I just realized how much we need new family researchers.
And, in addition to finding and encouraging new genealogists, we also need to
urge these newbies to get their DNA tested. The reason? This combination of new
research and DNA results increases the database and creates more opportunities for
finding new matches.
Recently I found my maternal great grandmother after
decades of brick walls. The reason this happened was because of new matches
available on Ancestry DNA. Now I must admit that Thomas MacEntee's Genealogy Do-Over provided
some help. It cleared out the garbage and made that one piece of information jump
out at me. And, don’t tell anyone that I treated it as a BSO. I just couldn’t
help myself. Sometimes you just need to throw caution to the wind and go for
those bright shiny objects!
DNA is beginning to grow roots in the genealogy orchard.
Lectures and seminars are sprouting up all over the country as more experts come forward to share what
they have learned. Be aware though that not all of these experts know more than
you. Journals are publishing more
articles about DNA testing as it relates to family research. The main reason
for this is more people are having
their DNA tested and therefore there is a demand for more education. At the same time, all these additional people are
adding to the database of possible relatives and ancestors.
You probably noticed that one word stands out in the
previous paragraph. MORE. More is an important genealogy term! It applies to almost
everything genealogical. More databases online; more genealogy societies; more
conferences; more primary sources necessary for lineage papers to be approved.
When the internet brought genealogy to our computers, we wanted more information.
Now DNA testing is new and we need more results.
Now you have your assignment. If you haven’t tested your
DNA, do it – now! Encourage your genealogy friends to do likewise. Buy your
family members testing kits for Christmas, birthdays or “just because”. It will
pay off for you and contribute to the world of genealogy.
