The Major surname project was organized for all who wish to work together to find their common heritage through DNA testing and sharing of information. The Major project began as a Y-DNA only study project. Because we all have our own unique piece of the genealogy puzzle to contribute, the Major project now includes mtDNA and Family Finder testers too. All variant spellings are welcome. To help us help you and the entire project, please provide the name, dates and locations for your earliest known Major ancestor. Why DNA testing? DNA testing can answer important genealogy questions such as: Are the various Major families in America and other countries related or not? What are the countries and/or regions of origin for these families, especially those in colonial America? How do the variant spellings fit into the picture? DNA testing can also confirm the relationships of individuals and family lines and supplement the paper record trail. DNA can jump start your research when the paper trail runs dry and bridge the gap in locations with burned records. (Charles City and Dinwiddie Counties anyone?) Males can take the Y-DNA and the mtDNA test. Females can take the mtDNA test and also participate by finding and/or sponsoring a Major male line cousin to take the Y-DNA test. All project members, including Family Finder testers, can benefit from advanced searches of Family Finder or Y-DNA matches within the project and access to the project activity feed for sharing information among project members.