Episode 242 - Dr. Scott Woodward Talks Renting & Selling DNA, Getting Your Ancestors' DNA Profiles From Old Envelopes, And More

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David opens Family Histoire News talking about Massachusetts' recent efforts to restore colonial era mile markers, some of which date back to the early 18th century. Next, a 280-year-old "mourning ring," found in a New England garden in 1949 is now in the hands of a descendant. Hear this remarkable story. Then, hear how an adoptee, born in Japan, discovered his birth mother and then jaw dropping surprise that came with their reunion. Then it's quite a find in London… a stash of cash from World War II found under some floor boards. Find out who put it there and why. David then shines his blogger spotlight on Rahkia Nance and her blog: thelaconfidential.wordpress.com. It's called "Blogging my way through my family tree." Rahkia shares some remarkable stories about her slave ancestors.

Next, Fisher begins his two part visit with Dr. Scott Woodward, a DNA pioneer. Dr. Woodward weighs in on the controversy surrounding the use of GEDMatch profiles in cold case crimes. Then he explains what we should be looking at when we consider renting or selling our DNA to research companies. He also talks about how advances in obtaining DNA have come so far, it takes just a small amount compared to when he first started. Wait til you hear how small! In connection with that, Dr. Woodward shares with us his thoughts on "turning back the clock" in DNA by creating profiles of your long deceased ancestors. There is now a way to do that! You'll want to hear what he has to say.

Then, Preservation Authority Tom Perry talks about the risks to your ancestral treasures posed by summertime heat and weather. Maybe you're not ready to digitize and preserve everything right now, but there are ways to protect your family treasures until you are ready. And to hear Tom tell, you'd best get to it right now!

That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!