Search Angel Projects

I have found that I love doing "Search Angel" projects. I enjoy using my skills to solve people's DNA mysteries and, in particular, finding birth parents. On February 9, 2026, I posted about success in finding the father of an old friend of my wife's. Then, the first week of March, there was another person needing help finding their birth father. I was successful in tracking down her birth father to be one of two brothers. Narrowing it down further will require contact with a first cousin match. I started this project after responding to a message in the DNA Detectives Facebook group.

After posting a comment on the person's post and sending them a private message, we exchanged information and I started. A short time later, I started receiving messages from administrators of this group because the person posting the question didn't post all of the information listed in their standard for Search Angel requests. They then said that I had to post specific comments when I respond and start a project. I ended up exchanging messages with two different administrators with different questions. It made me feel like I was doing something wrong. I'm just helping someone and I am successful.

I looked at the group today and I'm seeing multiple messages from people that need help and based on what they said in their posts, it sounds like I should be able to help a few of them. Given the response this last time, I'm hesitant to offer my help through the group. I believe Cece Moore is the founder of this group and I my respect for her is overflowing. She is awesome and I know that everyone in the group is trying to help. I also know they are only trying to make the process go well for everyone involved. I also know that there are a lot of other genealogists with the skill to help people and I can't help everyone. I guess I'm just a kid with a toy that he wants to play with all the time. I'd love to be able to help anyone and everyone!

So, I'll hold off offering to help anyone through the DNA Detective Facebook group for the time being. In the meantime, if you're in need of a DNA Detective, let me know! I can't make guarantees that I'll solve your mystery but I'd be happy to do what I can!

 --Matt