This project was begun with the goal of connecting the Westmoreland and similar surname families worldwide. Initially the project was focused on Y-DNA only, but also includes mtDNA test results which may help break through brick walls. More recently with the advent of the Family Finder test, we welcome all Westmoreland descendants. Although FamilyFinder (autosomal) DNA is not currently charted on this webpage, it is available to admins to help identify matches in group matrix report format and may someday be available to group members. The Y-DNA portion of the project is open to all males of surname Westmoreland, Westmorland, Westmerland and variant spellings in all parts of the World. The goal is to use Y-DNA testing to identify which families are related on the direct male line, and trace their origins. The origins of many families of these surnames are obscure, and it is hoped this project will assist to break down the brick walls and resolve mysteries about the origins of these families. Y-DNA is passed from fathers to sons mostly unchanged. If 2 males have similar Y-DNA, they are related on the direct male line. Generally, the more similar their Y-DNA, the more closely related. But by looking for specific mutations only found in particular families, we can sometimes identify the name of an early direct male line ancestor who may have lived hundreds of years ago. The more males of surnames Westmoreland, Westmorland, Westmerland who Y-DNA test in this project, the more successful it will be. The Project Administrators would like to thank all of those who choose to support this project by Y-DNA testing. We are actively seeking European Westmorelands to help establish earliest connections. This project also very much needs descendants of Robert Westmoreland (1780-1851) - Ann Louisa Foreman (1785-1852) Reuben Westmoreland (1776-1845) Coweta County, Georgia Gift certificates may be available to cover Y-DNA test costs.