Genealogy relies so heavily on the existence of paper records that are often difficult to find and even more difficult to interpret. With the advancements in DNA testing and knowledge, the future of genealogy is here in the form of genetic genealogy.
- Leaving Paper Records in the Past
Current genealogy research relies heavily and almost exclusively on paper records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. These records are subject to wear and are often inaccurate in the case of older records.
Many avid genealogists travel the nation and even the world to search libraries and archives that they cannot otherwise access in hopes of finding missing links in their family tree. This can be a very frustrating process when a search comes up empty after traveling such long distances. These genealogy research trips can prove to be a big waste of money, time and efforts.
Obviously genetic genealogy cannot completely eliminate traditional genealogy research methods. It is in fact somewhat reliant on them since there are obviously not DNA samples of every one of your deceased relatives, but genetic genealogy can be used to verify existing genealogical research.
As genetic genealogy expands it will become even more effective in doing what it all ready does. It can be used to verify family relationships, confirm relations among surname variants, extend your genealogy and leave a living legacy. Imagine how much easier it will be to find a lost relative when a large DNA database has been established and all you have to do is give a DNA sample and the matches will be automatically found for you. Though it is still relatively in its youth, genetic genealogy shows that the future of genealogy has arrived.
Kent Fairbourn is a Client Account Specialist for 10x Marketing. Go now Relative Genetics to perform a Free Surname Search and learn more about Genetic Genealogy.
