The West Virginia Project was etablished July 31, 2010 to provide a geographic link for family DNA comparisons. This creates a subset of families of similar surnames who are more likley to have been connected to other families of the same surnames. This will also provide a comparison database for families with early historical name changes, orphaned children, apprenticed children and children from unmarried couples. Recommended tests for West Virginia Project participants include the 37 or 67 marker YDNA tests for direct male lines and the full sequence mtDNA test for direct female lines. (Female line testing can be done with a living male for his mothers' maternal mtDNA line and an HVR2 level (mtDNA-Plus) can be done first to see if onees mtDNA produces distinct maternal line identification- however if one falls into a very common mtDNA haplogroup then one might find huge numbers of matches which will not be helpful- a full sequence mtDNA test can upgraded later.) Project participation is restricted to those willing to post their gedcom JOIN REQUESTS must include all pertinent family names to which the DNA tests directly relate. Waivers of surname postings will be considered upon request on a case by case basis. A Project Donation Fund is available for those who wish to coordinate DNA testing within a family or locality subproject. Genealogical societies are encouraged to offer gifts, commemorations, fund-raisers and special projects with DNA testing. This project seeks additional coordinators for recruiting participants, webpage and database maintenance, helping prospective DNA test participants and local support. Contact Paul Pettit WV-DNA Project Administrator cpettit@telis.net updated 21 Aug 2011