Project Surnames
SCGS
Project Background
Recognizing the importance of DNA testing to the field of genealogy and family research, the Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library decided to partner with the Family Tree DNA testing service to provide reduced pricing for our testers and to encourage this form of research.
Participants who sign up through SCGS will have their results joined to the appropriate Surname Project and to the appropriate Y-DNA or mtDNA haplogroup projects. We have regular training through our DNA Interest Group to help participants understand their results.
Understanding DNA Testing:
Family Tree DNA provides information to help you understand DNA testing. Most people start by looking at projects which fit their surname. Across the top of every page are the words TESTIMONIALS, PRIVACY and FAQ. There are also excellent explanations of Y-DNA (male DNA) testing and mtDNA (female DNA) testing accessed from the left column. On the lower right column are articles which give you a deeper understanding of DNA. An excellent tutorial on DNA is found on the Blair Surname site called DNA 101.
Recommended books for understanding DNA are:
Colleen Fitzpatrick & Andrew Yeiser, DNA & Genealogy
Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak and Ann Turner, Trace Your Roots with DNA.
Books featuring DNA in the British Isles and Ireland are:
Stephen Oppenheimer, The Origins of the British
Bryan Sykes, Saxons, Vikings and Celts (published in Great Britain as Blood of the Isles).
If you still have questions, contact:
Alice Fairhurst – alicefairhurst at gmail.com or
Bonny Cook - cookdna at earthlink.net or
Doug Miller - djmill at earthlink.net
Please note that the FTDNA Surname Group Administrators are not FTDNA employees. They do not receive any form of financial payment or any other incentive or reimbursement.