OUR PROJECT GOALS

The Guthrie DNA Surname Project combines DNA evidence, documented ancestry and collaborative research to explore the origins and relationships of Guthrie families worldwide.

1. Identify and connect Guthrie paternal lines.

Expand Y-DNA participation across Guthrie lineages, especially those without a tested representative. Compare results and family records to identify shared paternal ancestry and develop our understanding of the Guthrie Family Groups.

2. Explore the branches within each Family Group.

Use Y-DNA and Big Y results alongside documented family histories to investigate how branches connect, distinguish separate lines and guide further research. Encourage additional testing where it can help answer a specific family question.

3. Strengthen the Guthrie Research Tree.

Gather each participant’s ancestral line from the tester back to the earliest proven Guthrie ancestor, including spouses, dates, places and supporting evidence when available. Record Y-DNA and autosomal participation alongside these lineages to help identify research opportunities.

4. Make useful connections through autosomal DNA.

Encourage members to organize relevant Guthrie matches, compare documented ancestry and share promising findings. Members’ research, with help from Ann on focused questions, can reveal clues worth exploring alongside records and Y-DNA evidence.

5. Connect families across countries and generations.

Welcome participation from Great Britain and Ireland, Colonial American lineages, and Guthrie families in other parts of the world. Comparing these branches may help trace migrations and reconnect families whose shared history has been lost.

6. Build a clearer, better-supported family history.

Evaluate inherited family stories and proposed relationships against the available evidence. Document discoveries, identify uncertain links and share corrections so that future research rests on stronger foundations.

YOUR PART IN THE DISCOVERY

A DNA result becomes more useful when paired with family knowledge and an interested researcher. Whether you test, help find a suitable relative, contribute records or investigate your matches, your participation can help move Guthrie research forward.