Category: Adoption

Researching Orphan Children and Adoption in Your Genealogy

Somewhere between the 1850 census and the 1860 census, Benjamin and Luranna Gilbert acquired a 12-year-old child named Mary Lackey. Who was Mary?

Discovering a New Sibling Through DNA Results

An expected close relative led to an astonishing DNA discovery, giving one researcher a new sibling—and information on a long-hidden wartime romance.

Finding Your Birth Family with a DNA Test

DNA testing has opened a broad new avenue for adopted people to find their birth families. Our guide maps out your journey of discovery.

How to Use Shared DNA to Determine Relationships

DNA testing has opened up new doors for researchers hoping to find their birth parents. Learn how to use data in your DNA results to figure out relationships.

Adoption Resources for Discovering Your Birth Family

Finding birth families is a goal for adoptees, foundlings and donor-conceived persons alike. These adoption genealogy tools, books and websites will show you how.

MyHeritage’s DNA Quest Reunites Family in New Zealand

Two half-siblings reconnected with each other and their long-lost birth father thanks to a pro bono DNA program.

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4 Steps to Creating a Mirror Tree to Find Your Birth Family

DNA testing has played a critical role in reuniting families around the world. Learn how to create mirror trees on AncestryDNA, the largest of the testing services.

One Man’s Successful Search for His Sperm-Donor Father

Professional genealogist John Vanek’s successful search for his sperm-donor father—and the men’s thoughtful navigation through their new relationship—offer inspiration to birth family searchers.

5 First Steps to Researching Your Own Adoption

Beginning to find a birth family may feel overwhelming. Simplify researching your adoption by taking these 5 easy first steps.

How Are Adoptees Related to Their DNA Matches?

Learn some answers to common genetic genealogy questions, including how adoptees can determine relationships with DNA matches based on centimorgans.

Find Adoption Support

You can find help, both practical and emotional, in searching for your "hidden roots" through an adoption support group. Some groups include just one segment of the adoption "triad": adoptee groups, birth parent support groups and adoptive parent groups. Others involve everyone affiliated with adoption. Some search agencies actually...

Finding Adoption Answers

You've got questions about discovering, preserving and celebrating your family history; our experts have the answers.

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