Resources

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Future of Genealogy

The current resources available to genealogy researchers are mostly paper records. 

These records on paper are difficult to access, difficult to search and even more difficult to interpret.

There are great advancements achieved in the field of DNA testing and study of DNA profiles. 

The genealogy research of the future will largely be in form of genetic genealogy.

Dispensing With Paper Records

Presently, genealogy research relies on paper records. Individual records such as dates of birth, death and marriage are recorded on paper. 

The trouble with paper records is that they are subject to wear and tear. In addition, there is a possibility of human error.

Many genealogists have traveled from nation to nation, hopping across continents to find missing links that they have encountered while documenting their family tree. 

For the most, these travels were fruitless since the required information was either not available, or the sources where they were obtained were not credible enough to warrant inclusion in one’s research.

Genetic Genealogy

Welcome genetic genealogy! Genetic genealogy relies on advance methods of DNA testing and DNA profiling. 

Researchers have done research on mitochondrial DNA and Y-Chromosomal DNA. Mitochondrial DNA, abbreviated to mtDNA, is obtained from the maternal line of ancestry while the Y-Chromosome is paternally contributed.

It is not that genetic genealogy will entirely obliterate traditional genealogy research methodology. 

This is because it is very unlikely that you will have DNA samples of each and every deceased individual in your family tree. 

What genetic genealogy does is that it verifies family relationships. It also establishes linkages in individuals with similar surnames.

There is a need for the creation of a DNA database which comprehensive and global. 

One just has to submit a DNA sample and the linkages will automatically be established and confirmed.

Genealogy’s Popularity

Studying one’s family history is becoming an ever-increasingly popular hobby. The trend is predicted to continue. 

The baby boomers have been in the forefront on this count. As in all of their endeavors, they have taken genealogy research with intense passion. 

Nearing their time of retirement and having good leisure time, they wish to know and understand their roots.

The future of genealogy is uncertain – not in that whether it will remain or become extinct – but it is difficult to predict how it might explode in popularity.

The world is become increasingly urbanized and people are now living in nuclear families out of compulsion. 

However, the social creature a human being is, this has added fuel to the fire of searching into one’s family history and establishing one’s family tree. 

Lets say that it is an innate desire in every human being to leave a legacy behind!