This day commemorates the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953.

If like me, you are new to the gene pool party, DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid which is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism. DNA is made of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder — a shape known as a double helix. That’s the important discovery that occurred in 1953.

To learn how I might use DNA to help solve a couple genealogical mysteries, I joined a DNA SIG (special interest group) that is part of the Western Michigan Genealogical Society or WMGS. The members are quite knowledgeable about genetic genealogy and are very helpful and patient. I also watched a number of beginner DNA videos on YouTube. Two you might enjoy are DNA Basics: An Introduction to DNA and Genealogy hosted by FamilySearch and Sorting Your DNA Match Lists hosted by the Allen County Public Library.

I created an Excel spreadsheet with the Ancestry DNA matches I have ranging between 90 and 400 cMs ~ my second- and third-cousins. This is the first step recommended by the Leeds Method, an easy to follow process. It took less than an afternoon to fill in nearly all the spaces on my chart and it was interesting to see how my matches fit into my chart. As you can see in the snip above, I found connections for each of my four grandparents. My paternal grandparents are shown in shades of green and my maternal grandparents are shown in shades of orange.

The next step will be to revisit each of my shared matches and look at their shared matches again. This time I’ll be looking for hints that may lead me a step or two further back in time, possibly to my great-grandparents. One of my long term goals is to confirm the identity of my Swedish maternal great-great grandfather, my morfar’s morfar.

Could DNA provide the answer?