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Week 15 Prompt: DNA

This week’s 52 Ancestors theme is “DNA.” I have various DNA-related stories, but I thought I’d share something fun (read, ADDICTIVE!).

I’ve known about DNA Painter for awhile, but I never really had the time to investigate it. During RootsTech 2019, the developer, Jonny Perl, gave a presentation about DNA Painter that was streamed live. I thought a one-hour presentation would save me some time to get to know the tool and see if there was any benefit to me. It was a fascinating presentation, and I couldn’t wait to jump in and paint.

I spent a few days combing through DNA matches at FTDNA, 23andMe, GEDmatch, and MyHeritage, and painted away. As of right now, I have less than 7% of my DNA mapped (totaling 52 segments). Unfortunately, I have no one mapped on my dad’s side, as all of my “good” matches are at Ancestry (as are additional ones for my mom), and none are on any of the other testing sites or GEDmatch. So, here’s comes my all-time annoying complaint—why, oh why, Ancestry, can we not have a chromosome browser????? Please? Pretty please!! Rant over (but not forgotten!)

Anyway, I thought I’d share my painting so far, showing just my mom’s side. I’ve been able to map to three out of my four maternal second great-grandparent couples, and was also able to map a few inferences to my grandfather.

DNAPainterJulie

And now for my Public Service Announcement: Warning, this is addictive! This may consume all of your time (free or otherwise) and may cause sleep loss. You’ve been warned 🙂