How DNA and Records Together Make Genealogy Research More Accurate

Ever Hit a Brick Wall in Your Family Tree? Genealogy is more than just names and dates—it's about unlocking the stories and connections that define who we are. But what happens when the paper trail ends or records don’t align? That’s where DNA testing joins forces with historical records to reveal a clearer, deeper picture of your ancestry. At Genetic Roots Research, we help you break through barriers and trace your lineage with confidence by combining cutting-edge genetic science with old-world documentation.

What Is Genetic Genealogy and Why Does It Work?

Genetic genealogy is the process of using DNA testing alongside historical records to trace and verify family lineages. While historical documents offer a narrative, DNA provides scientific proof—confirming, challenging, or even correcting your existing family history. This dual approach ensures a more complete, trustworthy genealogical journey.

Why is this important? Because relying on one method alone can lead to incomplete or inaccurate trees. DNA evidence can uncover unknown relatives, expose errors in documentation, and clarify relationships lost in history.

7 Key Steps to Combine DNA Testing and Historical Records for Better Genealogy Research

Start with Historical Records

Begin your journey by gathering essential documents:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates

• Census records

• Immigration and naturalization logs

• Land deeds and wills

These records build a timeline and help establish verified family relationships, which are the foundation for interpreting your DNA results.

Conduct DNA Testing

There are three primary types of genetic tests used in genealogy:

• Autosomal DNA: Best for finding relatives within the past 5–7 generations—great for general family research.

• Y-DNA: Follows the paternal line, only available for biological males.

• mtDNA: Traces the maternal line, available for all biological sexes.

Popular providers include AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage DNA, each offering unique tools and record integration.

Analyze Your DNA Matches

Once tested, you'll be matched with others who share segments of your DNA. These matches may be close family, distant cousins, or previously unknown relatives. Compare shared segments, centimorgans (cMs), and trees to identify potential connections.

Correlate DNA Clues with Records

Here’s where things get powerful. Use DNA matches to:

• Confirm a suspected ancestor

• Revisit dead-ends in your tree

• Investigate unexpected relationships

Genetic Roots Research combines your DNA data with carefully sourced historical records to validate potential family connections. Our experts connect genetic evidence with documented facts to produce accurate, insightful genealogical findings.

Tools That Make the Combination Easier

Our team offers personalized services beyond automated tools. From deep DNA analysis to historical document verification, we ensure every family connection is supported by evidence and expertly interpreted.

Build and Refine Your Family Tree

By integrating your DNA findings with verified records, you can:

• Correct errors in existing trees

• Confirm lineage through multiple evidence sources

• Use tools like mirror trees to test genetic relationships

The result? A more accurate and documented family tree.

Resolve Conflicts & Fill In Gaps

What happens when DNA and records don’t agree? That’s often where discoveries happen:

• Was there a name change or adoption?

• Did a record misidentify a parent?

DNA can fill in missing branches and clarify mysteries, especially in cases where paper records are lost or incomplete.

Document and Share Your Findings

A well-documented tree includes:

• Research logs

• Notes on how each relationship was verified

• Screenshots of DNA segment matches

• Source citations for all documents

At Genetic Roots Research, we help clients create professional reports and family trees ready to be shared with family or published for posterity.

Why Hiring a Professional Genealogist Makes All the Difference

While DIY research can be rewarding, professional services like Genetic Roots Research offer:

• Access to exclusive records and subscription-only databases

• Expert interpretation of DNA results

• Customized research strategies tailored to your goals

• Accurate, validated family trees backed by documentation and genetic evidence

Whether you're confirming an old family story, solving a mystery, or starting from scratch, we provide expert support at every step.

Ready to Discover the Full Story of Your Roots?

Contact GeneticRootsResearch.com today for a free consultation. Let us help you unlock the past with precision, expertise, and the perfect combination of DNA science and genealogy research.