Chris Child, editor of the Mayflower Descendant journal, joins Lisa to discuss strategies genealogists can use to discover their connection to the Mayflower passengers. Plus, our DNA expert is back to talk about how to understand missing or unexpected matches in your DNA test results, and much more!

Ep. 143: November 2020

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In this episode:

Tree Talk (01:20)

Lisa shares Family Tree Podcast listener Charlene Jassim’s story of how she learned more about her ancestors by talking to their neighbors.

Share your story of discovery and you may just hear it here on the Family Tree Podcast! Email your story to: FamilyTree@yankeepub.com

Feature Interview: Chris Child (03:36)

According to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants an estimated 35 million people worldwide are believed to be descended from the passengers of the Mayflower which arrived in New England in November of 1620.

Chris Child of the New England Historic Genealogical Society (American Ancestors) is the author of the article “Pilgrim’s Pride” (November/December 2020 issue of Family Tree Magazine). He joins Lisa Louise Cooke in this episode to help us celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s landing and discover how our family lines might connect to the famous voyage.

Child has worked for New England Historic Genealogical Society since 1997. He has edited the genetics and genealogy column of American Ancestors magazine, and has edited the Mayflower Descendant journal since 2016. He has lectured on these topics and others, and is the author, editor or co-author of six books. He also frequently writes for the blog Vita Brevis.

How to Research Mayflower Ancestors

If you’re one of the 35 million Mayflower‘s descendants, use these databases and strategies to research your ancestors who made the perilous journey.

Family Tree Magazine

DNA Deconstructed: How to Understand Missing or Unexpected Matches (13:00)

Sometimes your DNA matches don’t quite match what you expected. Maybe you and your mom don’t have all the DNA matches you expected, or you can’t find a particular surname among your matches.

In this month’s episode Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard breaks down why this might be the case—and what to do if a relative isn’t actually related to you like you thought they were.

DNA Q&A: How to Understand Missing or Unexpected Matches

Wondering why you don’t share more DNA matches with your mother, or why you’re not seeing a surname you expect? We’ll explain a few of the possible reasons.

Family Tree Magazine

Best Genealogy Websites: Ohio Memory (20:17)

In the November/December 2020 issue of Family Tree Magazine, we crisscross the country to bring you the 75 Best State Genealogy Websites. From the great state of Ohio comes Ohio Memory, and their Digital Services Manager Jenni Salamon joins Lisa to explore the website.

The free genealogical resources waiting for you at Ohio Memory include early state history, American Indian records, maps, drawings, journals, yearbooks and much more.

Salamon’s number one search tip? Everything is digital and keyword searchable. Use the search box on the home page. You will be searching both text and metadata. If you want to search just visual items, select “exclude full text sources.”

75 Best State Genealogy Websites of 2024

Take the time to explore every one of these websites that covers a state (or territory) where your ancestors lived.

Family Tree Magazine

Editor’s Desk (36:45)

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a friend who shares your passion for genealogy? Or perhaps you would like to pass on a few hints to loved ones about items you would love to see in your stocking this year? Look no further than the new article by Family Tree Magazine Digital Editor Courtney Henderson.

Best Genealogy Gifts (That Go Beyond DNA Tests)

If you need unique gift ideas for your genealogically inclined relatives, look no further! We’ve gathered the best genealogy gifts for everyone on your list.

Family Tree Magazine

Your Host: Lisa Louise Cooke

Listen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems Podcast in your favorite podcasting app or with the Genealogy Gems Podcast app in your app store, and visit her website for great research ideas, podcast episodes and videos.

Have fun climbing your family tree!