This year RootsTech is both in-person and virtual and is expected to surpass 3 million attendees (40k in-person) from all over the world brought together to celebrate family history and uncover their ancestry. With more than 500 inspiring sessions (350+ in-person, 200+ online), the latest genealogy technology tools and resources, and the opportunity to network with other genealogists and family historians, RootsTech 2023 is an event you won’t want to miss.

Register now for in-person or free virtual attendance.

As a GEDmatch user, you can benefit from attending RootsTech 2023 in-person or virtually by participating in sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities with other genealogists and family historians. There are a variety of activities, sessions, and resources available to GEDmatch users such as keynote speakers, family history classes, hands-on labs, and the exhibitor hall.

Attending In-Person?
GEDmatch is a Bronze Sponsor of RootsTech 2023 and we will have a 20’x20′ booth where attendees can stop by and say “Hi”, or ask questions and get help. Visit us at Booth 737!

Tim Janzen is speaking on behalf of GEDmatch Thursday, March 2, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM in a talk titled GEDMatch: Features Every Genealogist Needs to Understand & Use. You can learn more about this talk here: https://rootstech2023.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=345

Attending RootsTech 2023 provides you with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of family history and genealogy, explore new technology tools, and connect with a global community of family historians. Plus, GEDmatch users will have access to family history records and DNA matches through various resources at RootsTech. It is important to remember the importance of preserving memories, connecting generations, and discovering identity through family history and genealogy in today’s society.

We encourage GEDmatch users to attend RootsTech 2023 and take advantage of all the opportunities it has to offer. Whether it’s attending inspiring sessions, exploring new technology tools, or connecting with other genealogists and family historians, RootsTech 2023 is sure to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. So don’t wait any longer, register for RootsTech 2023 today!

Register now for in-person or free virtual attendance.

The post RootsTech 2023 Is Almost Here… Are You Attending? first appeared on GEDmatch.

Early European Immigration to The United States

Settlers from England started coming to the United States back in the colonial era, motivated by employment and land ownership. Most of the immigrants were from England, Ireland and Germany but among the many, there were Europeans from Italy, Poland, Scandinavia and Russia.  The first Europeans to establish a permanent colony in the territory that would embrace the arrived in the region of present-day Virginia in 1607. In honour of their king, James I of England, the early settlers began building their colony 30 miles inland from the mouth of the river – Jamestown, Virginia. 

When they first arrived, things were very tough for the new colonists. They had hoped to find gold and silver, as Spanish colonists had in Central and South America, as well as large groups of native people who they could easily conquer. However, what they found instead was neither valuable minerals nor an easy route to Asia. Additionally, while the native inhabitants were willing to trade with them, they resisted any attempts at subjugation. Since 1620, English travelers have been colonizing America in order to create settlements that resemble England as much as possible in terms of demographics and economic activity. The first settlers in the New England colonies were the Pilgrims, arriving at Plymouth in 1620 on the coast of present-day Massachusetts southeast of Boston. By the 1640s, more than 20,000 people had migrated to Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

Colonists were not attracted to Virginia because of its harsh regimes and often lacked the skills and knowledge that would have been necessary to help them thrive. Not only did they find little value in Virginia, but they also struggled to even feed themselves—resulting in high numbers of death due to disease, unsanitary conditions, and malnutrition. In contrast, during this same time period, potential colonists were much more attracted to locations such as the West Indies and Bermuda. The Dutch men that arrived in 1619 with a group of captive Africans foreshadowed the ultimate answer to the labor problem in Virginia. By the end of the century, African slave labor would become the colony’s economic and social foundation.

The last of England’s North American colonies was founded in the 1730s under the guidance of James Oglethorpe. A former army officer, Oglethorpe had devoted himself to helping London’s poor and debt-ridden after leaving the military. His choice of Georgia as a settlement site, named after the new King,  was motivated by the desire to create a defensive buffer for South Carolina against potential enemies such as the Spanish (Florida), French (Louisiana/Mississippi River), and their Indian allies throughout the region.

The Journey to Ellis Island For European Immigrants

The period between 1880 and 1920 is often referred to as the era of mass immigration, as millions of people left Europe for America in search of a better life. During this period, Ellis Island became the premier gateway for immigrants entering the United States, it processed approximately 500,000 people a year. By 1907, that had increased to 1.25 million. The vast majority of those processed were from Europe, with Germany, Italy, and the Russian Empire accounting for the largest numbers.
The journey to Ellis Island often began with a gruelling ocean voyage lasting anywhere from one to three weeks. Many of the immigrants traveled in steerage, cramped quarters in the lower levels of ships that were often overcrowded and lacked basic amenities. It was during this time that many immigrants faced illnesses, including cholera, typhus, smallpox, and tuberculosis, and some even died en route.

Arriving at Ellis Island was a daunting experience for many of the European immigrants – the process typically lasted about three to five hours. During this time, immigrants had to answer a series of questions about their backgrounds and intentions in the US. This process was intended to identify those who were medically or mentally fit to enter the country.  Once the inspection process was complete, immigrants received a card indicating they had passed their inspections and were cleared for admission into the US. This card symbolized the hope of a new life and a fresh start in the land of opportunity.

The peak period of Ellis Island’s immigration operation ended in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I. From this point onward, immigration numbers began to decline as economic conditions worsened in Europe and the United States entered into a period of isolationism. Nevertheless, Ellis Island remained an important symbol of America’s immigrant heritage and its importance to US history cannot be overstated.

The Great Depression And its Impact on European Immigration

The Great Depression of 1929 had an immense impact on the United States, particularly on the millions of European immigrants living in the country. This period of economic hardship caused a drastic decrease in the number of European immigrants entering the United States as many could no longer afford the cost of passage. As a result, from 1929 to 1932, the number of European immigrants arriving in the US dropped by 90 percent.

For those immigrants who had already arrived in the US, the Depression created a range of challenges. The high levels of unemployment meant that jobs were difficult to find, leaving many Europeans struggling to make ends meet. This was further compounded by the fact that immigrants were often the first to be laid off when layoffs occurred, due to their lack of English skills and the perceived threat they posed to the employment opportunities of native-born Americans.

During this period, many states implemented stricter immigration policies in an effort to reduce labor competition and protect domestic jobs. The Immigration Act of 1924 limited how many people from each country could come to America. They were based on a census from 1890 that showed what percentage of people in America were from each country. In addition, some states imposed special taxes or educational requirements on those applying for citizenship or residence in order to discourage immigration.

The Great Depression had a profound impact on European immigration to the United States, drastically reducing the number of new arrivals and creating a hostile environment for those already living in the country. Although some European immigration did occur throughout this period, it was significantly reduced until the economy began to recover in the mid-1930s.

European Immigration to the United States After World War II

World War II left much of Europe in ruins. Families were torn apart, homes destroyed, and resources severely depleted. As a result, millions of Europeans fled their homes in search of a better life. Many saw the United States as the ultimate destination for opportunity and prosperity, making it the main destination for European immigrants after the war. Other reasons for Europeans seeking refuge in the US included political and religious persecution. For example, many Jews escaping Nazi Germany sought to build new lives in America. Even after the war ended, countries across Europe were still struggling with oppressive governments, prompting many to seek asylum in the United States.

To help with this humanitarian crisis, the United States developed a policy of immigration that allowed Europeans to come to the United States. The first step in immigrating was obtaining a visa and often times that required sponsorship from an American citizen or organization. Once they had a visa, they had to pass an inspection by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) at an American port of entry. Then they were admitted as legal immigrants and became eligible for green cards. US immigration policies were more lenient during this period, allowing even more people to come and seek a better life.

After being accepted as legal immigrants, many Europeans had to face further hardships such as adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language, and finding employment. Despite the difficulties, many immigrants had a strong desire to make a new life in the United States and persevered.  European immigrants helped build America’s post-war economy, bringing their unique skills and experiences to the US workforce. They also enriched American culture, contributing to arts and music in ways that would not have been possible without their presence.

The experience of being a European immigrant in the United States in the post-World War II era was a mixed one. On one hand, there were many opportunities that did not exist in Europe, including better wages and greater social and economic freedom. On the other hand, many immigrants faced discrimination, both on an institutional level and from other citizens. This was especially true for those who were considered “undesirable” by some native-born Americans. 

The influx of European immigrants to the United States following World War II had an immense impact on the country. One of the most significant impacts was the revitalization of urban areas and the development of suburbs. The large number of immigrants coming to the United States resulted in a housing shortage, which prompted the development of new housing developments and the expansion of existing ones. This, in turn, led to economic growth in many areas as businesses set up shops to meet the needs of these new immigrants.

Modern European Immigration to the United States

In the 21st century, the United States is becoming a modern melting pot, as immigrants from all over the world continue to arrive in search of the American Dream. One group of newcomers that has made a significant impact on the country is contemporary European immigrants. 

The push factors driving European immigration to the United States can be traced back to a combination of economic, political and social pressures that are unique to each country. For instance, in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, many southern European countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece have seen a surge in unemployment and a decrease in the standard of living that has led to an increase in emigration. Furthermore, the political instability and war in Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe have forced many people to seek safety and security outside their home countries.

When did your ancestors immigrate to the United States of America? Do you want to learn more about your ancestors’ journey to the United States? GEDmatch can help you discover information about your family history and find relatives who came to America during different European immigration waves. 

Join for free!

The post A Historical Overview of European Immigration to the United States first appeared on GEDmatch.

In the early days of census taking, enumerators would walk the streets of their assigned area, calling each household to record details about the residents. This was before census data was gathered electronically. Between 1801 and 1851, the population density of England increased significantly. In 1801, there was an average of one person for every 153 yards. However, by 1851, that number had decreased to one person for every 108 yards. In other words, someone visiting 100 houses in 1801 would have to travel 20.6 miles, but in 1851, the same person would need to travel only 14.3 miles. The data collected in these early censuses provides valuable insight into the lives of our ancestors and their neighbors.

Immigration in Britain 

Britain has a long and varied history of immigration, with different groups settling in different periods. Some of the earliest known immigrants were Celts and Picts, who settled before written history. Later, Romans invaded in 55 BC, followed by Angles, Saxons and Jutes in increasing numbers after Roman withdrawal around the 5th century. Vikings also came later, with the earliest recorded Viking invasion in the late 8th century. Finally, in 1066 Duke of Normandy William Conqueror invaded Britain. He is perhaps most remembered for his great survey of England in 1086, which resulted in the Doomsday Book.

In 1670, a group of French Protestants known as Huguenots arrived in Britain to escape religious persecution. It is estimated that between 40,000 and 50,000 people settled primarily around London. Many Huguenots became involved in textile manufacturing, and large silk workshops were established in Spitalfields.

At about this same time, several other groups of immigrants came to Britain. Italian exiles arrived in the early nineteenth century after Napoleon’s Wars destroyed Northern Italy’s agriculture. Indians began arriving aboard vessels of the East India Company; some would stay behind when their ship left, becoming servants to the British gentry.

In the early 1800s, many African Americans were brought to England against their will as slaves. However, some of them were able to escape and find work as servants or nursemaids for wealthy families. Others came to England with their slave owners when the children were sent back to England for their education. By 1770, there were about 14,000 black people living in England. In 1772, a legal case called Somerset v Stewart was heard, and it was ruled that slavery was not supported by Common Law. This effectively emancipated the black population of England, although slavery would not be abolished throughout the Empire until 1833.

A new wave of immigrants arrived in England in 1830, fleeing poverty and famine in Ireland. These Irish immigrants were not welcomed by many English people, as they were willing to work for very low wages, taking jobs away from English workers. To make matters worse, many of these Irish workers would send their earnings back to Ireland to support their families, leaving them without any savings by wintertime. This often resulted in them having to rely on parish relief, which was expensive and typically involved returning to Ireland.

Environment, Land And Property 

For many of our ancestors, owning land was nothing more than a dream. They longed for a piece of the earth to call home, land that could be passed down to future generations. This longing may have been what drove many of them to emigrate to one of the British colonies where they could realize their dream. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, William the Conqueror granted estates to lords who, in turn, forced their tenants to farm the land for a place to live – a scheme known as feudalism.

In the aftermath of the Black Death in the 14th century, England’s feudal system began to unravel. The landowners who survived the plague were desperate for labor, and tenants who had also survived started petitioning for freedom from their lords. They wanted to pay rent in money instead of being forced to work on the land. The last vestiges of feudalism were wiped out by the Tenures Abolition Act passed in 1660, following the end of the Civil War. By 1680, as much as a third of the land was owned by small proprietors who mostly farmed their own land.

The Victorian era saw a number of changes that made it easier for people to buy and sell property. Several Acts of Parliament, including the Real Property Act of 1845 and the Conveyancing Acts of 1881 and 1882, were passed which made the process simpler. At the same time, succession duty was imposed on freehold estates valued at over £100 in 1853. This inheritance tax became a burden on many families, forcing some to sell their properties in order to pay it. Larger properties were often split into smaller ones, making it possible for the middle classes to afford to purchase them. They would then lease the property to those less fortunate, providing them with an income from the rent.

Birth, Life and Death 

In the past, giving birth was incredibly dangerous. Maternal death rates were as high as 5%, even well into the 20th century. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the use of antibiotics finally started to reduce the number of maternal deaths from things like puerperal pyrexia, haemorrhage, convulsions and illegal abortions. Infant mortality rates were also very high, with as many as 170 deaths per 1,000 live births recorded in England before 1900.

For our ancestors, the chance of a healthy life was complicated by many factors. Some had poor diets, while others were affected by their environment. Overall, they had less knowledge of what was good for them and what was not. The dangers of substance abuse were not yet known, and the benefits of nutritious food, clean water and clean air were not given the same consideration as they are today.

It is impossible to know how many more of our ancestors’ children were stillborn. Registration of stillbirths was not a requirement in England and Wales until 1926 or in Scotland until 1938. There may be clues in the form of gaps between living children, but more likely there will be no evidence left to mark the sad event. In many cases, it was the mother who died during childbirth, leaving the baby to survive. This was often due to puerperal pyrexia (childbed fever) or another maternal complication. These cases are easier to identify because we often find a record of the child’s birth followed by the mother’s death a few days later. 

The first lying-in hospital was opened in London in 1767, but it was not until the early 1800s that childbirth began to be seen as a problem that needed to be fixed. Doctors started to intrude on the process, pushing aside families and midwives. However, this intrusion ironically led to a higher incidence of maternal death from childbed fever. This is because the idea of clean hands and sterilized medical instruments did not gain traction until well into the second half of the nineteenth century, thanks to the research of Joseph Lister.

The Evolution of Medicine 

Back in the day, medical care was a bit of a gamble. Some practitioners were knowledgeable and experienced, while others were nothing more than frauds who did more harm than good with their ineffective and dangerous treatments. In England during the early 1800s, medical care was quite primitive by today’s standards. There were few regulations governing medical practice, and most physicians had little formal training. As a result, many people did not trust doctors and preferred to rely on home remedies instead. However, things began to change in 1858 when Parliament passed a new Medical Act. This legislation combined with clinical training and education led to a more well-rounded breed of medical doctors. These new doctors brought their services to middle-class families in England, particularly in northern England.

As the 19th century came to a close, more and more people were turning to medical professionals for help with their health problems. This was a far cry from earlier times when home remedies and back-alley cures were the norms. And instead of going to the local shop for a bottle of tonic or elixir, people were now visiting apothecaries and chemists for advice on the latest medications.

In the mid-nineteenth century, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death. Also known as consumption, phthisis or scrofula, tuberculosis was a slow and often painful way to die. The disease spread quickly in crowded and poor areas of industrial cities. Dysentery and cholera were both widespread diseases in the nineteenth century, largely due to the unsanitary conditions that prevailed during that time. These same unwholesome conditions also made these diseases easy to spread, leading to global pandemics on several occasions. 

Tracing Your Ancestors’ Lives: A Guide to Social History for Family Historians 

Our family history is not just about names, dates, and places. It’s about understanding the lives of our ancestors and the world they lived in. Barbara J. Starmans’s Tracing Your Ancestors’ Lives explores the various aspects of social history that are of particular interest to family historians. Through research advice, resources, and case studies, readers can learn about their ancestors, their families, and the society they lived in. Each chapter highlights an important area of study, including topics such as family and society; domestic life; birth life and death; work, wages, economy; community, religion, and government. This handbook encourages family historians to immerse themselves more deeply in their ancestors’ time and place, giving them a fascinating insight into what their lives were like. If you want to know more about the lifestyle of your ancestors – we suggest you give it a read, you might some find useful information that will help you in building your family tree! 

How did your ancestors live their day-to-day lives? Maybe you can find out by exploring your family tree at GEDmatch – GEDmatch offers a free DNA site built for genetic genealogy research. With a global database of autosomal DNA data and unmatched utility, we make this data accessible and effective.

Join for free!

The post Tracing Your Ancestors’ Lives: A Guide to Social History for Family Historians Summary first appeared on GEDmatch.

What is your background?

I had been doing traditional genealogy and genetic genealogy for about four years before it really hit me how ripe genetic genealogy was for mathematical and scientific innovation. As a budding field, it really shouldn’t be surprising how much there is to learn about genetic genealogy. I think it’s fascinating that people managed to develop calculus over 400 years ago, despite how complicated it is, and then we have these other fields that have barely been studied. Tens of millions of people have had their DNA genotyped in the past decade and they’re very successfully using the tools available to them to corroborate or fill in their family trees.

The tools are great, but there was a lot of room for improvement. And that’s a dream opportunity for someone who’s just come out of doing research in a few different fields. I had recently gotten a B.S. in applied mathematics. I had a lot of experience in the natural sciences, getting an M.S. in geophysics/geological oceanography.

A lot of data science, programming, and even some modeling and simulation experience came along with that. Then I ran ocean climate models doing Ph.D.-level oceanography work for two years, followed by two more years in the modeling and simulation department where I worked on models for all different fields. All the while I was taking courses in statistics and using that information to solve problems.

So, whenever I had a question about how we can improve genetic genealogy, I was able to figure it out. I was clustering my matches in Gephi until 2018 when AutoClusters became available at MyHeritage. That was developed by my now-friend Evert-Jan Blom at Genetic Affairs (who also partnered with GEDmatch on its Autotree and Autocluster tools). I found AutoClusters to be very impressive, and so I stopped working on clustering.

Tell us how you are applying math and science to genealogy.

I tried modelling genetic inheritance. I started out with very simple models and eventually made them much more realistic. From the start, I made a point to use statistics from peer-reviewed papers to train my models. I also began using known properties of inheritance, such as recombination interference. One of the most interesting is the differences in paternal and maternal recombination rates, which result in wider ranges of shared DNA for paternal relationships and narrower ranges for maternal relationships.

Also interesting is the high variability of grandparent/grandchild relationships compared to other relationship types. This results in high probabilities of paternal and or grandparent/grandchild relationships at certain centiMorgan (cM) values.

Simulations can generate probability curves for relationship types relative to others, which can then be used for relationship prediction. This would be much more difficult and less accurate with empirical data. Developing simulations turned out to be a great idea because they can be used to answer almost any question in genetic genealogy. Nobody will ever have enough error-free empirical data for 3/4 siblings or pedigree collapse cases to compete with simulations.

Having a math and statistics background is very handy. I’ve been able to come up with equations to describe a lot of properties of genetic inheritance. Usually I did so because I needed them for simulations. This includes questions like

· How many different types of 1st cousins can a person have depending on the sex of the intermediate relatives? (4)

· What’s the expected split of DNA that I get from a grandparent pair? (22%/28%)

Recently, I needed a formula for the amount of distinct DNA that can be found in multiple siblings’ kits. I realized that, for the first time, the formula I needed for genetic genealogy was likely already well-known. And it was true. I did a search for the equations I was coming up with along with the key phrase “mathematical set theory” and, sure enough, there was already an equation for that.

What’s required to build new tools and make discoveries is a whole lot of time and work. The early years of genetic genealogy — I’d say prior to 2018 — were dedicated mostly to figuring out what the genotyping companies have to offer. During that time influential bloggers came to the forefront to show people how to use the tools. But now we’re starting to have real scientific development in genetic genealogy. This took a dramatic turn in 2021 as our understanding of what’s possible has grown by leaps and bounds.

Despite that, I don’t think we’ve even come close to realizing the potential of genetic genealogy.

Can you elaborate on your relationship predictor tools?

The genotyping companies have been giving relationship predictions for years. People usually recommend going to a third-party predictor to get the full list of possible relationship values for any cM value.

I describe the process for generating relationship prediction probabilities here (https://dna-sci.com/2021/04/06/a-new-probability-calculator-for-genetic-genealogy/). I believe that this was the first time anyone had described the process of relationship prediction. All relationship predictors, including mine, are currently made by simulations. This allows calculating probabilities based on an equal number of matches from each relationship type.

In the case of my relationship predictor, I used 500,000 data points for each relationship type. I believe that using a large number such as that will provide much more accurate and smoother probability curves. This can be contrasted with the curves from the Ancestry white paper, which appear to have only a few data points plotted.

The next step is to place counts for each relationship type into 1 cM bins. Plots of these frequencies at this stage will show very fuzzy curves. The next step, which is to smooth the data, is probably the most time-consuming and arduous process that I’ve undertaken as a data scientist. I’ve now had to do this over a dozen times, for multiple testing sites and multiple different relationship predictor tools. But this is a huge advantage that my predictors have over others. I ensure that the probability data are smoothed to the point of being monotonic over the appropriate intervals, but without flattening the curves. I plot the smoothed probability curves over the unsmoothed curves for each relationship type, ensuring that the fit is reasonable.

These probabilities are calculated by dividing the count of each relationship type in each bin by the total number of individual pairs from all relationship types. Once these probabilities have been appropriately smoothed, a file is generated containing the probabilities to be used in a relationship predictor.

Two months after releasing my first relationship predictor, I added population weights to the data. This is really important because we’re likely to have many more distant relatives showing up on our match lists than close relatives. A person likely has about 80,000 more 8th cousins than 1st cousins. So, although each relationship type started out equally represented in my probability data, with 500,000 pairs, adding population weights greatly increased the number of distant cousins relative to close cousins. This results in much more realistic predictions for cM values around 40 cM and below.

People who have put in the time and work in genetic genealogy know that not many of their 30 cM matches and below are 3rd cousins, but that’s the kind of prediction we were used to seeing. Now, with population weights, you can see here (https://dna-sci.com/tools/brit-cim/) that these matches are much more likely to be 7th to 8th cousins. Population weights are best in cases in which you don’t know how you’re related to a match. But sometimes we have a known relative test and we want to make sure that the amount we share with them is reasonable. For cases such as that, I’ve kept a relationship predictor version that doesn’t use population weights (https://dna-sci.com/tools/unweighted-cim/).

How did you get involved with GEDmatch?

I’ve been using GEDmatch consistently since 2017. I recall when the Golden State Killer was caught using GEDmatch and I wrote about it at that time. All of the important tools can be found there. Chromosome browsers are an essential tool for genetic genealogists and so I’ve always appreciated that anyone can upload their DNA for free to GEDmatch and see which chromosomes and segments they share with matches. A hidden gem at GEDmatch is the ability to search trees that have been uploaded by users.

You can then check your DNA against the people who uploaded those trees to see if you’re related. It’s also great that Tier 1 members can search their segments, and make superkits and phased kits at GEDmatch. And, of course, the tools being integrated from Genetic Affairs are a huge help.

Evert-Jan Blom recently suggested that my probability data, which he’s using for his AutoKinship tool, could greatly help users at GEDmatch by showing them the possible relationships for a given total cM value with their matches. Everyone else thought it was a great idea, too, so Evert-Jan put me in touch with them and we made it happen. I look forward to seeing the relationship predictions in use throughout the tools at GEDmatch.

Sign up to GEDmatch for free today!

The post Meet Briton Nicholson first appeared on GEDmatch.

Tell us about your background.

My genetic genealogy journey started sometime in May 2013. I was contacted by a DNA relative from 23andme. He and I shared a large segment on chromosome 20. When I heard that he was adopted, I started gathering information concerning my ancestors. I got my father tested as well and slowly assembled our family tree. After testing several 2nd and 3rd cousins from my family tree, we still haven’t figured out how we were connected. Luckily, he was able to connect with his bio sisters after getting some good DNA matches. Although we couldn’t identify our shared ancestor, I was hooked on genetic genealogy and enjoyed all the interactions with family members and distant cousins that I had throughout the years. After many years I had tested numerous family members and in-laws. Most of them were tested at 23andme, AncestryDNA, and/or FTDNA. I realized that getting regular updates for all these profiles took quite some time. It was then that I started developing the methods and website for Genetic Affairs.

When finalizing my website, I read about methods to cluster your DNA matches using shared matches. Since I was already using shared matches for my site, I decided to investigate ways to automate the clustering and provide a nice visualization. This led to the creation of AutoCluster. After its release at the end of 2018, I was contacted by MyHeritage, which was interested in a collaboration. I worked with the crew of MyHeritage and we were able to implement the AutoCluster tool in their infrastructure before Rootstech in 2019. On my site, the AutoCluster tool has since been supplemented with various other tools that automate genetic genealogy research.

How did you first began to work with GEDmatch?

When visiting Rootstech for the launch of AutoCluster, I met a lot of interesting people, and one of them was GEDmatch founder Curtis Rogers. We talked about implementing AutoCluster on GEDmatch and after a collaboration with the developers of GEDmatch, we released the tool in April 2019. When GEDmatch partnered with Verogen later that year, I contacted CEO Brett Williams to discuss a possible collaboration. That resulted in the implementation of the tree reconstruction tools AutoTree & AutoPedigree followed by the segment clustering tool AutoSegment.

Tell us about the new AutoKinship tool. How does it work? Advantages?

One of the advantages of using GEDmatch is the ability to see how much DNA your DNA matches share with you and each other. This allows users to determine how these matches are related to each other. AutoKinship can perform this task automatically and predict putative family trees solely based on the amount of DNA. Note that AutoKinship does not require any known genealogical trees from your DNA matches. Instead, it looks at the predicted relationships between your DNA matches and calculates many different paths you could all be related to each other. The trees from our analysis are ranked and represent the most likely trees out of all the possibilities we calculated.

The probabilities used by AutoKinship are based on simulated data, kindly provided by my now-friend Brit Nicholson (methodology described here: https://dna-sci.com/2021/04/06/a-new-probability-calculator-for-genetic-genealogy/). Learn more about Brit here.

In addition to being used for AutoKinship, these probabilities are also the basis for the new relationship predictor tool that has recently been implemented.

Describe what you see as the future of genetic genealogy.

I am seeing more and more people involved in genetic genealogy with scientific backgrounds, and a real rise of genetic genealogy as a citizen science. I expect we’ll see more new approaches arise from these efforts. Also, we are witnessing an increasing amount of law enforcement and Doe cases being solved using iGG. Hopefully, other countries will follow this approach where possible.

Moreover, as technology improves over time, we might be able to recover more useable DNA from recalcitrant forensic samples or artifacts. Ideally, having better DNA extraction methods and automated DNA analysis workflows will allow LE agencies to perform iGG analyses in-house, making them run-of-the-mill. In the end, having the ability to perform DNA extraction, sequencing and interpretation more efficiently will enable agencies to quickly select cases that have the best chance at succeeding. I think that benefits everyone.

What tips do you have for genealogy enthusiasts to get the most out of GEDmatch?

Quite a few blogs exist that describe tools on GEDmatch, for instance, the DNA Explained (https://dna-explained.com/category/gedmatch/) blog from Roberta Estes. In addition, the YouTube channel from Family History Fanatics (https://www.youtube.com/c/FamilyHistoryFanatics/) covers almost all features on GEDmatch.

Where can people learn more about Genetic Affairs?

There is a lively Facebook group for folks that employ tools from Genetic Affairs (https://www.facebook.com/groups/GeneticAffairs). In addition, several blogs cover our site regularly, for instance, the blog from Roberta Estes (https://dna-explained.com/2020/08/13/genetic-affairs-instructions-and-resources) and the one from Patricia Coleman (https://patriciacolemangenealogy.com/blog/) and Family Locket (https://familylocket.com/tag/genetic-genealogy/).

Sign up to GEDmatch today!

The post Meet Dr. Evert-Jan Blom first appeared on GEDmatch.

I became fascinated with my own family history as a teenager. It opened up conversations with my grandparents and hooked me on history at a very personal level. But adding DNA to my toolbox several years ago allowed me to help friends with unknown parentage — an immensely rewarding experience. In early 2017 I realized that these same tools could be used to identify John and Jane Does. This inspired the founding of DNA Doe Project as a non-profit, all-volunteer organization to do just that. Our first announced identification (Marcia King, formerly Buckskin Girl) was made on April 11, 2018, two weeks before the arrest of the Golden State Killer, whose identification by Barbara Rae-Venter utilized the same methods.

Every day since that first epiphany I feel that same inspiration. It never wanes.

What is the most rewarding part of leading the DNA DOE Project?

Giving a family answers when they have waited in anguish, sometimes for decades, not knowing where their loved one was. Bittersweet moment, for sure. But a moment like no other.

How many cases has the Project solved so far?

We have been involved in approximately 80 successful identifications.

How instrumental has GEDmatch been in helping you and your team solve cases, and why?

Every one of our 80 identifications has been made with the help of GEDmatch. Without the ability to find and analyze DNA matches, use the tools on GEDmatch to infer relationships, and construct trees for them, none of our cases would be solvable. Many have waited decades for answers, with traditional detective work hitting dead ends.

With May being Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Month, how can users of GEDmatch help name the nameless?

• Make sure your email address is current and you check it regularly, in case we need to reach out to you
• Upload a GEDCOM of your family tree — even just a couple of generations back helps us a lot!
• Encourage others to upload their DNA results to GEDmatch, even in your own extended family — especially the older generations. (Everyone should read the Terms of Service first, to make sure you understand and are comfortable with them.)
• Consider making a tax-deductible donation through our website to help defray the lab costs when agencies cannot afford them. Our genealogy work is all pro bono, but the lab work is expensive.
• Spread the word about our cases — some are solved through family members recognizing them on our website at https://dnadoeproject.org/project/
• If you are missing a family member, read our page https://dnadoeproject.org/for-families-of-the-missing/ for what you can be doing to help bring them home.

Register to GEDmatch today!

The post 5 Questions with Margaret Press, CEO & Co-Founder of the DNA DOE Project first appeared on GEDmatch.

Natural disasters have always had a profound impact on human societies. In the past, they have often caused great loss of life and damage to property. While some of the effects of natural disasters are immediate, others can last for years or even centuries. For example, volcanic activity can cause long-term changes to the environment, such as erosion of coastal margins and infilling of estuaries. Drought and famine can also have lasting effects on people and their livelihoods.

Our ancestors faced many challenges, including natural disasters. While we can’t know exactly how they would have reacted to modern conditions, we can imagine what they might have done. Would your great-great-grandparents have given up their farm if it was flooded? Would your carpenter ancestor have moved to a location where there was a lot of work available to repair the damage caused by a major windstorm? Did any of your ancestors lose their lives when tragedy struck?

Climate change is often seen as an abstract or distant concept, but our own history is intimately connected to it. By tracing our family trees, we can see how historical events – including those that contributed to climate change – have shaped our lives. 

With no reliable way to compare internal migration statistics between countries and across time, studies that examine the impact of climatic conditions on this type of movement have to settle for using the urbanization rate as a proxy. This is calculated as the percentage of a country’s population that lives in urban areas, and it provides some insight into the overall trend of the rural-urban movement.

The Climate Change and Migration Debate

There is a great deal of debate surrounding the link between climate change, natural disasters, and internal migration. Some evidence suggests that there is a connection between the three, while other evidence suggests that the connection is not as strong. The climate change migration debate has been presented as “new”, however,  the history of the dispute demonstrates that it is a long-standing occurrence. The impact of climate on migration has long been recognized. In 1889, Ravenstein mentioned, “unattractive climate” as a factor that drives migration. More recent theories have emphasized the role of economic factors, but the evidence suggests that climate still plays an important role. The American geographer Ellen Churchill Semple wrote that “the search for better land, milder climate and easier conditions of living starts many a movement of people which, in view of their purpose, necessarily leads them into an environment sharply contrasted to their original habitat”.

The nature of the connection also varies depending on the type of disaster and the region in question. In general, it seems that short-term shocks (such as natural disasters) tend to increase urbanization rates in developing countries, while long-term events (such as increasing temperatures) tend to positively affect internal migration in middle-income countries but not in low-income countries. These latter effects are likely due to economic constraints. The OECD research found that natural disasters closely related to climate change are leading to increased migration from developing countries to receiving countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK and the US.

The impact of climatic shocks on population movement is clearly seen in economic history. For example, the American Dust Bowl of the 1930s was caused by severe drought and intensive land use, which led to permanent soil erosion. This resulted in substantial agricultural costs and a relative decline in population as people migrated from high-erosion to low-erosion areas.  Climatic shocks can have a significant impact on international migration, particularly for countries that are heavily dependent on agriculture. Using data from 163 origin countries and 42 destination countries, researchers have found that higher temperatures tend to lead to increased migration flows. However, this is only the case for nations that place high importance on agriculture.

Despite early indications that the environment plays a role in migration, references to this factor have all but disappeared from academic literature over the course of the 20th century. Notable publications on the subject, such as those by J.W. Gregory, Donald R. Taft, and Julius Isaac, make no mention of environmental factors. As the world became more technologically advanced, it was often assumed that humans will have less and less need to rely on nature. This idea has led some to believe that environmental migration – moving to escape the effects of climate change and other environmental problems – is a primitive form of migration that will eventually become obsolete.

More modern climate change has led to the resurgence of the term “environmental migrants.” In the 1980s and early 1990s, a few key publications sounded the alarm on this issue, estimating that climate change could force 150 million people to relocate by the end of the 21st century. In his 2007 report on the economic consequences of global warming, Nicholas Stern warned that climate change could lead to mass migration as people flee from areas affected by droughts, floods, and sea level rise. He noted that this could cause great strain on resources, leading to further conflicts.

Climate change is driving people from their homes in ever-increasing numbers. But the term “climate refugee” is controversial, with some experts arguing that it does not accurately describe the complex reasons behind migration.

The 1951 Refugee Convention defines a refugee as someone who crosses a border out of fear of persecution or violence. But many people displaced by climate change do not fit this definition, as they may move internally within their own countries or to places where they have family ties. Climate change can be a significant factor in decisions to migrate, but it is often just one of many factors, such as poverty or political unrest. For this reason, some experts argue that policymakers should think of migration as a form of adaptation to climate change, and reject the term “climate refugee.”

What do you think, is climate change a big factor in migration? Were your ancestors affected by climate change migration? Maybe you can find out by exploring your family tree at GEDmatch – GEDmatch offers a free DNA site built for genetic genealogy research. With a global database of autosomal DNA data and unmatched utility, we make this data accessible and effective.

Join for free!

The post How Much Did Climate Change Affect our Ancestors’ Migration? first appeared on GEDmatch.

Genealogy research can be an expensive hobby, as you probably know if you’ve researched your family history recently. From buying actual physical books to paying money to access online databases, your wallet can take quite a hit before you even get started on the actual research itself. If you’re looking for genealogy resources and ways to save money on your research without having to resort to the most expensive option, here are some genealogy resources you should consider: 

GEDmatch

Free genealogy resources can be hard to come by, but GEDmatch is one of the best free tools out there. If you’re not familiar with our website, we are essentially an open-source database where you can upload and store your DNA information, and then compare your data with other users. You can use GEDmatch to find distant relatives who may have shared a recent common ancestor with you or to gain insight into the ethnic makeup of your DNA in order to connect with genetic communities around the world.

Subscribe to Newsletters to Get Discounts

As you may know, DNA tests can be quite expensive. However, many companies offer discounts on their tests, especially around holidays. For example, you can often find AncestryDNAs and MyHeritage DNAs autosomal tests for $59 or $69 during sales. Companies such as these typically offer discounts around Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as on “DNA Day” (April 25th). To make sure you don’t miss out on any deals, it can be helpful to sign up for each testing company’s newsletter and follow their blog. Additionally, many companies offer discounts to those who attend genealogy conferences – so keep an eye out for their booths when you’re at events!

Watch Free Webinars and Tutorials

Many genealogy websites have free content on how to build your family tree or research your family history.  Watching free webinars and tutorials on genealogy can be a great way to get advice and tips from experts. There are so many different ways to learn about family history, so it’s important to be as informed as possible before starting any project. Webinars are a great way to hear from professionals who know their stuff. Plus, some companies offer discounts or special deals for those who attend a webinar in person! Even here at GEDmatch, we have an education page where you can learn about genealogy for free! 

Join Genealogy Groups Online

If you’re on the hunt for new ancestors to add to your family tree, you’ve probably already heard about the importance of joining genealogy groups online. Genealogy groups can be an amazing source of information and support, but it’s important to choose one that meets all your needs. Genealogy groups online make it easier than ever to connect with other people who share your passion for genealogy, and this can save you lots of money! Not only do these groups help connect you with other people who want to exchange information, but they can also provide great tips on new products to use and ways to save money while doing so. If you’re a GEDmatch user, for example, you can join our massive GEDmatch community on Facebook! 

Use Free Archives

The United States Census Bureau provides detailed information on all federal census years, including access to original forms and questions. The site also includes links to state censuses, research tools, and calculators to convert the year of birth. 

The Library of Congress and New York Public Library have a directory of all known copyrighted newspapers and historical materials. 

Research Guides for Ship Passenger Lists and Immigration Records has links to passenger lists from the 1820s to the 1950s with useful suggestions for finding ports of arrival and immigration records.  

WorldGenWeb Project is a volunteer-based project for research resources around the world. 

Freedman’s Bureau is a federal agency that helped slaves who were set free after the Civil War, you can find names in their records. 

Allen County Public Library in Indiana has a collection of African American and Native-American military records and surname databases.  

JewishGen has a good surname-based search facility for Jewish and Eastern European surname searches. 

BillionGraves and Find A Grave have gravesite and memorial collections, photos and even GPS locations of graves. 

Legacy is a fantastic source of online obituaries and they partner with funeral homes all over the world. 

Afrigeneas is a great resource for African American genealogy with directions on finding slave data, communities you can join and a guide on African American record search. 

Genealogy is a fun hobby, but it can cost a lot of money. There are some things you can do to save money on your research, like using online databases or buying books or joining GEDmatch for free!

The post Genealogy Resources and Money-Saving Tips first appeared on GEDmatch.

My Advice For All Future GEDmatch Users 

Be prepared for family connections you didn’t know existed! 

Kimberly  – GEDmatch User

The post I Connected With a Half-Brother I Didn’t Know I Had Through GEDmatch! first appeared on GEDmatch.

I’m retired on a limited fixed income, and the fact a number of your powerful DNA match-finding features are free and are not available on another site. GEDmatch is the best site out there rest assured!

Linking specific family groups and family members to particular location segments sizes, locations etc. on particular chromosomes 1 to 22 has exceeded my expectations since using GEDmatch. 

The power and versatility of GEDmatch as a tool to compare and analyse DNA results – it is very easy to use, plus it has privacy locks in place to protect people’s privacy if they wish. Therefore it meets and caters for everyone’s needs or commitments.

My Advice For All Future GEDmatch Users 

Many powerful DNA matching sites are free, and you can upgrade to tier 1 for more powerful and compressive comparisons and matching sites – the options are there and easy to follow.  It is a must in your search for your DNA story and research! 

Stanley – GEDmatch User

The post I’m on a Limited Income And GEDmatch is The Best Site Out There! first appeared on GEDmatch.