If there’s a chance you’re related to the ill-fated crewmembers of the 1845 Franklin Expedition, you should read John D. Reid’s blog, Canada’s Anglo-Celtic Connections. John wrote, “Researchers are now seeking DNA, buccal (cheek) swab samples, from living descendants who have genealogical records linking them to a member of the expedition with the goal of trying to identify some of these remains.”
Not sure if you are related to a crewmember? John’s blog post also includes the muster roll.
In 1845, explorer Sir John Franklin set sail from England with two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, in search of a Northwest Passage across what is now Canada’s Arctic. The ships and crews vanished, prompting a massive search that continues to this day. A breakthrough was made in September 2014 when an expedition led by Parks Canada discovered the wreck of HMS Erebus.
