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The Ancestry Genetics Journey: An Introduction

Recently I have seen a huge increase in people’s interest in uncovering their ancestral heritage and to learn further about their ancient roots. This is a subject I am quite passionate about and have been studying as a hobby for over 20 years. By no means am I an expert but I have a great deal of knowledge and experience I have acquired that I feel is important to share with my readers.

Getting started with the process of uncovering your ancestral heritage via your DNA can be quite intimidating but it does not have to be if the right tools and tutorials are given to you. This is a complicated subject that I could spend hours explaining regarding Genealogy, Mitochondrial DNA, and even the fascinating forensic science of Isotopic mapping but for this blog post I feel it should be a How-to beginner’s guide.

So in order to give those interested a starting point in beginning this amazing journey I am providing a list of websites and articles I feel are fantastic for not just beginners but for anyone who wishes to expand upon their own search.

Please do take note of the GEDmatch links as these are essential above all to get such specific details of your ancestral heritage it may just blow your mind.

Websites to get a DNA ancestry test to begin the journey of discovery

Then be sure to go to Ancestry DNA.

23 and Me

MyHeritage DNA

HomeDNA

Helix website

Join GEDmatch for free HERE.

What is GEDmatch?

Directly from the website About page.

“GEDmatch is a free DNA comparison and analysis website for people who have tested their autosomal DNA using a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, such as 23andMe, or have a custom file from other sources. Testers download their DNA data file from the testing company, and then upload it to GEDmatch. GEDmatch processes the file, adds it to a genealogical database, and provides applications for matching and further analysis. Because GEDmatch aggregates files from all testing companies, your potential for matches is greater.”

GEDmatch can be a bit overwhelming for those first looking at the website so I want to provide to you easy guides to follow.

GEDmatch: Get Started

Genetic Genealogy Using GEDmatch: An Absolute Beginners Guide

Many beginning genetic genealogists want to know which GEDmatch tools to access first and in what order. This video will help with getting started using GEDmatch.

Further Resources:

Which DNA Test is Best for Me?

Ethnic DNA Testing Reveals Your Genetic Heritage

Ancestors and Heritage in Paganism

If you follow these 5 tips when getting started in genealogy research, you will have more success. These family history tips that will help you avoid the most common genealogy mistakes.