Tracing Ancestry
 

I recently sent my DNA sample into www.genetree.com in Salt Lake City. (I am not endorsing them - they have many competitors). They are going to trace my maternal and paternal lineage back 18,000 years. For quite a bit more money, a professional geneologist will look at birth, baptism, marriage and death certificates, property deeds, ship manifests, etc., and lead me to cousins far removed.

I would be interested in this Bronxbomber - I recently found out that I am 25% Jewish - no one thought to let me in on that my entire life... let us know how it works out for you.

I looked at this but it seems like it would only work if someone else had submitted their DNA as well?

The work of the professional genealogist would tell you a lot more about your lineage than the DNA test... unless you're more interested in the "big picture" and not the individual generational details.

Mom, as I unterstand it, due to the laws of genetics, a female can only trace her paternal line. If she has a brother, or a maternal grandfather, uncle or cousin who will submit their DNA as well, she can get the maternal line, as well. The website I cited explains it better.

Jean, I think DNA analysis has become the magic wand for geneologists, the thing which points them true. At least, this is what I infer from the Salt Lake City site I am working with.

Then they've marketed the test well.

I've been tracing my genealogy for more than 20 years. The DNA results can send you in a direction you hadn't thought of (like Mom's Jewish ancestry or to specific geographic areas/countries), but (for example) it's not going to tell you the names, birthdates/places, deathdates/places, professions, etc., of your 16 great-great-grandparents. And that's not even going back very far.

But good luck, and let us know what you find out from the results.

It was maternal line that I can only trace as a female. I did look at hiring a geneologist - but wow - they were expensive. I have already gone to my Great Great Grandparents with some of my family - and hit a gold mine with connecting with a 3rd cousin who has spent years doing this - he even was able to direct me to my Great Grandparents graves - it has been a mystery of sorts unlocked - as up until I started this - I never knew I was Jewish at all...

I do not have an extra 1,500 to spend to do this at this season of my life -

We were posting at the same time Jean - yes, that is what it appeared to me - that it was a waste of 179.00 for me really.

Mom, aren't break-throughs fun!

Jean - there has been something very special about it to me.

What was astonishing to those that know me well is my deep respect and fascination with the Jewish faith. (I am a Christian)

I was did a holocaust study with my daughter, and have been passionate that the next generation must not forget as the survivors pass away - to go onto find out that my Great Grandparents were from Ukraine and Jewish. Funny how our souls sometimes know something...