Week 34: Newest Discovery (52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2023 Version)

The theme for Week 34 is "Newest Disovery." What is the newest discovery you've made in your family history? Click here to check out all of the themes for 2023.

Engaging in daily genealogy research constantly reveals new and exciting insights. Recently, I stumbled upon an innovative approach to genealogy called the AncestryDNA Dot System, devised by Diahan Southard.

During a recent live webinar, which a similar one is  accessible on YouTube through the above provided link, Diahan Southard made a compelling statement: we should embrace the idea of erasing our prior dots without fear. This notion had always been daunting to me. Yet, during the live session, numerous participants inquired about the process of dot removal. I discovered that the procedure is quite straightforward.

Upon opening the DNA Matches list, a plethora of "Filter By" options come into view. Selecting the "Groups" option opens the door to crafting custom groups and subsequently reviewing them. While deletion is impossible from this interface, a simple route exists. 

Navigating to the first match, one can click on "Add/Edit Groups." Adjacent to the existing groups, a pencil icon is situated. 

Upon selecting this icon, the option to delete a group surfaces. 

Executing this process across all groups effectively eradicates the dots. Following this, the canvas is clear to adopt the new dot system outlined in Diahan's tutorial.

Diahan Southard emphasized in the live webinar that she frequently adds and removes groups according to her current genealogical focus. A crucial tool that shouldn't be overlooked is the note field, where annotations and comments can be added. Upon establishing the Most Recent Common Ancestor(s), I compose a note such as "MRCA James Crinion and Mary Ann McMahon; 2C2x," a concise way to denote a second cousin, twice removed.

Ancestry offers an array of 24 color dots. I prefer reserving the initial two yellow dots for flagging important entries. A vibrant yellow hue signifies "Need to enter – Research." Occasionally, while watching TV, I review matches on my phone, or tablet. I leave myself a brief note and the match flagged with this hue indicate a promising connection to explore later on my desktop computer. The subsequent yellow dot I've labeled as "Confirmed DNA Match – enter into FTM." This serves as a reminder that not only have I verified the match, but it's also entered into my Family Tree Maker tree. My Starred Matches are those I am unsure of our relationship because I don't have enough to figure out the relationship. I replace the star with the confirmed DNA Match dot after resolving these matters. Your use of stars and dots can be tailored to your personal preferences.

Essentially, my journey with the Leeds Method of Clustering DNA Matches by Dana Leeds prompted me to seek a more in-depth approach. The Dot System emerged as a valuable asset in this endeavor. I envision my DNA Matches as gateways to potential breakthroughs in my genealogical exploration. They could unveil unknown branches or offspring of my ancestors. Likewise, they might facilitate progress in traversing another generation back to unveil the parents and siblings of my known ancestor.

To me, genealogy means that I will never stop learning new skills to help me discover new things about my family.. 

Remember to have fun and Just Do Genealogy!