July 4, 2016 HAMEL surname project is set up on FTDNA.  A general description of the project appears under “Background."  Initial members are project administrator David N. Hamill and his sister Martha J. Hamill.  Martha, of course, does not have a YDNA test because she is female.  But both David and Martha have had the autosomal DNA Family Finder test on FTDNA.  The plan is to enroll Hamel descendants who have either the YDNA or autosomal DNA tests .. or both.  By combining both types of DNA results with traditional genealogical research we hope to expand the usefulness of DNA testing.  

July 5, 2016 David Hamill also becomes a co-administrator on the HAMILL project at the request of Pat Hamill, administrator of that project.  Being an administrator on both projects should help coordinate efforts and make it easier for prospective members to figure out what surname projects to join.  Though David’s surname is spelled Hamill, that was a change in the 1800’s from Hamel.

July 31, 2016 Two new members have joined the HAMEL project.  Bill Amell and Glen Hamel.  Bill, like David, has tested for 111 markers, and Glen has tested for 37.  Bill Amell and David Hamill have worked together for years without being able to find their common ancestor even though they are such close matches.  Glen is new to Y DNA testing, and by coincidence is an exact match to Bill and David through his 37 markers.  There are about 8 other Hamels who match but have not joined the project yet, and from their results we know that it unusual for Glen to match Bill and David exactly even at 37 markers.  David needs to get invites out to all these other Hamels who have been tested!        

Nov 1, 2016 Rich Hamell joins the project.