MyHeritage is a genealogy website that you can use for free. It is designed to be used on a PC, but some aspects of the site will still work for Mac users. Recently, MyHeritage added DNA tests to the plethora of resources that it provides. Interested genealogists can choose from several different test kits.
The MyHeritage company is based in Bnei Atarot, which is located near Tel Aviv, Israel. Genealogists from all around the globe can use the MyHeritage website to do their genealogy research. You can sign up to use the genealogy resources found at MyHeritage for free. However, members who purchase a subscription will get more access to what the website can offer genealogists than will people who are using it for free.
In 2011, MyHeritage acquired FamilyLink, which was based in Provo, Utah. This allowed MyHeritage to offer billions of historical records to its users, through FamilyLink’s WorldVitalRecords.com.
Recently, MyHeritage began offering DNA testing. They can do this because they have partnered with a company called Family Tree DNA. They are the company behind the Genographic Project by National Geographic and IBM. The DNA test kits are made by Family Tree DNA, and they are the company who will analyze the data that comes from the DNA samples that people send in. The Family Tree DNA labs are located in Houston, Texas.
There are a total of thirteen different DNA test kits that you can purchase from MyHeritage. Some are designed to give you information on your paternal line, and others will do that for your maternal line. Or, you can choose one of the many DNA test kits that will give you information about both your maternal and paternal line. Other test kits are for a comprehensive ancestral test, or for close genealogy that will help you find more of your family. Prices range from about $100 to around $800.
In general, people tend to be especially protective of the information that is derived from a sample of their DNA. There is concern that the information will be misused, or will be shared or used without the person’s permission. There is a very detailed FAQ that you can read if you have any questions about the DNA test kits that MyHeritage has started selling.
Are you interested in buying one of these DNA testing kits? If you aren’t already paying for a membership to MyHeritage, you might consider doing that right now. The genealogy website is giving a discount on the cost of their DNA kits to MyHeritage subscribers.
Image by Stefano on Flickr