Welcome to the CARMACK Surname DNA Project Information site. The objective is to match up individuals or families who share a common male ancestor of the CARMACK surname (or any of the variant spellings).

Y-DNA testing is relatively new to genealogy research. Y-DNA is passed from father to son only, through the generations, with minimal (random) changes. This Y-DNA "signature" can be used to prove or disprove lineage and, when compared to the Y-DNA signature of a “cousin”, to possibly trace back to a Most Recent Common Ancestor.

The project's first specific goal when started in August 2003 was to determine if there was a direct male line genetic relationship between individuals.  We have been able to show a direct relationship of the many Cornelius Carmack (born about 1681) descendants.  However, the DNA results have shown no relationship to other Carmack’s  who were living in the Maryland area during that time period.  These other Carmack’s have been linked together as possible siblings in previous research. 

The project continues to grow and we are starting to add more participants from the variant spellings.  Thus far we have not shown any DNA relationship between the variant spellings and the Carmack surname, nor been able to match Carmack DNA outside the USA.

If you are a Carmack you can help this study. If you're still searching for an ancestral place of origin, perhaps the study can help you. Our objective is to determine whether Carmack families are related, and if so, how closely. We suggest to test Y-chromosome DNA at 37 markers, and when close matches are found, then at additional markers up to 67. Families are eligible to join if they bear any variation associated with the surname.

INTRODUCTION

DNA testing gives genealogy researchers another avenue to better establish, or disprove ancestral links between individuals with a common surname. There are two types of DNA tests now available for genealogical testing: the Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) test and the mitochondrial (mtDNA) test. A direct female line can be traced by testing mitochondrial DNA. Our project is an effort to trace the CARMACK surname.  Since fathers pass on the DNA in their “Y” chromosome to their sons virtually unchanged from generation to generation, men with identical, or near identical, DNA factors can be genetically proven to be descendants of a common male ancestor.  For this reason, our study will be limited to direct line CARMACK males. Test results will not give the degree of relationship, but they can prove a common male ancestor.

The testing laboratory will analyze the different markers on the participant’s Y-chromosome (depending upon which test is chosen). If the Y-chromosomes of two tested individuals match, it will indicate they both descend from a common male CARMACK ancestor. This testing will not, however, identify the specific ancestor from whom a participant descends.  Once enough samples have been analyzed though, a person tested who is from an unknown lineage could learn which general line he belongs to and therefore eliminate investigating CARMACK families from whom he could NOT have descended.

Although more documentary evidence may still be found, traditional genealogical research may never find all the connections between the various Carmack family groups. In addition, there are undoubtedly links that have been made that are not correct. The availability of Y chromosome analysis now provides a new way to determine direct male to male lineage, and this is the basis of this project.

OBJECTIVES

The objective is to build up a database of Carmack family Y-DNA profiles to assist Carmack's worldwide to trace their ancestral roots, and also locate possible long lost branches of their families. This project can help answer many things about the Carmack's, some of which include the following:

·    Identify others who are related and how the different CARMACK family lines related.

·    Prove or disprove theories regarding ancestors.

·    Breakdown brick walls in your research.

·    Determine a location for further research.

·    Validate existing research.

·    How many different common male ancestors are associated with the CARMACK surname?

·    Are the Maryland CARMACKs related to the CARMACKs from Ireland and Scotland?

·    Which CARMACK researchers should be collaborating because they share a common ancestor?

If your CARMACK research has hit a “wall”, DNA analysis could be the breakthrough you have been looking for to push your CARMACK genealogy research back generations by finding connections to other CARMACK family Lines.

THE PLAN

The CARMACK DNA Project invites all men with the CARMACK surname (including all variant spellings) to participate. Family Tree DNA(FTDNA), one of the most prominent research firms in this field, has been selected for our "Y" chromosome DNA project. FTDNA is a Houston, TX based company founded strictly for performing genealogical DNA testing and analysis. All work is done in the lab of Dr. Michael Hammer of the University of Arizona. Dr. Hammer is another highly respected geneticist who is actively pursuing DNA surname research. As part of the Family Tree DNA Family Reconstruction Project Program we are eligible for special group prices for our project.  Check the Family Tree DNA site for Group rates.

THE Y-DNA TEST

The DNA testing is easy and you don't even have to go anywhere. They mail the kit to you and you mail it back to them -- no blood, no doctors, no visits to collection specialists. The kit is a padded envelop that contains two cheek scrapers (swabs) that look like a tooth brush and their collection tubes. The test is as simple as brushing your teeth .You brush the inside of your cheek with one swab, then do the same with the other swab at least eight hours later. The swabs have nice little handles that allow you to push the soft ends off into their collection tube which is filled with soapy water. The collection tubes have caps that keep the swab tips wet and sealed while they travel to Houston in the envelope. The kit includes instructions for collecting your DNA sample and also a release form allowing for sharing of your data results with others in our project who exactly match.

TESTING RESULTS

Your results will be posted on your own personal web page at Family Tree DNA. You will use a kit number and passcode to see the results. You will also get printed results in the mail.

TO PARTICIPATE

All CARMACK and other possible variants surnames are encouraged to participate in the CARMACK DNA Project. Male CARMACK's may participate directly. Females do not have the Y-chromosome. However, they can participate through a male CARMACK relative (father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin).

To join this CARMACK project click on http://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?Group=Carmack. You will then see a description of this project. Scroll down to the bottom and click on the specific test. That is all there is to it.  For helpful information and resources regarding how YDNA Genetic Genealogy works see my DNA FAQ page at http://www.familytreedna.com/public/carmack/

Each participant must request a test kit (described above), and return the kit to Family Tree DNA for analysis. FTDNA will provide the necessary instructions with the kit.  Payment can be made by check or credit card.