Unlocking the Past: A Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying Doomed Franklin Expedition Crew Members via DNA Analysis
Introduction
For over 170 years, the fate of Captain Sir John Franklin's 1845 Arctic expedition remained one of history's greatest mysteries. All 129 men perished after their ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, became icebound in the Victoria Strait. Today, advances in DNA analysis are finally putting names to the skeletal remains scattered across King William Island. In 2024, researchers published two papers—one in the Journal of Archaeological Science and another in the Polar Record—announcing the identification of four more crew members. This guide walks you through the exact process archaeologists use to recover, analyze, and match ancient DNA from the Franklin expedition with living descendants.
What You Need
- Skeletal remains from the Franklin expedition (preferably teeth or petrous bone for better DNA preservation)
- Reference DNA samples from known or suspected living descendants (cheek swabs or blood samples)
- Sterile excavation tools (trowels, brushes, sample bags)
- Clean lab facilities dedicated to ancient DNA (aDNA) work to prevent contamination
- DNA extraction kit optimized for degraded samples (e.g., silica‑based columns)
- PCR thermal cycler and sequencing platform (e.g., Illumina or Ion Torrent)
- Bioinformatics software for comparing genetic markers (e.g., Y‑chromosome STRs, mitochondrial DNA)
- Historical records (crew lists, genealogical databases, census records)
- Ethical clearance from indigenous communities and descendant groups
Step 1: Locate and Excavate Remains
The process begins with archaeological surveys of the known sites where Franklin crew members died: Beechey Island, King William Island, and the area near the abandoned ships. Teams use ground‑penetrating radar and historical documentation to pinpoint shallow graves or scattered bones. Each skeleton is carefully exhumed using sterile tools to avoid modern DNA contamination. Bones and teeth are placed in clean plastic bags and transported immediately to a dedicated ancient DNA (aDNA) laboratory.
Step 2: Extract DNA from Skeletal Samples
In the lab, researchers work inside a positive‑pressure hood to minimize airborne contaminants. The most promising samples—usually the petrous portion of the temporal bone or tooth roots—are ground into a fine powder using a cryogenic mill. DNA is extracted using a silica‑based method that selectively binds short, degraded DNA fragments common in ancient remains. The entire extraction is performed in a room that has never handled modern human DNA, and negative controls are included at every step to detect contamination.
Step 3: Amplify and Sequence Key Genetic Markers
Because ancient DNA is fragmented and chemically damaged, scientists focus on short, stable regions of the genome. Two types of markers are typically used:
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) – inherited maternally, present in hundreds of copies per cell, making it easier to retrieve from degraded samples.
- Y‑chromosome short tandem repeats (STRs) – inherited paternally, useful for confirming male lineage (all crew members were men).
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifies these markers, and the resulting products are sequenced on next‑generation platforms. The sequences are then compared to databases to identify unique haplotypes.
Step 4: Collect DNA from Living Descendants
Genealogists trace the family trees of the 129 crew members using historical records such as ship muster rolls, birth/death certificates, and parish registers. Living descendants—often in the fourth or fifth generation—are contacted through ancestry websites, historical societies, or local newspapers. Those who consent provide a cheek swab or small blood sample. Their DNA is profiled for the same mtDNA and Y‑chromosome markers used on the skeletal samples.
Step 5: Compare and Match Profiles
Researchers perform a direct comparison: each skeletal profile is checked against the descendant database. A match requires the mtDNA sequence to be identical (or differ by only one or two bases due to mutation) and, if sex is confirmed, the Y‑chromosome STRs to align. The statistical significance of the match is calculated using population frequency data. The 2024 papers, for example, identified four new individuals by matching their mitochondrial and autosomal markers to known descendants.
Step 6: Cross‑Reference with Historical Records
A genetic match alone is not sufficient. Archaeologists consult historical records to confirm the identity. For instance, the location of the grave or the age estimated from the skeleton must align with a specific crew member’s rank, age, or known death site. In the Franklin case, markers such as dental work, healed fractures, or artifacts buried with the remains (e.g., uniform buttons, personal items) provide additional corroboration. The team also verifies that no other crew member shares the same rare genetic profile.
Step 7: Publish and Respect the Dead
Once a positive identification is made, the results are written up in peer‑reviewed journals. The new names are added to the list of known individuals—now 12 confirmed out of 129. Researchers work with local Inuit communities and descendant families to decide whether to rebury the remains or keep them in museum collections for future study. The 2024 publications specifically highlight the ethical protocols followed, including consultation with the Nunavut government and direct descendants.
Tips for Success
- Preservation is key: Teeth and the petrous bone yield the highest quality aDNA. Avoid handling bones with bare hands.
- Contamination can ruin results: Always use dedicated aDNA facilities, wear full body suits, and run multiple negative controls.
- Genealogy requires patience: Not every crew member has living descendants. Y‑chromosome lines may die out, and mtDNA can be lost through female lineages that change surnames.
- Ethics matter: Obtain informed consent from descendants and respect cultural sensitivities, especially when working with indigenous burial grounds.
- Combine multiple lines of evidence: DNA alone can be ambiguous—always corroborate with archaeology, historical documents, and isotope analysis.