DNA Testing

The cutting edge of genealogy research in the Twenty-First Century is definitely the DNA test. We're not talking just about simple paternity test, either! You have the option of testing (1) the Y-chromosome (Y-DNA, used to compare males with their ancestors) or (2) mitochondrial (mtDNA, used to compare the children of a certain female). There are also (more comprehensive) tests that can help to create a family framework for people in a given group (you've heard of King Tut, right?). The best thing about DNA testing is that it can be used to show the ethnic background of a person - especially useful if you have NO idea where your family originated. If you decide to do a test, you can choose from several companies - we've listed a few below:

Ancestry.com
Family Tree DNA
Genographic Project
Sorenson Foundation

Results from any of these companies should be comparable (although it make take some effort) because the same markers are usually tested. The process is simple:

(1) Request kit (online)
(2) Collect sample (swab inside of mouth)
(3) Return sample (packaging provided)
(4) Be patient! (testing takes > month)
(5) Access results (online)

If you have results from two different people, you can compare the values of each marker (your specific number is called an allele) to see whether many match. Remember: the more markers you test, the more reliable the results. I've used this great site to compare results with other people - it should help you determine whether you are related. Happy hunting!