The world of genealogy research has been rapidly evolving in the past decade. Modern genetics research is converging with traditional genealogical techniques, and the impact is striking. Historic archive records and family stories and traditions can be instantly superseded by scientific data, the objectivity of which is seemingly indisputable. Layer on top of this the ability to identify and predict genetic predisposition towards family characteristics and risk factors, and the potential for unexpected, and possibly unwelcome revelations has made research of ones personal heritage a higher stakes game.

No wonder I feel more than a slight twinge of hesitation to jump into the genetic genealogy pool.

But in spite of my reservations, I'm already in the water, and it's more a question of how anxious I am to learn to swim. Following my surprise introduction to personal genetic research, the recognition that this is this is a powerful set of tools for research and gaining insights is drawing me to learn more.

Fortunately, there are some good resources out there already for learning about genetic genealogy, and for getting started on your own personal discovery. Here are some of the resources I've used:

• The Genetic Genealogist Biochemist Blaine Bettinger's personal blog about combining traditional and genetic genealogical research. Updated several times per month
• Family Tree DNA Commercial site with databases of surname projects, as well as testing products, etc.
• Wikipedia Genetic Genealogy Comprehensive overview of genetic genealogy history, uses, benefits, drawbacks, etc. Also a great jumping off point for more resources

  As we continue to rebuild the site, the most recent revision for the Garland and Related Lines tree is once again available.

  Thanks for stopping by. We are in the midst of a major overhaul of the website, including updating our content management system and genealogy applications. While the changes may not be immediately apparent, they include a number of enhancements to the Family History section, and also the elimination of a number of persistent small (but annoying) bugs.

In the coming weeks, I will also be adding more images to accompany many of the vital records, primarily census, but also some marriage, military, birth and death records. For the many distant cousins and researchers who have passed along information on Trapnell, Byrne, Eby, and other lines, those long overdue updates will start to filter through as well.

If you are a registered user, you may be required to register again. I'm hoping to restore all prior registered users shortly, but for the time being your patience is greatly appreciated.

Hoping to have much of this work completed by the New Year. In the meantime, please pardon our dust.

  I recently discovered I'm not technically a Byrne. As it turns out, neither was my father, or his father, or the past five generations of Byrnes in my line. This revelation came to light through the wonders of genetic genealogy, and while I’ve barely scratched the surface of this rapidly growing sector of family research, it’s already had a dramatic impact on my research priorities.

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