The Moffat Colonial DNA Project

Group Administrator: Kyle Moffitt - Email: Kyle.Moffitt@det.nsw.edu.au

Project Background

The Moffat Colonial DNA Project was started in February, 2006 by a group of Moffitts and Moffetts interested in defining the colonial American family lines of "Moffat". This project intends to be as expansive as possible and welcomes all variants of the surname "Moffat". It is independent of the official Clan Moffat organisation and its affiliated DNA Project. It differs from that project in that it is strictly interested in the immigrant American Moffat ancestors of the 17th and 18th centuries.

To participate in this project you need not know that your ancestor was a colonial American immigrant. The project is open to all male "Moffats" regardless of their nationality or spelling. It is understood that a large international database can assist what intends to be a local project and we welcome your contribution.

This project is new and will develop as new data is submitted by members.

This project uses DNA testing of the Y-chromosome. Because males inherit the Y-chromosome from their fathers, the DNA acts like a surname, passing from father to son, and allowing the reconstruction of ancient family lines. This testing cannot tell you who your distant ancestor was, but it can tell you who you are related to and how closely (on the order of hundreds or thousands of years). You can then make assumptions or predictions about your own genealogy.

Due to the specific nature of Y-chromosome testing, this project is only applicable to males with any variant of the surname "Moffat". Female "Moffats" will need to obtain a DNA sample from a male "Moffat" relative if they wish to participate.