The Ketchum and Variants Surname Project focuses on utilizing genetic genealogy to achieve specific research milestones, document genetic heritage, and overcome traditional paper-trail brick walls.

1. Multi-Origin Surname Mapping

   

• Identify Distinct Progenitors: DNA evidence confirms that Ketchum is a multi-origin surname with distinct ancient progenitors. Our goal is to isolate and map these independent genetic lines rather than forcing a single, unified family tree.

   

• Establish Baselines: Define the core Y-DNA haplogroups for each unique branch to help members identify which global lineage they belong to.

2. Technical and Testing Benchmarks

   

• Advanced Paternal Mapping: Support and encourage high-resolution Y-DNA testing (such as the Big Y-700) to refine matching timelines down to specific generations and build out unique branches on the FTDNA Block Tree.

   

• Maternal and Autosomal Integration: Leverage mitochondrial (mtDNA) and autosomal DNA data to survey regional sub-groups and map shared genetic heritages.

3. Resolution of Biological Brick Walls

   

• The Ketchum-Hanan Study: Building on foundational project research that genetically disproved a biological Hanan lineage for Archie W. Hanan (1861 to 1913), our target is to fully map and verify the matching DNA markers connecting this branch to the descendants of Lewis Grant Ketchum.

   

• Genetic Reconstruction: Provide a data-driven resource to help modern adoptees, those experiencing Non-Paternity Events (NPEs), or researchers with un-documented lines reconstruct their biological lineages through shared project data.

4. Database Integrity

   

• Maintain a verified, accessible reference database of genetic signatures paired with member-submitted Earliest Known Ancestor (EKA) documentation to serve as a permanent resource for future generations.