tree, making it easier than ever to preserve and read ancestral documents. While still in development, this tool shows great promise in assisting genealogists with historical handwriting recognition. How to Use the Image Transcript Tool Getting started with this feature is simple. Here’s how you can try it out:
🚨 Note: You may occasionally see an error message stating, “Unfortunately, we can't create a transcription. But this feature is constantly being upgraded to handle more document types. Please try again soon.” If this happens, you can try again later, or it may mean the document is currently unsupported. Putting It to the Test I’ve taken some time to test out this feature with different types of documents, and the results have been quite promising! 🔍 Mid-1800s Bible Page During RootsTech, when Ancestry first announced this tool, I uploaded an old Bible page from my 3rd great-grandfather’s Bible, filled with mid-19th-century handwriting. To my surprise, the tool performed quite well, successfully transcribing a significant portion of the text! While not perfect, it still captured much of the content, and as this tool improves, I expect even better accuracy over time. 📝 1960s Letter Just a couple of weeks later, I tested a handwritten letter from the 1960s, provided by a client. The results were even more impressive! The tool transcribed nearly everything correctly, with only two minor errors. This could be due to either the handwriting being clearer or the AI having already improved in just a short period. Final Thoughts While still in BETA, Ancestry’s Image Transcript tool is showing great potential. As it continues to develop, it could become an essential resource for genealogists looking to extract text from historical handwritten documents with ease. Whether you’re working with centuries-old diaries or more recent family letters, this tool may soon save you time and effort in reading and preserving family history. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go and see how well it works for your documents! Have you tested the Image Transcript tool? Share your experiences in the comments! 📌Note:Since the Image Transcript feature is still in BETA, not everyone may have access yet. While Ancestry announced this feature during their RootsTech Innovation and Tech Forum 2025 session, they did not mention it was in BETA at the time. However, because it is still being tested and refined, availability may vary by account, subscription level, and possibly even location (U.S. always seems to be first). If you don’t see the feature yet, keep checking back! More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More AI Tips, Tools, and FeaturesLearn about more AI in Genealogy tips, tools, features, and resources under the AI in Genealogy category.
At this year’s RootsTech conference, FamilySearch unveiled an exciting new experiment in their FamilySearch Labs: the AI Research Assistant. This cutting-edge tool harnesses generative AI to help genealogists discover new ancestors, find records, and even pull insights from the web. If you’ve ever wished for a genealogy assistant that could quickly scan your tree, locate records, and suggest new family members, this new feature might be exactly what you need! What Is the AI Research Assistant? The AI Research Assistant is designed to: ✅ Search your FamilySearch tree to find missing ancestors. ✅ Find historical records and sources from FamilySearch. ✅ Provide genealogical insights based on available records. ✅ Pull information from the web, offering new research avenues. How It Works: A Real-Life Test To see how well this AI-powered feature performs, I tested it on Margaret Brown, a suggested ancestor from my FamilySearch tree. I selected the AI-generated question: “Help me find genealogical information about Margaret Brown.” The AI’s Results Within seconds, the AI Research Assistant returned a detailed genealogical summary, confirming: 📌 Full Name: Margaret Brown 📌 Birth Date: March 28, 1863 📌 Birth Place: Dalziel, Lanarkshire, Scotland 📌 Parents: William Brown & Janet Tennant (also recorded as Janet Jeannatt Brown) Here’s a screenshot of what the AI generated: Even more impressively, the AI cited its sources, providing two records directly from FamilySearch’s collection: These records were quickly retrieved from Scottish birth and civil registration records, verifying Margaret’s birth details and parentage. Beyond FamilySearch: AI’s Web-Pulling Power While the Margaret Brown example showcased how fast AI can find and summarize FamilySearch records, I wanted to test its ability to search the web for additional genealogy insights—a feature highlighted during RootsTech. I decided to run a search on a more recent ancestor—my father. The results were astonishing. In addition to pulling his birth index, death index, and 1950 census record from FamilySearch, the AI also retrieved a memorial post from my family’s Facebook page—where his passing had been announced. It even included comments from family members, friends, and the Facebook page followers under that post. This demonstrates the real power of AI-assisted genealogy: the ability to bridge historical records with modern digital footprints, uncovering information beyond traditional archives. How to Access the AI Research Assistant Want to try it for yourself? Here’s how to activate this experimental feature: 1️⃣ Sign in (or create) a free FamilySearch account. 2️⃣ On the right-hand side of your FamilySearch home page, scroll down to “FamilySearch Labs.” 3️⃣ Click “View Experiments.” 4️⃣ Find “AI Research Assistant” and click “Try It.” 5️⃣ Start exploring new insights into your family tree! Why This Matters for Genealogy AI is transforming genealogy research by making it faster, more intuitive, and more comprehensive. With FamilySearch’s AI Research Assistant, genealogists can: 🔍 Quickly identify missing ancestors in their tree. 📜 Find relevant records without manual searching. 🌐 Discover web-based family history clues, even from social media. 📝 Ask AI genealogical questions for deeper insights. This is just the beginning of AI-assisted genealogy. As FamilySearch continues refining this tool, we can expect even greater breakthroughs in how we uncover and document our family histories. Have you tested the AI Research Assistant yet? Share your experiences in the comments! More FamilySearch Updates, Features, and ToolsLearn about other FamilySearch updates and features to help in your family history and genealogy research under the FamilySearch category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about other family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
If you don’t know what RootsTech is, it’s the largest family history and genealogy event, around the world, of the year, celebrating family! RootsTech has certainly done it again! That was a fantastic, fun-filled 3 days! They seem to top themselves each year! The RootsTech 2025 event, hosted by FamilySearch, has finally come to an end, but the learning has not. Did you know that you can still access RootsTech? Not only can you access almost everything in your playlist for 3 years, the sessions/classes, keynotes, and Expo Hall (just not the deals), but they are keeping your chats available (to copy down your info) for the year, and you can still access RootsTech Relatives for the rest of the month! So, if you want to view any of the more than 1,500+ RootsTech Sessions (most of the 412+ in-person and online sessions for 2025 and most of the other sessions from the past 3 years), Keynote Speakers or the Expo Hall, they are all still available, and will continue to be available! RootsTech: The Event of the Year, Once Again RootsTech began in 2011, in-person, in Salt Lake City, and for their 10th anniversary, had to get creative, due to Covid. RootsTech 2021 was such a hit going virtual and FREE three years ago, due to Covid, that they went from about 30,000 attendees the year before to over 1,000,000! It was so amazing that they decided to do it again for 2022, and once again broke their record to 3,000,000! Then, they really outdid themselves by going hybrid two years ago, keeping the virtual platform, they designed just to use with the 2021 pandemic event that reached the entire world, and combining it smoothly with an in-person event for those missing the in-person experience, in which they had over 4,000,000 attendees worldwide from 240 countries and territories! This year, hybrid as well, was no exception and was once again the most fantastic global, family discovery event of the year, genealogy or otherwise! My RootsTech 2025 Faves Although I joined virtually and missed out on just a few in-person only sessions and aspects like MyHeritage's featured session and joining up with groups that I'm a part of, I had a great time! I absolutely loved everything about RootsTech, from ALL of the keynote speakers, the sessions, the new RootsTech theme song, “Who I Am” and featured video, the Relatives at RootsTech, the Expo Hall, to the chat and more, all of it was fantastic! All the keynote speakers were amazing, but my absolute faves this year were designer and artist, Dana Tanamachi’s inspiring and emotional personal family history story and journey; activist, author, and missionary to youngsters to preserve their family history and stories, Ndaba Mandela’s powerful and meaningful message; and singer, song writer and YouTube content creator Ysabelle Cuevas’ inspiring personal family history story, that hit home, and her version of the theme song! My other absolute faves at RootsTech were the Innovation and Tech Forum and FamilySearch Global and Tech Forum, as always; the Impact Forum, especially photographer Mylo Fowler’s powerful and inspiring story and message; the beautiful rendition of the theme song that was song by both Tanner Towsend (who did the original) and Ysabelle Cuevas! I joined many classes and have to say my faves this year were the very well organized, clear, concise, thorough, and excellent speakers and their topics, Mindy Taylor and her topic “ Analyzing Evidence: A Research Game Changer”; David Allen Lambert and his topic “ Getting Started in Scottish Research” that covered information fill for ALL levels and Alice Childs and her topic “ Extracting Evidence: Strategies for Analyzing Genealogical Sources! RootsTech 2025 at a Glance Attendees:
Relatives at RootsTech 2025: Out of over 460, 000 participants of Relatives at RootsTech... I had over 30,000 relatives at RootsTech this year! New 2025 Innovations and Tech I Got to Learn About
I saw as much of the main stage as possible and joined quite a few classes, and I’m so glad that I can save the rest to my playlist for later; of course, there was no way to get in everything in just 3 short days! 😉
It was such a big hit once again that they’ll being going hybrid again next year! See you on March 5th of 2025! Don't forget to discover your past and those that came before, by including family, friends, strangers, communities, and the world! Discover those that have made the biggest impact on you, your stories, memories, traditions, and more, and preserve those memories for future generations so they can learn from our experiences! Discover how you can share your family history discoveries, knowledge, and resources to help others discover those that came before and who had the greatest impact on their lives! Discover you, discover connection, discover something new about your story and connect with it in a deeper way! If you missed the RootsTech 2025 event, you can still sign up for FREE online and view all the classes for FREE, at RootsTech! Don’t have an account? You can create your FREE FamilySearch account at FamilySearch! In recent years, DNA testing has revolutionized the field of genealogy. What was once limited to dusty archives and oral histories has now expanded into the realm of genetic analysis, offering a deeper, more scientific understanding of our roots. But why should you consider taking a DNA test? Below are the top five reasons, complete with detailed explanations and examples, to help you decide if DNA testing is right for you. 1. Discovering Your Ethnic Origins One of the most popular reasons people turn to DNA testing is to discover their ethnic origins. Companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage, and Living DNA analyze your DNA to provide estimates of your ethnic makeup. This can reveal surprising details about your heritage, connecting you to regions and cultures you might not have known were part of your family history. Example: Imagine growing up with the understanding that your family was predominantly of Irish descent, only to find through DNA testing that you have significant Scandinavian roots. This newfound knowledge could inspire you to explore Scandinavian customs, learn the language, or even travel to the region to connect with your ancestral homeland. 2. Connecting with Genetic Relatives DNA testing can connect you with relatives you never knew existed. Whether you're looking to expand your family tree, find distant cousins, or even discover biological family members, DNA matches can lead to meaningful connections and enrich your understanding of your family's history. Example: A woman adopted at birth used DNA testing to find her biological parents and siblings. Through the DNA matches provided by the testing service, she was able to connect with a half-sister who had been searching for her as well. This discovery not only filled in missing pieces of her personal history but also introduced her to a whole new family. 3. Breaking Down Brick Walls in Genealogical Research Genealogists often encounter "brick walls"—points in their research where records become scarce or nonexistent. DNA testing can help break down these barriers by providing clues that guide researchers toward new records or previously unknown family connections. Example: A genealogist struggling to find records for an ancestor who immigrated to the United States in the 1800s discovered a distant cousin through DNA testing. This cousin had access to family letters that mentioned the ancestor's original name and birthplace in Europe, providing the breakthrough needed to continue the research. 4. Understanding Genetic Health Risks While genealogy-focused DNA tests primarily provide information about ancestry and relatives, some services also offer insights into genetic health risks, such as 23andMe. By understanding your genetic predispositions, you can make informed decisions about your health and lifestyle, potentially catching issues before they become serious. Example: A man with a family history of heart disease took a DNA test that included health risk analysis. The test revealed that he carried a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of heart conditions. Armed with this knowledge, he consulted his doctor and adopted a healthier lifestyle to mitigate his risks, possibly preventing future health problems. 5. Preserving Your Family's Legacy for Future Generations DNA testing is not just about uncovering the past; it's also about preserving your family’s legacy for future generations. By testing your DNA, you contribute to a genetic record that your descendants can use to understand their heritage, make connections, and continue building the family tree long after you're gone. Example: A grandfather decided to take a DNA test to leave a genetic record for his grandchildren. Along with the results, he wrote a letter explaining what he knew about the family's history and how DNA testing might reveal even more. His grandchildren now have a valuable resource for exploring their heritage and adding to the family's legacy. ConclusionDNA testing offers a fascinating window into our past, present, and future. Whether you're curious about your ethnic roots, looking to connect with relatives, or aiming to break down brick walls in your genealogical research, DNA testing can provide the answers you seek. Additionally, understanding your genetic health risks and preserving your family's legacy for future generations makes DNA testing a powerful tool that extends beyond simple curiosity. With each test, you’re not just uncovering your story—you’re also adding to the ever-growing tapestry of human history. More Genetic Genealogy/DNA ResourcesFind more DNA genealogy resources, tips, and other info under the Genetic Genealogy and DNA category. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Top GenealogyHave you ever wondered where your deep ancestral roots lie beyond the last few centuries? MyHeritage has just introduced an exciting new DNA feature: Ancient Origins. This tool provides a fascinating look at your genetic connections to ancient civilizations, giving you a glimpse into where your ancestors may have lived thousands of years ago. What Is Ancient Origins?The Ancient Origins feature analyzes your MyHeritage DNA results and compares them to DNA found in archaeological remains from different historical populations. By doing this, MyHeritage can estimate which ancient groups your ancestors were connected to—helping you see how your lineage may have traveled and evolved over time. How Does It Work?
What You’ll Get in Your Ancient Origins Report This feature goes beyond just showing you ancient populations—it offers multiple reports to help you better understand your deep ancestry:
Why This Feature Is Exciting
Things to Keep in Mind
Final Thoughts The Ancient Origins feature is a fascinating way to explore the distant past of your lineage. If you’ve already taken a MyHeritage DNA test, check out your results and see where your ancient ancestors may have lived, and if you haven't yet, now is the perfect time. It’s just one more way to bring history and family heritage together! Have you explored your Ancient Origins results yet? What did you discover? Let me know in the comments! More MyHeritage, DNA, and Other Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more MyHeritage, AI in Genealogy, and other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage, Genetic Genealogy and DNA, Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
Starting Your Journey in African American GenealogyExploring your family’s history is a journey of discovery, connection, and understanding. For African American genealogy, the process is uniquely shaped by historical challenges, rich traditions, and the resilience of ancestors. If you’re ready to dive into your family’s past, this guide will help you take the first steps with confidence. Understanding the Basics of African American GenealogyGenealogy is the study of family history, tracing ancestors to learn more about who they were and how their lives shaped yours. African American genealogy often involves unique challenges, including gaps in records due to slavery and segregation. Begin your research by:
Key Records for African American Research Several types of records are essential for tracing African American ancestry:
Overcoming Challenges Researching African American ancestry can be complex, but with patience and creativity, challenges can be addressed:
Specialized Tools and Resources Several online tools and databases specialize in African American genealogy:
Advanced Tips for Your Journey Once you’ve explored the basics, you can dig deeper:
Case Study: Solving a Genealogical Puzzle Imagine tracing an ancestor named Sarah, listed in the 1870 Census in Mississippi but missing from earlier records. By:
Resources for Further Research Begin with these essential tools:
Start Your Journey Today African American genealogy is a journey that connects you to your ancestors, their struggles, and their triumphs. Every record, story, and discovery helps bring their lives into focus and ensures their legacy is preserved.
Ready to begin? Start with oral histories, explore the 1950 Census, and let the records guide your way. For more resources and support, visit the African American Genealogy category of my blog. |
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Author, Diane HenriksHi, I'm Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist and investigator who... Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family: Family History and Genealogy BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Categories
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