The Promise of Molecular Genealogy

OK, I am so not leading edge. This is an article that should have been written a decade ago, but only recently came into my awareness. Thanks to the insightful inquiries of one of our cousins I have had an introduction to Molecular Genealogy, or genealogical research using the science of DNA.

Those of you who attended our last family reunion in Rexburg, Idaho (2005) may recall an excellent presentation given by Derrel Walker about the Sorensen Molecular Genealogy Foundation. Like many of you, I submitted my DNA sample and four generation group sheet with expectations of having my genealogy proven back to Adam, or at least beyond our current research bounds.

Realistic expectations aside, I was hoping for a computer printout linking me with heretofore unknown relatives and clearing up a myriad of genealogy questions. I was wrong on both counts. Instead, what I discovered was the possibility of overcoming obstacles that have been longstanding in our family genealogy research.

So, slowly (as genealogical research is want to be) I have made progress on discovering some exciting connections about our earliest ancestors.  This has only been possible by comparing results of DNA testing. I hope to share my findings in the months to come.

The challenge with DNA testing is that it is expensive. This translates into your paying $99.00 and up for the information you seek. And paying to do Genealogy research seems counter intuitive to many of us who have done it as a labor of love for so long. But time is money and no doubt there are those of you who would gladly spend a few dollars for some clear answers.

But before you jump headlong into the DNA testing process, let me suggest a few things for you to consider. It might save you a little money and improve the results at the same time.

First of all, you should understand the practical limitations of DNA testing, the specific types of DNA tests available, and privacy issues that surround this entire subject. DNA tests measure different things, and the more expensive tests measure deeper. There are a number of privacy and disclosure barriers that you must navigate to connect your DNA with others, and organizing all of this information in a manner that makes sense and connects to your Genealogy Program is a challenge.

While I am very excited about Molecular Genealogy and the possibilities of using DNA testing to break down those brick walls, there are enough questions in my mind yet unanswered to recommend a service or a site for use by the Family Organization. As I find useful links, you will find them on our website under Genealogy.

If you have experience in DNA testing and would like to head up a project to collaborate our DNA testing efforts, I would love to hear from you.

Best Wishes,

David Walker