Adventure Awaits

It's All in the DNA

We can facilitate DNA acquisition and analysis. Know the difference between autosomal, mitochondrial (mtDNA), and Y-DNA? That’s okay because we do and we can assist you in taking the right tests to achieve your goals.

There are three common DNA tests available. The most common is autosomal DNA. Offered by a number of service providers, autosomal DNA detects relationships of both male and female throughout your family tree. The other two, mitochondrial (mtDNA) and y-DNA, detect direct maternal and paternal DNA relationships, respectively.

There are plusses and minuses with each test. Autosomal DNA is the cheapest test but will often uncover literally hundreds if not thousands of matches. They are also prone to false matches, as well, which is why we say it’s almost all in the DNA, and why sound practice requires both DNA and family tree research.

The other two tests are more expensive, are offered by fewer laboratories, but will have a much limited pool of results.

Deliverables

How We Do What We Do (For Those of You Who Don't Go Into Science)

“Why waste your money looking up your family tree? Just go into politics and your opponents will do it for you."

Mark Twain

The Initial Consultation

We do it in a three-step process. First, our Initial Consultation is a free, no obligation discussion with you to learn what your needs and goals are, and then determine the best way to move forward to get you there. We’ll learn what information you already have, what steps you’ve already taken, any “brick walls” you have run into, and, most importantly, what you want to accomplish.

The Initial Assessment

From there we do an Initial Assessment. We take what you have given us and do some basic research. Here we may suggest, for example, focusing on certain family branches to pursue further, or maybe tracing your lineage back to a certain locale or time in place. We may have questions for you based on what you have supplied. Because every situation is unique, we work with you on an hourly basis. We provide you with an Initial Report and you can decide where to go from there.

Then things Really Get Going

The third stage is where the fun really begins! This is true genealogy, where we build out your family tree and transform the raw data into a meaningful report.

If you’re ready for your free, no obligation Initial Assessment, let’s get started!

Planning Your Past

Stories and Posts

Here are some stories and examples of what you might see as you uncover your past.

My Parents and Grandparents

Actually, none of the people in the photo were parents or grandparents of mine. If I were to print out my entire family tree it

Whenever Two or More Are Gathered …

It all started back in the early 1990s at University Christian Church in Berkeley, California. I was a new seminary student attending a dinner of

For the Last Time, Newsom is Not Pelosi’s Nephew

Sometimes, genealogy can be used not only to prove family relationships, but also to disprove it. If you follow California wing nuts you have no

Any Questions?

Can you locate ALL my ancestors?

No, of course not, but we will make every effort to build as complete and accurate a family tree as possible within the confines of your budget and particular circumstances.

Can I be a part of the Finescale History & Design team?

Absolutely! Our clients are integral members of the team, helping to guide which directions to pursue, confirming connections made, and the like. You get access to our communication network and everything!

How long will it take?

That depends on a number of factors but the biggest is how accessible the documentary evidence is. Getting DNA results back generally takes 4-6 weeks.

What's it going to cost?

That depends on what you want to accomplish within the constraints of your budget and is a primary component of both the Initial Consultation and the Initial Assessment. We’ll talk …