Most Maxson family members in America are descendants of Richard Maxson who arrived in Boston in 1634. Although his family is a matter of record from its earliest days in Rhode Island, very little is known of Richard's origin, birth or marriage. Attempts in the 19th century to locate the family's trans-Atlantic roots failed, but our hope is Y-DNA can stlll remember what human memory long ago forgot. We urge all males with the Maxson, Maxon, Magson and Maggeson surname to join us in this voyage of discovery, and women are welcome to participate by submitting Y-DNA provided by a Maxson father, brother, uncle or cousin. Banner photograph: Watch Hill lighthouse, Westerly, RI (Shutterstock)