It's a Flash Sale of AncestryDNA for this Labor Day Weekend at Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com is having a Flash Sale on its AncestryDNA (autosomal) test until Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. The AncestryDNA (autosomal) test regularly $99 is now on sale for $59, a savings of 40 dollars. Shipping and taxes are extra.

We are not sure if the FREESHIPDNA code will work with this sale but it does not hurt to try it.

Nearly 15 million AncestryDNA test kits have been sold now according to reports at the end of February during the RootsTech 2019 conference and a press release on February 28, 2019, by Ancestry. As the testing company with the largest "pool" of potential DNA matches it is a good place to start.

AncestryDNA test results provide an ethnicity/admixture report, a AncestryDNA match list, shared matches, an internal member messaging system, and automatic updates to results. As well as some basic information from ThruLines which is Ancestry's replacement or next generation of New Ancestor Discoveries and DNA Circles. See the chart below.

Be aware that with an active paid subscription to Ancestry, there is fuller access to some DNA features such as all available information about people is shown in ThruLines; Matches' public family trees are viewable instead of just a preview of five generations; and up to seven generations of surnames instead of up to five surnames are shown for direct ancestor surnames from your matches' trees.

From Ancestry.com, a look at AncestryDNA with and without a data membership/subscription.

Access to these extra features end if you discontinue your data subscription. Some of these extra features require a public family tree linked to the AncestryDNA kit.

Ancestry offers an AncestryDNAInsights subscription (available by calling customer service) for about $49/year which would give access to all of the DNA tools but not any data/records. (Price as of 2016 we are not sure if the pricing has changed since then.)

There is also a new add-on to the AncestryDNA autosomal test called AncestryDNA Traits. This add-on is regularly priced at $20 so when purchased with a new AncestryDNA test the total cost of an AncestryDNA+Traits test is $79 plus taxes and shipping.

AncestryDNA Traits now gives a look at 26 personal traits. These traits are: Sweet Sensitivity, Savory (Umami) Sensitivity, Bitter Sensitivity, Cilantro Aversion, Asparagus Metabolite Detection, Eye Color, Male Hair Loss, Hair Type, Hair Color, Hair Strand Thickness, Iris Patterns, Freckles, Cleft Chin, Unibrow, Finger Length, Skin Pigmentation, Earlobe Shape, and Earwax Type. Newly added traits are Birth Weight, Facial Hair Thickness, Omega-3, Photic Sneeze Reflex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Wisdom Teeth. New traits may be available in the future for additional costs. 

AncestryDNA is the one DNA/genealogy testing site that does not provide a chromosome browser tool which allows you to see the chromosome segments you share in common with a match which is one of the scientific ways to confirm a match is a true match and not a match by chance. To access a chromosome browser you would need to download your kit's DNA data and upload that data to one of the three companies that do provide a chromosome browser: MyHeritageDNA, Family Tree DNA, and the third-party GedMatch.com website.

Want to save on shipping costs? Remember AncestryDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. For this sale, however, the prices for an AncestryDNA test and the AncestryDNA+Traits test at Amazon are currently at regular non-sale prices. (Non-AmazonPrime members would get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon while AmazonPrime members would just get quicker 2-day shipping for free. But be cautious and make sure the test kit you are buying is "sold by AncestryDNAOfficial and fulfilled by Amazon" to insure you are buying a genuine test kit if and when you see the test kits on sale there. You will find this information just below the price. See the image below.)

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

Have a good holiday weekend everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Finding Your Roots TV Show Returns to PBS on October 8, 2019, at 8 p.m. EST Extended Season Continues Thru Fall 2020

Season six of Finding Your Roots will premiere Tuesday, October 8, 2019, on your local PBS station at 8 p.m. EST. This is the hour-long genealogy television show headed by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. This will be an extended season lasting from Fall 2019 to Fall 2020.


In October 2019 two new episodes will air along with several encore episodes. Then in January 2020 eight more new episodes will premiere with new guests and themes featuring participant stories from earlier seasons. Season six continues in October 2020 with again with six new episodes featuring new guests and remixed shows.

The season will spotlight new guests actors Jeffrey Wright, Sigourney Weaver, Melissa McCarthy and Sterling K. Brown; groundbreaking director Jordan Peele, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; acclaimed journalists Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell; musicians Queen Latifah and Jon Batiste; legendary fashion designers Diane von Furstenberg, Narciso Rodriguez and Zac Posen; as well as a host of other luminaries, including Jeff Goldblum, Anjelica Huston, Isabella Rossellini, Terry Gross, Marc Maron, Eric Stonestreet, Issa Rae, Amy Ryan and Justina Machado. Some of the guests whose stories will be revisited include actors Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore and Marisa Tomei; journalist Lisa Ling; radio talk show host Joe Madison; musician Questlove; and late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

Everyone has different television delivery/provider systems. Use your television provider's schedule system or PBS Detroit's schedule system to find the PBS channel number on your provider system and to learn when the show will be re-aired again. (On PBS Detroit's schedule system you can customize the listing to your service provider by edit or change provider so the schedule generated reflects your television provider's channels and schedule.) You can usually catch the episodes on your provider's in-demand service or on the PBS website a day or two after the episode has aired.

See You Soon at the Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

The First MCGG Friday Meeting for Fall 2019 is September 6 ... Welcome Back

Fall is just around the corner and that means genealogy meetings are returning!

MCGG's first meeting of Fall 2019 is on Friday, September 6, at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Patricia Hallman will present Historic Sites and Westward Migration on the Oregon Trail.

If you are in the Mt. Clemens area, PLEASE JOIN US.

See you soon at the Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

The Macomb County Genealogy Group Reveals Its Fall Meeting Topics for 2019

Hi Everyone!

We have released MCGG's 2019 Fall meeting schedules for our MCGG Friday Group and our Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group on Wednesday. 

The meeting dates and topics can be found on the respective pages of this blog site or in our Southeast Michigan Genealogy Events calendar on the Calendar page. (In the coming weeks we will be updating the SouthEast Michigan Genealogy calendar for the area's other societies and groups.)

On both the MCGG Friday Meetings and Let's Talk Meetings pages, you will now find the PDF file link of our current meetings flyer which can be viewed and downloaded. (Please note the image of the flyer in this post is just a low-res image. To see/download the flyer PDF you need to go to either of the meeting pages.)

We hope you enjoy the coming genealogy season. 

See you soon at the Mt Clemens Public Library!
LE

Mt Clemens Public Library's 2019 Used Book Sale is Just A Few Weeks Away!

Do you realize that the Mount Clemens Public Library's Used Book Sale is just a few weeks away? Once again hosted by the Macomb County Genealogy Group.

We have had a few very-dedicated volunteers sorting all year round to get us ready for this event. We thank them immensely for their hard work.

If you have books that you would like to donate, bring them in soon! You can drop your book donation off at the library's Information Desk.

2019 Used Book Sale Days and Hours are: 

September 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the Preview Event.
Preview Event Admission is $10 per person at the door. Shop the sale early for the best selection. 

September 19, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. is Day One of the Sale. 

September 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Day Two of the Sale. 

September 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Last Day of the Sale. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Free Access to All US and Canadian Census at MyHeritage this Weekend

MyHeritage is giving free access to All US and Canadian Census records from August 30 to September 2, 2019, to help you learn about your ancestors' lives from these "snapshots" through the years. That is 740 million census records on SuperSearch.


Have a Safe Labor Day Weekend Everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!LE

Ancestry.com Gives Free Access to its US Yearbooks Collection Until Sept. 2, 2019

Ancestry.com is giving free access this Labor Day Holiday Weekend to its U.S. Yearbook Collection which includes over 450,000 yearbooks. The free access ends September 2, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

You can see a list of available yearbooks ranging from 1900-1999 by going to this page and using the browse this collection located at the right side of the page. After performing a search and selecting an image to view you will be asked to create a free account if you do not already have one. Note: you should not be asked for your credit card, if you are you have clicked in the wrong spot.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Lapeer County Genealogical Society will Meet on Sep 24, 2019, in Lapeer

The Lapeer County Genealogical Society is still without a website so as a courtesy MCGG would like to let you know that LCGS's next meeting is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church of Lapeer located at 433 North Calhoun Street in Lapeer, Michigan.

This month's meeting is An Introduction to DNA for Genealogy presented by Katherine Willson.

As DNA testing becomes a more affordable research tool, family historians are confirming (and disproving!) their family trees. In this presentation, we will discuess the various testings kits and companies; the pros, cons and myths of testing; a brief introduction to 3rd party DNA analysis tools; and answer any additional questions you might have about using DNA for genealogy.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

LAST DAY to Pre-Order at a Discount Software MacKiev's FamilyTreeMaker2019 30th Anniversary Edition

Software MacKiev is releasing an upgrade to Family Tree Maker this Summer (yes, it is still Summer) and this is the LAST DAY left for Family Tree Maker users to pre-order the new edition -- Family Tree Maker 2019 -- and save $20 on cost of upgrading.

If you are registered on the Family Tree Maker mailing list that Software MacKiev runs, you should have received an email announcing the pre-order sale with a link to the sale. (There are links to the appropriate offer based on your current version using this link. They are listed under the second question.)

The sale's details for Family Tree Maker 2017 users are: 

Family Tree Maker 2019
upgrade (download) regular price $59.95 ........ pre-order sale price is $39.95
Tree Vault Cloud Service (1 Year)  $20 ........................................................ free
Total $79.95 ..................................................................................................... $39.95

The above pricing is for receiving the program via Download WHEN IT IS RELEASED. If you want a copy of the program on DVD it is $10 more (so $49.95 for the pre-order sale) plus $5.95 shipping and handling. Or if you want a copy of the program on a wood USB drive it is $20 more (so $59.95 for the pre-order sale) plus $5.95 shipping and handling.

OR simply copy the downloaded file to an external device yourself for safe keeping.

If you own an earlier version (2014.1 or before) of Family Tree Maker and want to now upgrade to FTM2017 and get FTM2019 for free when it is released, make sure you are on the Software MacKiev mailing list and that you have checked the boxes to receive information on sales/updates. You can also find the appropriate link to the offer for owners of earlier versions using the link above. If you are newly subscribed you should receive an email back with the offer based on the version of FTM you said you owned when you signed up for the email list. (It may be something like $49.95 to upgrade but that depends on the FTM version you own.)

Though receiving the email is not instantaneous, if you don't receive an email in a day then contact Software MacKiev through its LiveChat service. LiveChat can likely get the appropriate pre-order information to you. For those who have been subscribed to the email list and did not yet upgrade but want to do so now, check your email inboxes for that prior pre-order email announcement or contact LiveChat.

So what is Family Tree Maker 2019 aka the 30th Anniversary Edition bringing to the genealogy table?
The ability to "Turn Back Time" -- FTM2019 keeps track of your last 1,000 changes and gives you the ability to roll back with a click even if your last backup was before the mistake you want to fix.

FamilySearch integration "2.0" with the ability to import a branch from FamilySearch FamilyTree.

Hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch will be seen in the Index of People list.

Smart filters that update previously saved filtered lists with new entries that meet the saved filter parameters.

Tree Browser to find all related trees wherever they are -- on Ancestry, your hard drive, the cloud.

And, Folder counters. A Profile Picture cropping tool that does not affect the original photo. Rich color coding for color coding from home person and descendants of ancestors. TreeVault cloud services with Emergency Tree continuously updated copy of your tree, FTM Connect mobile app for iPad, iPhone and eventually Android, Historical Weather with more than a billion historical records, and Next of Kin to designate a successor to your TreeVault account.

This post writer (LE) can tell you from a sneak peak of FTM2019 held a few weeks ago in Holt, Michigan, that overall the look and operation of the program from FTM2017 to FTM2019 is not a drastic change so do not worry about needing to get acclimated again.

And yes, the version of syncing trees in FTM2017 with Ancestry Online Member Trees is continued. According to the FTM2019 FAQ, Family Tree Maker 2017 will retain the ability to sync with your Ancestry Member Online Trees, and there will be a third update to FTM2017 to include additional bug fixes.

Lastly, remember with any computer program update make sure your computer meets the program's minimum operating system requirements.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Two Days Left to Pre-Order at a Discount Software MacKiev's FamilyTreeMaker2019 30th Anniversary Edition

Software MacKiev is releasing an upgrade to Family Tree Maker this Summer (yes, it is still Summer) and there are just TWO days left for Family Tree Maker 2017 users to pre-order the new edition -- Family Tree Maker 2019 -- and save $20 on cost of upgrading.

If you are registered on the Family Tree Maker mailing list that Software MacKiev runs, you should have received an email announcing the pre-order sale with a link to the sale. (There are links to the appropriate offer based on your current version using this link. They are listed under the second question.)

The sale's details for Family Tree Maker 2017 users are: 

Family Tree Maker 2019
upgrade (download) regular price $59.95 ........ pre-order sale price is $39.95
Tree Vault Cloud Service (1 Year)  $20 ........................................................ free
Total $79.95 ..................................................................................................... $39.95

The above pricing is for receiving the program via Download WHEN IT IS RELEASED. If you want a copy of the program on DVD it is $10 more (so $49.95 for the pre-order sale) plus $5.95 shipping and handling. Or if you want a copy of the program on a wood USB drive it is $20 more (so $59.95 for the pre-order sale) plus $5.95 shipping and handling.

OR simply copy the downloaded file to an external device yourself for safe keeping.

If you own an earlier version (2014.1 or before) of Family Tree Maker and want to now upgrade to FTM2017 and get FTM2019 for free when it is released, make sure you are on the Software MacKiev mailing list and that you have checked the boxes to receive information on sales/updates. If you are newly subscribed you should receive an email back with the offer based on the version of FTM you said you owned when you signed up for the email list. (It may be something like $49.95 to upgrade but that depends on the FTM version you own.)

Though receiving the email is not instantaneous, if you don't receive an email in a day then contact Software MacKiev through its LiveChat service. LiveChat can likely get the appropriate pre-order information to you. For those who have been subscribed to the email list and did not yet upgrade but want to do so now, check your email inboxes for that prior pre-order email announcement or contact LiveChat.

So what is Family Tree Maker 2019 aka the 30th Anniversary Edition bringing to the genealogy table?
The ability to "Turn Back Time" -- FTM2019 keeps track of your last 1,000 changes and gives you the ability to roll back with a click even if your last backup was before the mistake you want to fix.

FamilySearch integration "2.0" with the ability to import a branch from FamilySearch FamilyTree.

Hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch will be seen in the Index of People list.

Smart filters that update previously saved filtered lists with new entries that meet the saved filter parameters.

Tree Browser to find all related trees wherever they are -- on Ancestry, your hard drive, the cloud.

And, Folder counters. A Profile Picture cropping tool that does not affect the original photo. Rich color coding for color coding from home person and descendants of ancestors. TreeVault cloud services with Emergency Tree continuously updated copy of your tree, FTM Connect mobile app for iPad, iPhone and eventually Android, Historical Weather with more than a billion historical records, and Next of Kin to designate a successor to your TreeVault account.

This post writer (LE) can tell you from a sneak peak of FTM2019 held a few weeks ago in Holt, Michigan, that overall the look and operation of the program from FTM2017 to FTM2019 is not a drastic change so do not worry about needing to get acclimated again.

And yes, the version of syncing trees in FTM2017 with Ancestry Online Member Trees is continued. According to the FTM2019 FAQ, Family Tree Maker 2017 will retain the ability to sync with your Ancestry Member Online Trees, and there will be a third update to FTM2017 to include additional bug fixes.

Lastly, remember with any computer program update make sure your computer meets the program's minimum operating system requirements.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Be Aware: Used Book Sale Week is Coming to Mt. Clemens Public Library

Be aware that it's coming ... the Mount Clemens Public Library's Used Book Sale. Again, hosted by the Macomb County Genealogy Group.

We have had a few very-dedicated volunteers sorting all year round to get us ready for this event. We thank them immensely for their hard work.

Used Book Sale Days and Hours are: 

September 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the Preview Event.
Preview Event Admission is $10 per person at the door. Shop the sale early for the best selection. 

September 19, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. is Day One of the Sale. 

September 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Day Two of the Sale. 

September 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Last Day of the Sale. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Four Days Left to Pre-Order at a Discount Software MacKiev's FamilyTreeMaker2019 30th Anniversary Edition

Software MacKiev is releasing an upgrade to Family Tree Maker this Summer (yes, it is still Summer) and there are just four days left for Family Tree Maker 2017 users to pre-order the new edition -- Family Tree Maker 2019 -- and save $20 on cost of upgrading.

If you are registered on the Family Tree Maker mailing list that Software MacKiev runs, you should have received an email announcing the pre-order sale with the link to the sale.

The sale's details for Family Tree Maker 2017 users are: 

Family Tree Maker 2019
upgrade (download) regular price $59.95 ........ pre-order sale price is $39.95
Tree Vault Cloud Service (1 Year)  $20 ........................................................ free
Total $79.95 ..................................................................................................... $39.95

The above pricing is for receiving the program via Download WHEN IT IS RELEASED. If you want a copy of the program on DVD it is $10 more (so $49.95 for the pre-order sale) plus $5.95 shipping and handling. Or if you want a copy of the program on a wood USB drive it is $20 more (so $59.95 for the pre-order sale) plus $5.95 shipping and handling.

OR simply copy the downloaded file to an external device yourself for safe keeping.

If you own an earlier version (2014.1 or before) of Family Tree Maker and want to now upgrade to FTM2017 and get FTM2019 for free when it is released, make sure you are on the Software MacKiev mailing list and that you have checked the boxes to receive information on sales/updates. If you are newly subscribed you should receive an email back with the offer based on the version of FTM you said you owned when you signed up for the email list. (It may be something like $49.95 to upgrade but that depends on the FTM version you own.)

Though receiving the email is not instantaneous, if you don't receive an email in a day then contact Software MacKiev through its LiveChat service. LiveChat can likely get the appropriate pre-order information to you. For those who have been subscribed to the email list and did not yet upgrade but want to do so now, check your email inboxes for that prior pre-order email announcement or contact LiveChat.

So what is Family Tree Maker 2019 aka the 30th Anniversary Edition bringing to the genealogy table?
The ability to "Turn Back Time" -- FTM2019 keeps track of your last 1,000 changes and gives you the ability to roll back with a click even if your last backup was before the mistake you want to fix.

FamilySearch integration "2.0" with the ability to import a branch from FamilySearch FamilyTree.

Hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch will be seen in the Index of People list.

Smart filters that update previously saved filtered lists with new entries that meet the saved filter parameters.

Tree Browser to find all related trees wherever they are -- on Ancestry, your hard drive, the cloud.

And, Folder counters. A Profile Picture cropping tool that does not affect the original photo. Rich color coding for color coding from home person and descendants of ancestors. TreeVault cloud services with Emergency Tree continuously updated copy of your tree, FTM Connect mobile app for iPad, iPhone and eventually Android, Historical Weather with more than a billion historical records, and Next of Kin to designate a successor to your TreeVault account.

This post writer (LE) can tell you from a sneak peak of FTM2019 held a few weeks ago in Holt, Michigan, that overall the look and operation of the program from FTM2017 to FTM2019 is not a drastic change so do not worry about needing to get acclimated again.

And yes, the version of syncing trees in FTM2017 with Ancestry Online Member Trees is continued. According to the FTM2019 FAQ, Family Tree Maker 2017 will retain the ability to sync with your Ancestry Member Online Trees, and there will be a third update to FTM2017 to include additional bug fixes.

Lastly, remember with any computer program update make sure your computer meets the program's minimum operating system requirements.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

MyHeritageDNA's Summer Sale Ends August 12, 2019 -- in Two Days!

The Summer Sale at MyHeritage ends in just two days. MyHeritageDNA (autosomal) tests regularly $79 each are on sale for $59 each (plus taxes and shipping) until August 12, 2019. Orders of two or more DNA kits receive free shipping.

MyHeritageDNA is one of the newer players in the DNA and genealogy testing niche. Its customer base is more international. Early last year, the company has added a chromosome browser feature and made its internal member messaging feature free. It also offers an ethnicity/admixture report and a list of DNA matches. No data subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features. A few additional features were added earlier this year like the DNA Tools AutoCluster feature.

MyHeritage now has a MyHeritage DNA Health+Ancestry test for $199 regular price. It is not currently on sale at this time.

As a reminder, MyHeritageDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. However, for this sale the price on Amazon is $69 which is close to the cost of the test plus shipping when purchased from the MyHeritage website. (Make sure the seller shown is MyHeritage fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller.) Non-Amazon Prime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free.

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

Have a good End of Summer everyone. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Ancestry is having a Summer Sale on AncestryDNA until August 26, 2019

Ancestry.com is having a Summer Sale on its AncestryDNA (autosomal) test until Monday, August 26, 2019. The AncestryDNA (autosomal) test regularly $99 is now on sale for $59, a savings of 40 dollars. Shipping and taxes are extra.

We are not sure if the FREESHIPDNA code will work with this sale but it does not hurt to try it.

Nearly 15 million AncestryDNA test kits have been sold now according to reports at the end of February during the RootsTech 2019 conference and a press release on February 28, 2019, by Ancestry. As the testing company with the largest "pool" of potential DNA matches it is a good place to start.

AncestryDNA test results provide an ethnicity/admixture report, a AncestryDNA match list, shared matches, an internal member messaging system, and automatic updates to results. As well as some basic information from ThruLines which is Ancestry's replacement or next generation of New Ancestor Discoveries and DNA Circles. See the chart below.

Be aware that with an active paid subscription to Ancestry, there is fuller access to some DNA features such as all available information about people is shown in ThruLines; Matches' public family trees are viewable instead of just a preview of five generations; and up to seven generations of surnames instead of up to five surnames are shown for direct ancestor surnames from your matches' trees.

From Ancestry.com, a look at AncestryDNA with and without a data membership/subscription.

Access to these extra features end if you discontinue your data subscription. Some of these extra features require a public family tree linked to the AncestryDNA kit.

Ancestry offers an AncestryDNAInsights subscription (available by calling customer service) for about $49/year which would give access to all of the DNA tools but not any data/records. (Price as of 2016 we are not sure if the pricing has changed since then.)

There is also a new add-on to the AncestryDNA autosomal test called AncestryDNA Traits. This add-on is currently advertised for sale at $10 (regularly $20) when purchased with a new AncestryDNA test making the AncestryDNA+Traits total cost $69 plus taxes and shipping. In addition there is an offer of receiving Traits for free when you purchase three AncestryDNA tests at the same time. A $30 savings based on the sale price.

AncestryDNA Traits gives a look at 18 personal traits. These traits are: Sweet Sensitivity, Savory (Umami) Sensitivity, Bitter Sensitivity, Cilantro Aversion, Asparagus Metabolite Detection, Eye Color, Male Hair Loss, Hair Type, Hair Color, Hair Strand Thickness, Iris Patterns, Freckles, Cleft Chin, Unibrow, Finger Length, Skin Pigmentation, Earlobe Shape, and Earwax Type. New traits may be available in the future for additional costs. 

AncestryDNA is the one DNA/genealogy testing site that does not provide a chromosome browser tool which allows you to see the chromosome segments you share in common with a match which is one of the scientific ways to confirm a match is a true match and not a match by chance. To access a chromosome browser you would need to download your kit's DNA data and upload that data to one of the three companies that do provide a chromosome browser: MyHeritageDNA, Family Tree DNA, and the third-party GedMatch.com website.

Want to save on shipping costs? Remember AncestryDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. For this sale, the prices for an AncestryDNA test and the AncestryDNA+Traits test at Amazon are also at the sale prices. Non-AmazonPrime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon while AmazonPrime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free. But be cautious and make sure the test kit you are buying is "sold by AncestryDNAOfficial and fulfilled by Amazon" to insure you are buying a genuine test kit. You will find this information just below the price. See the image below.

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

Have a good End of Summer everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Annual Summer Sale at Family Tree DNA

You may be aware that Family Tree DNA is having its Annual Summer Sale. Many of its DNA tests and upgrades are on sale until August 31, 2019. Shipping and taxes are extra which vary depending on where the test is shipped. From a while back the shipping cost to Michigan was about $12.95 for one kit which covers the receiving and sending the test.

Autosomal DNA (male or female can take)
FamilyFinder is now $59, regularly $79 save $20

mtDNA (male or female can take, mother's direct female line)
mtFull Sequence is now $149, regularly $199 save $50

mtDNA (HVR1) to mtFull is now $139, regularly $159 save $20
mtPLUS (HVR1+ HVR2) to mtFull is now $129, regularly $159 save $30


Y-DNA Test (male-only, father's direct male line) 
Y37 test is now $129, regularly $169 save $40

Y67 test is now $199, regularly $268 save $69

Y111 test is now $299, regularly $359 save $60

Big Y-700 test is now $499, regularly $649 save $150
Expert Level. Note: formerly the Big Y-500 now the Big Y-700 includes the Y111 test which gets added to your cart as part of buying the Big Y-700.

Already have a YDNA test that you want to upgrade to more markers? Sign into that test and see what upgrade options you have available. Some upgrade options are on sale but remember if the person who supplied the DNA sample is deceased the amount of sample itself is limited so you might need to wait until the exact upgrade you want is on sale or when you are able afford it.

Y12 to Y37 upgrade sale for $99, regular price is $109
Y12 to Y67 upgrade sale for $169, regular price is $199
Y12 to Y111 upgrade sale for $279, regular price is $359

Y25 to Y37 upgrade sale for $49, regular price is $59
Y25 to Y67 upgrade sale for $139, regular price is $159
Y25 to Y111 upgrade sale for $239, regular price is $269

Y37 to Y67 upgrade sale for $89, regular price is $109
Y37 to Y111 upgrade sale for $178, regular price is $228

Y67 to Y111 upgrade sale for $89, regular price is $99

Y12 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $489, regular price is $629
Y25 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $489, regular price is $599
Y37 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $459, regular price is $569 
Y67 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $399, regular price is $499Y111 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $349, regular price is $449
Big Y-500 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $229, regular price is $249

Family Tree DNA for its autosomal DNA tests called FamilyFinder provides an ethnicity (admixture) report, list of DNA matches, chromosome browser and allows DNA matches to contact a match directly if that match allows it. Once tested, DNA samples are stored so that additional test types (upgrades) can be added if desired. Family Tree DNA is the only genealogy DNA testing company that offers all three DNA test types: autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA. No subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features. See our previous post containing some Reminders and Cautions regarding changes that happened earlier this year with Family Tree DNA.

As a reminder, Family Tree DNA sometimes sells its autosomal DNAtest kits (called FamilyFinder) on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. For this sale it is $59 at Amazon so if you don't need a YDNA or mtDNA test for the same person buying from Amazon eliminates the shipping costs. (Make sure the seller shown is FamilyTreeDNA fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller.) Non-Amazon Prime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free.

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

If you are buying more than one type (autosomal, Y-DNA or mtDNA) of test for one person, you will need to purchase from Family Tree DNA directly. If you are buying an upgrade test, be sure to sign into the test kit you are upgrading. If you are buying tests for more than one person, you may need to purchase them separately.

Not ready to buy yet? There is always Black Friday/Cyber Monday and, of course, the Annual Holiday Sale. Use our Family Tree DNA label (in the column to the left) to see all of our prior posts on Family Tree DNA.

Have a good End of Summer everyone.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!

LE

It's a Summer Sale on LivingDNA

Also having a Summer Sale is LivingDNA. It's LivingDNA autosomal DNA test regularly $99 is on sale for $79 plus shipping and taxes. 

LivingDNA, based in the United Kingdom, offers an ethnicity estimate (80 world regions including 21 in Britain and Ireland); a general look at your Y-DNA haplogroup (if male) and mtDNA haplogroup; and a view of your ancestry in the context of history and the migration of them. LivingDNA results are updated for free as the system and technology are updated. The company is still working on the release of its opt-in Family Matches feature (seeing your DNA matches among those who have tested) which is currently in beta testings. If you have a lot of English and Irish ancestry the more detailed regions for Britain and Ireland in the ethnicity may be of interest to you. The company is still building itself so at a sale price it may be worth a try. Perhaps you will find a clue to direct your search.

BUT we have become aware that LivingDNA is now requiring that your LivingDNA test be taken/used and sent in within one year of the date of purchase. They will not process tests older than that despite the swab test tube saying its expiration date is well after that. Based on a LivingDNA Support article this change may have been implemented about five months ago. However, we are not sure when its Terms of Services was changed to reflect this. So if you have a LivingDNA test sitting around you might want to check its purchase date. Hopefully you still have time, or you may need to pay for shipping on a replacement test kit.

As a reminder, LivingDNA sometimes sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. However, for this sale LivingDNA is not selling its tests on Amazon at this time. (At the times when LivingDNA does, make sure the seller shown is LivingDNA fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller.) Non-Amazon Prime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free.

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

Have a good End of Summer everyone.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE