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Categories Updates Ancestry Customer Stories Events Subscribe to Blog go to FamilyTreeDNA.com Search FamilyTreeDNA Blog Learn more about FamilyTreeDNA, read customer journeys, and discover the world of DNA! Show all Jewish Ancestry African Customer Stories Y-DNA Updates mtDNA Family Family Finder Events Adoption News myDNA Wellness Press Releases South-Asian White Papers French Discover™ Irish Ancient DNA Big Y-700 Native American Products Group Projects Research Documents and DNA: Telling the Story of Janine Cloud’s Paternal Line Explore the Cloud paternal line, a tangled history of Cherokee ancestry, the Trail of Tears, and ancestry mysteries unraveled through DNA testing. May 9, 2024 Exploring the Full Mitochondrial Genome: Understanding the Inheritance of Mitochondria Read part two of our mtDNA series, and discover the unique inheritance of the mitochondrial genome and the potential insights into our ancestral origins with mtFull Sequence. May 6, 2024 The Evolution of Names: From Patronymics to Surnames Learn about the types of patronymic systems and explore why patronymics were used in the first place and why standard surnames replaced them. May 2, 2024 Unraveling the Spiral: A Celebration of DNA Day What is DNA Day and why is it celebrated? Read the history behind this special day. April 25, 2024 What is mtDNA? What can you learn from the DNA found in the mitochondria? Read part one from a five part series on mtDNA. April 22, 2024 What is Autosomal DNA? Exploring your paternal lineage uncovers a treasure trove of family history. Y-DNA testing, pioneered by FamilyTreeDNA since 2000, guides this journey. You can discover new ancestors and validate family connections by testing your Y-DNA. Learn about the evolution of Y-DNA testing and the advancements reshaping our understanding of paternal ancestry. April 18, 2024 What is Y-DNA? Exploring your paternal lineage uncovers a treasure trove of family history. Y-DNA testing, pioneered by FamilyTreeDNA since 2000, guides this journey. You can discover new ancestors and validate family connections by testing your Y-DNA. Learn about the evolution of Y-DNA testing and the advancements reshaping our understanding of paternal ancestry. April 16, 2024 Multi-Marker Research: A Closer Look at the Washington Family Study Join us as we trade in the cherry tree legend for the fascinating task of building George Washington's family tree through advanced genetic analysis. March 28, 2024 Revolutionary Study: New Genetic Analysis Traces George Washington’s Family Learn more about the recent study identifying George Washington’s family line through new genetic testing methods. March 28, 2024 Old as Dirt: Four Dating Methods Used For Ancient DNA Jim Brewster provides an overview of how dating methods work for ancient DNA samples, and what that information means for genetic genealogy. March 19, 2024 Using Y-DNA to Discover the Scottish Connection Between Two Lineages Susan Hedeen and Tim Duncan explain how Big Y-700 testing, a coordinated outreach effort, and several trips to Scotland helped them discover the origin of two Scottish lineages. March 14, 2024 Tracing Enslaved Ancestors with African DNA Darius Brown, author of At the Feet of the Elders: A Journey into a Lowcountry Family History” gives a glimpse into how DNA testing catalyzed his family history research and connected him from South Carolina to Africa. February 23, 2024 Ancient Lineages: A 49,000-Year-Old Branch Split in Y-DNA Haplogroup E Confirmed 15 Years After Initial Discovery A customer with a Family Finder test received a Y-DNA haplogroup that led to the rediscovery of a haplogroup that was discovered 15 years ago. February 21, 2024 Rootstech 2024: Your Guide to the Virtual Experience The FamilyTreeDNA guide to RootsTech 2024, virtual! We've got a list of sessions, how to find the chat rooms, and more! February 15, 2024 RootsTech 2024: Get Ready for Salt Lake City with FamilyTreeDNA The FamilyTreeDNA guide to RootsTech 2024, in person! Including speakers, classes, booth info, and more! January 10, 2024 Don’t Lose Your DNA Record: Verifying Your FamilyTreeDNA Account Settings Preserve your genealogical legacy on FamilyTreeDNA! Ensure lasting impact by updating contact info, adding beneficiaries, and assigning kit managers. Learn the vital steps for securing your DNA record. January 4, 2024 Building Friendships in the Genealogy Conference Circuit Dive into the heart of genealogy conferences, where passion for ancestry intertwines seamlessly with the joy of fostering enduring friendships. December 19, 2023 The Best Gifts For a Genealogist – 2023 Holiday Guide Discover the ideal gifts for genealogists in our 2023 Gift Guide. From DNA testing kits to personalized family history tools, find thoughtful presents that celebrate the art of unraveling family stories. December 11, 2023 Recruit Potential Y-DNA Testers From Your Family Finder Match List Master using Family Finder to identify potential Y-DNA matches and refine research. November 27, 2023 Big Y Lifetime Analysis: The Myth of the Manual Review All Big Y testers receive a lifetime analysis of their results. Learn more about the process of a lifetime analysis and what that means for your refined Y-DNA haplogroup. November 22, 2023 Goth Talk: The True Origins of the Goths Revealed A recent ancient DNA paper examining the Goths and their origins is out, but not the ones you might be thinking of. November 13, 2023 FamilyTreeDNA October 2023 Town Hall Recently, FamilyTreeDNA employees attended a town hall to review everything that had happened in the third quarter of 2023. So we'd like to review it with you guys as well. October 26, 2023 Understanding Surname Spelling Variations on Your Family Line Explore our analysis on surname spelling variations, revealing the historical factors that triggered these changes, providing valuable insights to use in your genealogy research. October 12, 2023 Connecting Past and Present: Tracing Formerly Enslaved Ancestors Through DNA Testing Explore the intricate world of genealogy with expert Samantha Jones. Uncover DNA testing insights and trace your roots back to enslaved ancestors. October 3, 2023 FAQ: I Need Help Accessing My Kit Facing FamilyTreeDNA access issues? Get the assistance you need to regain control of your kit and data. September 27, 2023 Globetrekker, Part 3: We Are Making History The third part of the Globetrekker series reveals parallels in ancient history and DNA migrations. September 26, 2023 The Resilient Sephardic Jewish Legacy in Hispanic Culture Explore the intricate history of Sephardic Jewish heritage, the Diaspora, and its lasting influence on Hispanic culture and the Americas. September 16, 2023 Uncovering Surname Origins: Mark’s Journey with FamilyTreeDNA Join Mark Bankston as he unravels his family's Swedish heritage, discovering surprising lineage connections. Curiosity led him to a revelation. What will your DNA reveal about your past? September 13, 2023 Discover the Intriguing Paternal Lineage of Michael Jackson: Unraveling His Ancestral Roots Discover the origins of the Jackson industrious spirit and paternal line as Sherman McRae delves into the King of Pop’s Big Y-700 connection. August 29, 2023 FAQ: Do I Need To Swab Again if I Upgrade My DNA Test? You probably don't need to swab again, but if you do, make sure you're taking the right steps before upgrading your DNA test. August 28, 2023 What’s in a Name? Six Types of Surnames You Might Find in Your Family Tree What do you know about where your surname comes from? Understanding surname origins can help you research the origins of your family line. August 24, 2023 Discovering Irish Roots: Paul’s Journey with FamilyTreeDNA Paul McMonagle made a surprising discovery about his father's lineage when he took a Y-37 test. He discovered his Irish roots, connected with Y-DNA matches, and found his place on the Tree of Mankind. August 16, 2023 Globetrekker, Part 2: Advancing the Science of...