Discovering Your DNA
Discovering your DNA is an exciting opportunity to reveal valuable insights about your ancestry. With the vast number of DNA testing companies available, it's easier than ever get your DNA tested. That said, analyzing your DNA alone doesn’t uncover any insights; you also must be able to do a DNA comparison.
Of course, most companies allow you to compare with other people who are also using their platform. However, since it's likely that all your relative aren't all using the same company, there's a big piece missing. Fortunately for those with MacNeil heritage, Clan MacNeil worldwide actively runs two DNA research projects. That gives you – and Clan MacNeil – a real opportunity to explore our collective ancestry.
Clan MacNeil Projects
Joining a DNA research project can be an exciting opportunity to learn more about your family history and solve genealogical mysteries. Clan MacNeil has two primary projects available you, each with a slightly different focus. Both projects provide valuable opportunities for MacNeils to learn more about their family history and ancestry. By participating in one or both of these DNA research projects, you can gain a deeper understanding of your heritage, participate in group conversations, and potentially uncover new information about your ancestors.
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA)
The team of Alex Buchanan (Australia), Vince McNeill (Canada), and Alissa Nolan (US) lead the MacNeil project on FamilyTreeDNA which (as of this writing) boasts a substantial 945 members. Using primarily Y-DNA (paternal), this project assists MacNeils in understanding their early family history. By comparing Y-signatures from participants of different lineages, uncertainties about close relationships can be readily answered.
This project may also help you determine whether you are of Norse or 'Celtic' descent in your paternal ancestry. This information can be valuable for those interested in learning more about their heritage and cultural background.
If you're interested in joining this project, create an account on FTDNA. Likely, your next step is to obtain a DNA test kit and provide a sample of your DNA. FTDNA does allow you to upload your raw DNA, so that might also be an option. Once you have an account, you can opt in to the MacNeil project under the “Group Project” menu.
GEDmatch Project
The second project Clan MacNeil hass is on GEDmatch. It aims to compare autosomal DNA results from testing companies around the world for MacNeils. This project is lead by CMAA Genealogist, Alissa Nolan and will provide a global perspective on MacNeil ancestry. It too can help individuals learn more about their genetic connections to others with MacNeil heritage.
Upload DNA results to GEDmatch from these autosomal DNA companies:
To join this project, download your DNA data from your provider (see their site for instructions) and upload the file to GEDmatch. Your upload will generate a kit number. Once you get your kit, email the numberr to Alissa at genealogy@clanmacneilusa.us. If you know them, include your clan ancestor name, and birth and/or death and locations.
Summary
Both projects provide valuable opportunities for MacNeils to learn more about their family history and ancestry. By participating in one or both of these DNA research projects, you can gain a deeper understanding of your heritage. You could possibly connect you with long lost relatives. So, don't wait any longer, unlock the secrets of your DNA today!
