Educational genealogy definitions and explanations designed to help beginners and experienced researchers better understand common family history terminology, records, DNA concepts, and research methods.
Genealogy Definition What Is Genetic Genealogy? Genetic genealogy combines DNA testing with traditional historical research to help identify biological relationships, reconstruct family connections, and better understand ancestry, migration, and inherited family history. Short Definition Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA testing alongside traditional genealogy research to identify biological relationships, confirm family lines, and better … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Are Migration Patterns? Migration patterns help genealogists understand how families and communities moved over time, revealing the social, economic, and historical forces that shaped ancestral journeys across regions and generations. Short Definition Migration patterns are the ways people and families moved from one place to another over time. In genealogy and family … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is Local History? Local history helps genealogists understand the communities, landscapes, industries, and everyday environments that shaped the lives of their ancestors over time. Short Definition Local history is the study of the people, communities, places, and events connected to a specific geographic area such as a village, town, city, county, township, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is Ancestral Travel? Ancestral travel helps people reconnect family history to real landscapes, communities, and historical places by physically visiting the locations connected to their ancestors’ lives. Short Definition Ancestral travel is a form of travel focused on visiting the places connected to your family history and ancestry. It combines genealogy, local … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is Social Genealogy? Social genealogy reconnects family history to real human experience by exploring the communities, environments, migration stories, occupations, and historical events that shaped ordinary people’s lives across generations. Short Definition Social genealogy is an approach to family history research that focuses not only on identifying ancestors, but also on understanding … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is the Difference Between Genealogy and Family History? Genealogy and family history are deeply connected, but they approach the past in slightly different ways. Genealogy usually focuses on identifying family relationships, while family history explores the lives, experiences, and historical worlds surrounding those ancestors. Short Definition Genealogy and family history are closely … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Are the Different Types of Genealogy? Genealogy is not just one single style of research. Over time, different approaches have developed that focus on family relationships, DNA analysis, local history, migration, storytelling, and the lived experiences of ancestors and communities. Short Definition Genealogy is not just one type of research. Over time, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Are Centimorgans (cM)? Centimorgans are one of the core measurements used in genetic genealogy to estimate how closely two people may be biologically related based on shared DNA. Short Definition Centimorgans, usually shortened to cM, are a unit used in genetic genealogy to measure how much DNA two people share. In general, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Are Genealogy DNA Tests? Genealogy DNA tests help people explore biological relationships, ancestry, ethnicity estimates, and family connections by combining modern DNA analysis with traditional family history research. Short Definition Genealogy DNA tests are consumer DNA tests designed to help people explore family history, ancestry, ethnicity estimates, and biological relationships. In genealogy, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Are DNA Matches? DNA matches connect living people through shared genetic inheritance, helping genealogists identify relatives, confirm family lines, and uncover biological connections that traditional records alone may not reveal. Short Definition DNA matches are people who share enough DNA with you to suggest a biological relationship. In genealogy, DNA matches help … Read more