Sometimes you've got to talk to long lost relatives in another country to truly wrap your mind around the desire people have to find their roots. Last Fall, I had to privilege of Skype'ing with some distant O'Brien relatives in New Zealand. They are descendants of one of Kate Flanagan's sisters. Kate was my great great grandmother and born Catherine Mary O'Brien. That's a long story and this post is actually about DNA.
In discussing our family tree and sharing anecdotal stories about the O'Brien's and Flanagan's, the topic of DNA came up. They mentioned the National Geographic DNA project. I am just now getting back to reviewing and researching what their version of DNA testing involves.
The Genographic Project
The Genographic Project helps find out where humankind originated. By providing one's DNA, they can place you on the overall tree of humankind. It can help everyone discover the migration paths of our ancestors, learn what percentage of you DNA relates to certain parts of the world, and much more.
What I didn't really catch is if this particular DNA test connects you to closer relatives and helps you determine your own personal family line. The database in which each DNA sample is submitted, is a broad, big picture collection.
I'm not sure if this option is for me. Any comments on this topic are welcome here!
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