information about dna testing
SHOULD I DO DNA TESTING?
> DON’T DO IT if you are unprepared to find unpleasant surprises!
> Genealogical testing is a tool to augment traditional research. Finding a parent or sibling is possible, but DNA matches often open further research avenues for continuing research.
> Ethnicity Estimates are ESTIMATES!
> CHECK THESE OUT:
This short NPR article provides excellent insight: https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2016/02/12/466379200/can- you-tell-your-ethnic-identity-from-your-dna
This Vox video about what DNA testing can and cannot tell you is also very informative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIWlatQt4KE
WHAT COMMPANY SHOULD I TEST WITH?
There are several great DNA testing companies. The most notable companies are:
> AncestryDNA
> Family Tree DNA
> 23andMe
> MyHeritage
> AfricanAncestry
Many descendants of Charles and Hester Meehan have tested with AncestryDNA and 23andMe. I have found more Freeman and Anderson family connections through Ancestry.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DNA TESTS?
> Autosomal DNA Test
> y-DNA Test
> mtDNA Test
> Genetic DNA Tests
> DNA Paternity Testing
GENEALOGICAL DNA TESTING, LAW INFORCEMENT AND PRIVACY
This topic has been in the spotlight for the past few years, especially in light of decades-old police cold cases that are being solved using genealogical DNA databases. Understand what this could mean for you before you mail that sample off. The following article is one of many on the subject.