|
VISITING
AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE
OCTOBER
2009
FACTS & GENES NEWSLETTER
REPRINT VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3
Forwarded From "Facts and
Genes" with permission to reprint.
(see below)
Facts
& Genes Volume 8, Issue 3
Editor's
Corner
Welcome to this issue of Facts & Genes, our publication
devoted to Genetic Genealogy.
This issue of Facts & Genes brings exciting news about a
new goal and significantly reduced pricing. Family Tree DNA has set a
goal of building the largest mtDNA full sequence database in the world
to assist you with your genealogy. As the first step towards this
goal, we are offering a special promotion for the mtDNA Full Sequence
test and upgrades to this test. Please see our announcement below in
the article "In
the News: Family Tree DNA Announcements" for further
information.
Oldest
Known Ancestors Location for Mapping
65,744
members have added their most distant ancestor and location to their
DNA result. Are you are missing out on how this feature can provide
clues for your genealogy? See the article below titled
"Genetic Genealogy: Oldest Known Ancestors Location for
Mapping".
We
hope you enjoy this issue.
Dexter
In
The News
Family Tree DNA is pleased to announce milestones achieved and
new features.
1.
The following milestones have been achieved: Family Tree DNA now has
over 265,000 test result records in our database. We have over 167,000
Y-DNA records and over 5,600 Surname Projects, which include over
91,000 surnames. Our mtDNA database contains over 98,000 results.
2.
Family Tree DNA is pleased to announce the implementation of new
technology for the mtDNA Full Sequence test. This new technology
enables us to significantly reduce the price of the mtDNA Full
Sequence test, as well as the price of upgrades from HVR1 and HVR2.
3.
mtDNA Database Upgrade: Family Tree DNA has applied several upgrades
to our mtDNA database. These upgrades bring everyone to the same mtDNA
sequence and haplogroup nomenclatures. If you have tested your mtDNA,
you may see that minor changes took place to your motif and haplogroup
and, by extension, to your matches. These represent an upgrade due to
developments in science and will improve the value of your matches.
Additional updates may continue to take place in the future as science
continues to advance. Changes to your results due to these updates do
not indicate that your original results were wrong; only that
improvements in our knowledge due to scientific advancements have
allowed us to improve upon your original results and apply these
updates to your account.
Starting
a Surname Project
If you are thinking about starting a Surname Project, now is a
great time to get started. Our educational resources and email and
telephone consultation help you each step of the way. Feeling confused
or overwhelmed will quickly pass, and be replaced with the excitement
of new discoveries.
Anyone with some experience with family history research can
start a Surname Project. We supply the tools and guidance to help you
make your Surname Project successful.
There are just two steps to take to become a Group
Administrator of a Surname Project:
1.
Find
out if a Surname Project exists for your surname. Click
on this link to search our database of Surname Projects.
2.
If
a Surname Project has not been established for your surname, then use
the email
contact to establish or ask questions about establishing a Surname
Project.
Events
and Publications
October
29-31, 2009
International
Black Genealogy Summit
Allen County Public Library
Fort Wayne, IN
Speaker: Bennett Greenspan, CEO, Family Tree DNA
Topic: DNA & African Americans
Be sure to visit the Family Tree DNA display.
Genetic
Genealogy
mtDNA
Full Sequence Test
The
Family Tree DNA database currently holds over 6,100 mtDNA full
sequences. We have set a new goal to build the most comprehensive
mtDNA full sequence database in the world.
As
a result of implementing new technology for the mtDNA Full Sequence
test, Family Tree DNA has significantly reduced the price of the mtDNA
Full Sequence test and upgrades from HVR1 and HVR2.
As a result, in October we are offering special prices on the
mtDNA Full Sequence test and upgrades.
mtDNA
Full Sequence $229.00
Upgrade from HVR1 $199.00
Upgrade from HVR2 $179.00
The timing of this technology upgrade was planned to allow us
to complete the hundreds of orders we received for Y-DNA Deep Clade
tests.
The mtDNA Full Sequence test provides a result for the full
mtDNA molecule, and is therefore the last mtDNA test you will ever
need. An mtDNA full sequence match will enable you to find matches
that are more likely to be related in a genealogical time frame.
The mtDNA Full Sequence test is ideal for those using
mitochondrial DNA for maternal genealogy and those exploring more
ancient ancestry. The test covers all three parts of your maternally
inherited DNA:
HVR1
– 16001 to 16569
HVR2
– 00001 to 00574
The
Coding Region (CR) – 00575 to 16000
If you've taken an mtDNA test or have contemplated taking an
mtDNA test, be sure to take advantage of the special prices available
in October. Orders need to be placed and paid by the end of the day
October 31st.
To order, log into your personal page and click "Special
Offers" in the "My Account" section in the menu on the
left.
Oldest
Known Ancestors Location for Mapping
If you have taken a Y-DNA or mtDNA test, you
can gain more from your test results by entering information about
your oldest direct male line or direct female line ancestor. As more
people enter their information, the value of the My Maps feature
increases.
With My Maps, you can see the ancestral locations of your
matches. This information may provide a clue to finding your ancestral
homeland, or a clue for further research.
Take a moment today to enter your most distant direct line male
or direct line female ancestor information:
Log into your personal page. In the menu on the left, under My
Maps, click "Plot Ancestral Locations".
Below the map you will find the entries for your most distant
known paternal and maternal ancestors. If you have not made an entry
before, the entries will say “No Label Saved” or “No Location
Saved.” To add your direct male line ancestor, click the edit button
on the left. To add your direct female line ancestor, click the edit
button on the right.
Enter your ancestor’s name, date of birth, and date of death.
Where a date is unknown, enter date unknown. This is a free form text
field, so enter as much or as little information that is known.
Then click "Next Step." In step 2, you will identify
the location of your most distant ancestor. You can now enter your
location using natural language, such as Dublin, Ireland. You can also
still enter the location by latitude and longitude. Choose either
"Search by Location Name" or "Enter Latitude and
Longitude". We recommend searching by location name.
You will now enter your most distant ancestor’s birth place.
Perhaps you only know a general area, such as Ireland, and not a
specific location. This is fine, and the pin on map will go in the
country.
Perhaps you don't know your ancestor’s birth place, but do
know where he or she married or where he or she is buried. Then in
Step 1, where you entered information about your ancestor, also add a
note that the location is for the marriage or for the burial. This
will help the people you match when they see your ancestor’s pin on
their map.
Once you have entered the information for your direct male line
and direct female line ancestors, click "Maps" in the menu
on the left to view your matches’ ancestral locations.
The color of the push pins on the map reflect how closely you
match, from red for an exact match to grey for a 7 step genetic
distance.
On the upper right is a button called "Map
Instructions." Click on this button to get a tour and explanation
of the different features of the map.
My Map is an exciting new tool which may help you in finding
your ancestral location. For the tool to be very valuable, everyone
needs to enter their most distant known ancestor's location.
Please take a moment to do this today.
Additionally,
your Group Administrator can select an option for the DNA Project web
site to display the map of the location of most distant ancestors. If
you are a Group Administrator, go to your Group Administration Page.
Then click on Family Project Web site. This page is used to set up and
maintain your web site. Move down the page, below the boxes, where you
will see:
Display
Ancestor's (Alleles) Map:
Display Ancestor's (mtDNA) Map:
Check the box to the right of the first line to display the
Y-DNA most distant ancestor map. Check the box to the right of the
second line to display the mtDNA most distant ancestor map.
The Group Administrator can also view a map of the most distant
ancestor or of the participants' locations by going to the Group
Administration Page and clicking "View Member Distribution
Map."
Those who have tested are encouraged to add their most distant
ancestor information today!
My Maps is an exciting step forward for all genealogists.
Again, Family Tree DNA is the leader in Genetic Genealogy,
consistently investing in new tools, features, and services for
genealogists.
Take a few minutes today to enter the location of your oldest
known direct line male ancestor and direct line female ancestor so
everyone can benefit from My Maps.
Genetic
Genealogy: An Adoptee’s Success Story
Recently, one of our customers shared his success story with
the Wall Street Journal. The story of Richard Hill's 30 year search to
find his paternal birth father and how he combined DNA testing with
research to reach success was featured on the front page of the May 2,
2009 Wall Street Journal.
You
can read the full story here.
You
can see a video of Richard telling his story, in his own words.
Many individuals who were adopted are searching for information
about their biological parents or general information about their
family origins. With the largest Y-DNA and mtDNA databases in the
world, Family Tree DNA gives you the best chance to find relevant
information about your family.
Family Tree DNA provides testing for genealogists, and is the
pioneer in the field of genetic genealogy. Your ancestors left clues
to your genealogy in you and other descendents. You can unlock these
clues with DNA testing.
DNA
testing can show:
if
two people are related
your
suggested geographic origins
your
deep ancestral origins.
Genetic
Genealogy: Vendor Selection
Selecting
a vendor for your DNA test or Surname Project is a very important
step. Often, the vendor selected will determine the success of your
project. If you are a participant, the vendor selected may determine
whether you find matches and whether you maximize your investment in
DNA testing, based on the size of the vendor's database.
Why
test with Family Tree DNA?
Other
than the cost of the test, all the following services are provided FOR
FREE.
You will be included in the largest Y-DNA and mtDNA databases
in the world.
You have total control over whether you compare your results
only within your project or against the entire database.
The names and email addresses of your genetic matches are
provided so that you may contact them.
Personal phone and e-mail support is provided by qualified
personnel. Both the phones and email messages are answered by a human
being and not by an automated response system.
Family Tree DNA is the only service which has a calculator,
created by our population geneticist, that provides you with the
likelihood of sharing a common ancestor with your genetic match within
a certain time frame.
Family Tree DNA allows you to join, leave, and be part of
multiple Projects at the same time, without any additional testing or
cost.
As additional people test, your result will be matched against
them and in case of a match, you will be immediately notified by
e-mail.
Family Tree DNA allows you continued access to your account,
projects, and matches without additional testing, cost or subscription
fees.
Family Tree DNA is the only company that stores your DNA for 25
years allowing you to order additional tests using the original
sample.
Family Tree DNA is the only company to offer the SNP Assurance
Program: if no ancestral haplogroup can be estimated with 100%
certainty, FTDNA will SNP test your sample for free.
Family Tree DNA is the only DNA testing service that partners
with National Geographic’s Genographic Project and allows you to add
your results to that project for a nominal fee that goes to the
Genographic Legacy Fund.
To get an in-depth understanding of the multiple important
factors involved in vendor selection, please read the articles shown
below.
Every day, people and Surname Projects switch to Family Tree
DNA. We understand that there is an additional cost to be re-tested,
which is required to maintain our database integrity. A discount is
provided to those who have tested elsewhere to make it easier for them
to join Family Tree DNA, the leading vendor in Genetic Genealogy.
Click
here to order if you have tested at another vendor.
Would you trust your project to a vendor where Genetic
Genealogy is not their primary business?
For
Group Admins
For
Group Administrators: Annual Update
An
annual update to your DNA Project Profile and DNA Project web site
will help you recruit more participants. In the past year, you have
learned more about DNA testing and recruited participants, and in the
process you became aware of their questions and concerns. You can
apply the knowledge you have gained to update your DNA Project Profile
and DNA Project web site.
If is also helpful to get an independent review of your DNA
Project Profile and DNA Project web site. Perhaps you have a friend
whom you could ask for feedback.
Family Tree DNA has thousands of visitors each day who search a
surname. If they encounter your DNA Project, will they be motivated to
join?
Here are 10 tips to improve your DNA Project Profile and DNA
Project web site:
keep
scientific explanations and terminology at a minimum
avoid
long explanations
avoid
long paragraphs
cover
the benefits: what can a participant gain?
convey
enthusiasm
fancy
graphics are not necessary
encourage
them to contact you with questions or for further information
cover
the results achieved so far
don't
fill up the screen with words; leave white space
focus
on discovery: what will the participant discover
Updating your DNA Project Profile and DNA Project web site will
often improve recruiting success.
Case
Studies in Genealogy
In each issue of the newsletter, we present a situation which
you may encounter as you utilize Genetic Genealogy testing for your
family history research, followed by our recommendation.
Our Surname Project now has 14 participants, representing 14
family trees, and no one has a match yet. What does this mean?
Recommendation
The first step is to learn more about your surname.
The ancestral country for your surname is England. Looking at a
surname distribution map, based on the 1881 census, shows your surname
present in every county except 2, and a concentration in Yorkshire,
Lancashire, and London. The fact that the surname found in almost
every county, plus the fact that there are over 17,000 persons with
the surname in the 1881 census for England and Wales, indicates that
this is a multiple origin surname. In addition, since your surname is
an occupational surname, and the occupation was spread all over the
country, there could be well over 100 origins, and perhaps
significantly more. The occupation was not as common as many other
occupations, which is a positive factor.
The population size of the surname in the UK as of 2002,
according to the Office of National Statistics, is over 31,000.
A look at early occurrences, pre-1450, for rare and obscure
sources, show only 24 occurrences, a very good sign, indicating a
smaller number of origins than I expected. The large population in
1881 could be due to one or more trees ramifying.
A quick look at variants shows later occurrences, indicating
late forming variants.
Based on the above information, the problem you face is that
there are many origins for the surname, and you need multiple persons
representing different origins to test in the UK to find a match. You
may get lucky with the first one, though that would be unusual.
Suggested
actions are:
Collect the pre-1600 recordings of the surname to identify
locations for these early occurrences.
Join the genealogy societies for the counties with the highest
frequency of the surname. Based on the 1881 UK Census, this would be
Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. Post to members interests about
genealogy to attract people that you then can educate about DNA
testing.
Join
the genealogy societies for the counties with the early occurrences.
Post interests as above.
If steps 2 and 3 yield no results, consider the second tier of
counties.
At
the same time, post to Rootsweb message boards for any county about
genealogy of your surname and DNA testing. Spread out the posts so you
don't get objections from the board administrators, and check with
administrators first for their policy about posting about DNA. Be sure
to include relevant genealogy information in your posting.
Consider direct mail to either phone book entries or the
Electoral Roll. If you offer to pay for a DNA test, you will get a
much higher response rate. Consider raising donations to fund UK
tests. The quality of your letter determines your response rate, so
invest in developing a quality letter.
Build up USA participation in the project. With only 14 persons
tested, this is a very small group compared to the frequency of the
surname.
Be
patient. With a high frequency surname, it is more difficult, but not
impossible, to find the connection to the UK.
I looked at the project, and several surnames are included that
I don't think are variants, so I would break apart the project,
extracting the surnames that are not variants, so there would be
multiple group administrators, who would focus on recruiting for their
group of surnames.
In
the Next Issue
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Facts & Genes.
Please feel free to contact the editor with your comments, feedback,
questions to be addressed, as well as suggestions for future articles.
If you are a Group Administrator and can help others with tips or
suggestions, please contact our editor.
About
Facts & Genes
Facts & Genes is a monthly newsletter published by
FamilyTreeDNA. If you did not receive this newsletter directly and
would like to receive your own subscription, sign up on our website.
Family Tree DNA provides a wide variety of educational
resources to help you apply Genetic Genealogy to your family history
research, including email and telephone consultation with our customer
service staff. Begin
your education, past issues of the newsletter are available at our web
site.
If you change your email address, be sure to update your
address for your newsletter subscription.
Customers should follow these steps to update their email
address: log in to your personal page. Click “Contact
Information.” Update your email address in the contact information
form. Confirm the checkbox next to “Facts & Genes
Subscription” is checked. Click “Update.”
Subscribers who are not customers should send an email
including the original and new email addresses and a request to update
the subscription to editor@FamilyTreeDNA.com
©
All Contents Copyright 2001-2009 Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd.
|
