Ancestry Search

Totally! On second thought I recommend this site (Family Tree DNA - we do genetic tests for your genealogy questions!) kind of looks to me to be the best of the three but check them all out. They test mtDNA (maternal side) and the others don't and it is highly accurate. Your results come with migration maps and everything.

DH wants to do this because you know how most African-Americans have virtually no history beyond the plantations of the South? Well he has always wanted to know what part of Africa his people came from before they were stolen, and they can tell you, so he will be doing this too. It's pretty cool that it can be done, right? It's not dirt cheap but it's not expensive considering what you can learn!

Here are some FAQ's:
Family Tree DNA - we do genetic tests for your genealogy questions!

Hmmm...that might be different. I don't know how she goes about her searches once they jump the ocean. LOL I'll still ask though.

 

My mom and my grandma have been researching our line for 20 years! It's no easy task. They run into road blocks a lot. For example, on my grandpa's side we know their is Native American coming from somewhere. We can see it in the pic of his great grandma- she looks 100% Native American. Yet, they can't track it. It wasn't exactly something people always admitted to back then you know? However, they do have a region in mind because one of the "ancestors" was a translator for a tribe. I believe he did some explorations as well- think Lewis and Clark. They have even found his publications. They (mom and granny) suspect he bedded a girl during his work there and voila- Native American babies posing as "white."

Here's what my uncle has to say...

 

Sorry I know most of it is related to Canada, but hopefully some of the websites help.

My Dad is obsessed with genealogy. I spent my childhood in the library going through microfilm with him. When I found a name he wanted I got a dollar! WOO WOO! Anyways, I grew up LDS (Latter Day Saint-Mormon) and they are very into genealogy. They offer it for free. If you go down to a local church near you they will let you use their computers and machines for free. If you want I can find the nearest church near you. And no, they won't bug you with preaching! They will help you get started and show you the ropes.

 

Once you get into it, it's pretty fun. Scrolling through seeing the names. Then we'd make a vacation to the graveyard and do grave rubbings. It'd at least be a place to start.

Our Library and Archives has a geneology centre (Welcome to the Canadian Genealogy Centre - Canadian Genealogy Centre - Library and Archives Canada ), but I'm not sure if it would help you in the US. Can't hurt to look! Maybe your libraries have a similar service?

LOL sounds like my childhood. Graveyards and microfilm.

My mom also went to Salt Lake City every year to do research for a week.

Oh and Glenda- I did talk to my mom about it last night. Just briefly though because when my whole family is together it's hard to get a freakin word in. I asked her if she is able to do research if it extends beyond the US. I told her that your family is from El Savador but I couldn't remember where you wanted to find out the rest of your family is from. Ill just log on tonight and have her read your first post. LOL
I have a TERRIBLE memory (result of a car accident) and I forget stuff easily. So basically I asked her a couple of questions then forgot what you wanted to know. Then I'm sitting here trying to remember her answers to the questions. I'm helpless. I'll talk to her tonight for sure!

Thank you guys for all that information! I have to get down to doing some research. I think it will just be hard b/c all my family presumably is from El Salvador and they had a terrible civil war which destroyed most of their records. So I'm pretty much SOL. LOL. But maybe I will do the ancestry DNA kit so it can tell me if I do have any other background in me.

 

I'm going to order it and let you guys know how it goes! Thanks again for your help!

I think this is such an interesting post. My FH has no relationship with his dad and knows nothing about that side of his family. I'm going to do some research about his side of the family. Thanks for the links everyone posted. I'm excited!!!

Hi Glenda.

I am a student working on my certificate to be a genealogist. I have been doing research for 10 years and have one of Buzz's lines back to the 1500s in France. I also belong to a yahoo group, [email protected]

This is where I am learning the trade. The woman who runs the site is an instructor. She has a doctorate, but not certain it in genealogy. If you want more info on the group just let me know.

I would be very happy to help you with this project. I love, love, love genealogy! Now that Maggie is married I returned to my passion!

 

Lizzy

PS: Congratulations, married lady!