How to Create Custom Clusters with an Unknown Match

In this office hours session for the Research Like a Pro with DNA online course, Nicole Dyer explores how to create Ancestry custom clusters using an unknown DNA match as the match of interest, rather than a known match, in order to uncover unidentified ancestors further back in a tree. She demonstrates her approach using a known match, then an unknown match with a sizable tree and no immediately apparent connection to the known ancestral line, and compares the results: the known match mostly reproduces familiar descendants of her research subject, while the unknown match surfaces new surnames and ultimately leads back to a previously unresearched ancestral couple. Throughout, she offers practical guidance on centimorgan ranges for targeting fourth- through sixth-great-grandparent relationships, the value of common ancestor hints, and tips for recognizing meaningful clusters. This is an excerpt from a monthly office hours session in the Research Like a Pro with DNA independent study course. To join the Research Like a Pro with DNA online course, and learn how to integrate DNA evidence into your genealogy research, click here: https://familylocket.com/product/rese.... To view more questions and answers in this series, go here:    • Q&A from Research Like a Pro with DNA  .