The MERCER DNA PROJECT is a mutual research effort involving families with origins in the MERCER and/or MESSER groups of surnames. Working in cooperation with FAMILY TREE DNA, this project is a collaborative effort of volunteer member-participants desirous to discover and explore their heritage through the sharing of genealogical information and DNA test results. Members are encouraged to communicate with one another in order to further their knowledge of family history and heritage through genetic genealogical research. We encourage interested parties having lineal ties to the MERCER and/or MESSER groups of surnames to join us in the search for a greater knowledge of our ancestors and the common heritage we share. Genetic genealogical testing (Y-DNA, atDNA, and mtDNA) is utilized for the purposes of comparative matching and analysis to shed new light on available documentary evidence - and thereby resolve questions of ancestry which current interpretations based primarily on geographical locations have not been able to resolve. Thus, any of these three types of DNA tests and the willingness to collaborate with others (including granting one's consent to share their contact, pedigree, and DNA results information with and through this project), qualifies one for participatory membership in the MERCER DNA Project.