In October 2004, after learning that DNA testing was available to help eliminate genealogical roadblocks in family research, a search began to locate Hawes surnamed descendants to participate in a DNA study.

This project was initiated by a descendant of Samuel Hawes I (circa 1675 - circa 1769), of Virginia. Samuel Hawes I (1675-1769) was believed to have English roots, but it has not been proven.

There are other Hawes/Haws people, whom are also unsure of their distant ancestry or particular Hawes/Haws line; they want to know.