Why do a Y-DNA test?

Y-DNA testing is used by our project to identify men who share a common male ancestor. It is a simple swab test of the inside of your cheek. The Y chromosome passes virtually unchanged from father to son. Testing your Y chromosome will reveal if you share a patrilineal ancestor with our group members who have already tested. FamilyTreeDNA has the largest Y-DNA database for matching in the world. You can read more about Y-DNA here.

Which Y-DNA test should I buy?

The Y-37 is the entry level test and is a fine place to start. More markers (STRs) are analyzed with the Y-111 test which provides more refined matching. Our members are encouraged to upgraded to the Big Y-700 test for placement on the "Tree of Mankind." FamilyTreeDNA will store your sample in case you would like to upgrade to a higher level of testing in the future. Contact administrator Lucy Nelson if you are unsure which test to order.

What is the Family Finder DNA test?

The Family Finder test focuses on autosomal DNA which is inherited from both parents. This test is designed to find matches in FamilyTreeDNA's database on all of your ancestral lines within the last five generations. Our project uses a combination of Y-DNA and autosomal DNA, so we encourage you to also do the Family Finder test. 

Family Finder includes:

• myOrigins – mapping tool that provides a detailed ethnic and geographic breakdown of where your ancestors came from
• ancientOrigins – tool that maps your ancient ancestors’ migration routes and shows the amount of autosomal DNA you still carry from ancient European civilizations.
• Family Matching – enhanced feature that enables users to sort confirmed DNA matches by maternal and paternal lines
• Chromosome Browser – exclusive tool for comparing matching segments of DNA (blocks) with your genetic matches

You can read more about the Family Finder test here.