Search for a Project | Join a Project | Request a Project | FAQS | What's a Project?
Join your ancestral Surname Projects & post your pedigree. (Ordering through a project saves you money!)
Didn't find your surname in the list? - use "Search for a Project" - it might be included in another project
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You should be able to click on the Project link and be routed to a surname site where you can join. If the link is not working, go directly to the testing company site and follow their instructions. If all else fails, contact Terry or Rich and we’ll help you make the connection.
Does every family have a project?
No, most families have not started a Surname DNA Project. We provide World Families Network to assist those who wish to start new Surname DNA Projects.
What about alternate spellings of my name?
Most Surname Projects are very open to participants with alternate spellings. You should search for variant spellings of your surname if you don’t find a Surname Project for your surname.
Family Tree DNA expects you to ultimately have 6 participants, but has a number of projects listed with one or two participants. Here is a link to their page with instructions.
Alternately, we will set up the project for you through World Families Network and allow you to be the Co-Admin or simply be a participant. Click here to request us to set up your Surname Project Surname Project Request
What do I need to know to set up a Surname DNA project?
Most Surname DNA Project coordinators didn’t know a lot about DNA testing when they started. They had an interest in furthering their research and were willing to start their project and learn as they went. We have provided advice on how to start and run a project at our World Families Network site.
Why should I list my project through your website?
You will list your project at WFN because you want to maximize the possibility of a potential participant finding your project. By listing at World Families Network, you help assure that nearly all Surname Projects are included in a single listing. (If your project is listed with Family Tree DNA, we will automatically include it in our list)
How will other people find my project?
We maintain The World's most complete Surname DNA Project listing. This includes all projects that are listed with Family Tree DNA plus any projects that have individually registered with World Families Network. We believe that this represents over 90% of all surname projects worldwide. Anyone searching at the testing company that handles your project will also find your project.
What kind of people should I recruit?
You need a male participant who either carries the Surname or one who is believed to be paternally descended from a man who carried the surname.
When you are establishing your project, the most important participants will be those who can trace their ancestry. Researchers who are enthusiastic about researching your surname through DNA testing can be very helpful in recruiting and in convincing the doubters of the value of DNA testing.
Use every possible method of contact that you can imagine. Typically, some are found through word of mouth, some are found through Surname Forums and Discussion Pages, some are found through Family History societies and some are found through luck. If you know old-timers who have a network of fellow researchers who still communicate by snail mail and phone, you have a potential source into many families in your surname, as these researchers usually keep a list of contacts who are a part of their line and a list of those who are not a part of their line. The more different channels of communication that you can open to find and recruit participants, the more likely you are to be successful in finding them.
How do I convince them to get tested?
This can be a challenge. Some folks are willing to participate, but can’t (or won’t pay the cost). In these cases, you can encourage the family to collectively pool the cost of the test for one representative. These situations are ones where the 12 marker tests are particularly useful, as $99 is easier to raise than $148, $189, or $269.
Some folks don’t understand the value of the testing. Hopefully, you can learn enough from these FAQs and other information to persuade them. Some coordinators have shared their challenges on the Genealogy-DNA-L list and gotten help from experienced coordinators.
Some folks fear that the test will somehow invade or compromise their privacy. Again, hopefully, you can learn enough from these FAQs and other information to persuade them.
If you aren’t able to convince someone to participate, don’t give up. (and don’t offend them, as they could become an ally later) One possibility is that they might refer you to another family member who is more receptive. You may also find a way to answer their concerns and discuss with them again another time.
Some projects create “sponsorships” to help pay the cost of testing in specific situations.
How many markers should we use?
Use as many markers as your participants can afford. Generally, we recommend starting with at least 25 markers as a trade-off between cost and information. (If cost is a major issue, screening tests can be done with 12 marker tests.)
Once I've found a project, how do I join?
Click here to learn how.
