As a long-time genealogy enthusiast and content creator for hudsonfamily.net, I’ve explored numerous DNA testing platforms and family tree builders. For years, I’ve maintained accounts with both FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage, appreciating the unique strengths of each. When the partnership between FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage was announced, allowing for FamilyTreeDNA tree transfer to MyHeritage, I was intrigued but admittedly slow to act. “I’ll get to it eventually,” I thought, being a user of both for so long. It turns out, eventually should have been sooner.
Why I Regret Not Transferring My FamilyTreeDNA Tree Earlier
Finally taking the plunge and completing my FamilyTreeDNA tree transfer to MyHeritage was surprisingly straightforward. Choosing to transfer rather than just link the trees, the process was seamless. While I know some users encountered initial hiccups, it’s clear both companies have diligently addressed these issues. If you previously faced challenges, I strongly encourage you to try the transfer again or reach out to customer support – the benefits are truly worthwhile.
Discovering Enhanced Family Tree Features on MyHeritage
I was already familiar with MyHeritage’s family tree features, but the true power unlocked after integrating my FamilyTreeDNA tree became apparent. For those new to MyHeritage’s tree tools, you’re in for a treat. They offer functionalities that significantly enhance genealogical research, such as:
- Smart Matches™: Automatically compare your tree with millions of others to discover potential relatives and ancestors.
- Record Matches: Uncover historical records like birth certificates, census records, and more that directly relate to individuals in your tree.
- Photo Tools: Enhance and restore old family photos, adding a visual dimension to your family history.
These are robust tools I’ve used and benefited from, but the integration with my FamilyTreeDNA data elevated their utility to a new level.
The Power of Combining DNA Data from Multiple Platforms
I firmly believe in the advantage of testing with multiple DNA companies to maximize genealogical discoveries. If you’ve tested with both FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage, the tree integration becomes exceptionally potent.
I had previously linked many of my FamilyTreeDNA matches to my tree through “bucketing” or Family Matching. However, with thousands of autosomal matches in my Family Finder results, I had only scratched the surface of organizing my distant matches by paternal and maternal lines. Manually sifting through such a large number of matches was time-consuming, and connections could easily be missed.
Unearthing New Family Connections Through Tree Transfer
After transferring my FamilyTreeDNA tree to MyHeritage, exploring my DNA matches on the MyHeritage platform revealed a crucial oversight. Two of my 3rd-4th cousin Family Finder matches had also tested with MyHeritage and, importantly, had detailed family trees on MyHeritage – trees that were absent from FamilyTreeDNA.
These connections had previously slipped through the cracks, partly because these matches hadn’t responded to initial inquiries. More significantly, they were matches I hadn’t yet effectively linked within the FamilyTreeDNA environment. This highlighted my own oversight and the limitations of platform-specific analysis.
One Linked Match Unlocks 32 More Distant Relatives
Here’s where the integration’s power truly shone. Leveraging their MyHeritage family trees, I was able to map these two matches within my MyHeritage tree. This, in turn, allowed me to link them within my FamilyTreeDNA matches. Both matches were identified as belonging to my paternal line.
While organizing these two matches was already a win, the ripple effect was even more impressive. Through Family Matching, linking just one of these matches automatically categorized an additional 32 distant matches to my paternal side. This cascading effect significantly streamlined my match analysis and saved countless hours of manual investigation.
Revealing My Great-Great-Grandmother’s mtDNA Haplogroup
The discoveries didn’t stop there. The second match was a woman descending in a direct maternal line from one of my great-great-grandmothers. Crucially, she had also taken an mtDNA test with FamilyTreeDNA. This connection provided a remarkable insight: I could now confidently determine the mtDNA haplogroup of my great-great-grandmother (assuming no unexpected events across generations in her direct maternal line). This level of mitochondrial DNA detail added another layer to my understanding of my maternal ancestry, directly stemming from the FamilyTreeDNA tree transfer.
Key Takeaways from My FamilyTreeDNA Tree Transfer Experience
Initially, I underestimated the benefits of integrating my FamilyTreeDNA tree with MyHeritage, assuming my familiarity with both platforms would minimize any gains. I was mistaken.
The tangible benefits I gained include:
- Discovery of New Distant Matches: Identified previously overlooked connections.
- Enhanced Match Organization: Effectively linked matches to my family tree, improving organization and analysis.
- Streamlined Match Sorting: Categorized 32 additional matches to my paternal line by linking a single match.
- mtDNA Haplogroup Revelation: Uncovered my great-great-grandmother’s mtDNA haplogroup through a direct maternal-line match.
If you’re a FamilyTreeDNA user who hasn’t yet transferred your tree to MyHeritage, now is the ideal moment to capitalize on this integration. You never know what valuable family history insights await!
