Hi again,
For those who haven't tested already, or have other folks they's like to
test, I have some very interesting news (to me at least!) This summer, National
Geographic launched a new project to map DNA around the world by collecting
samples from indigenous folks all over the place! It's called the
Genographic Project and it's led by Spencer Wells--the same guy that did that great
PBS
special called The Journey of Man. They hope to fill in the gaps in our
knowledge of human migration, and have made a commitment to the groups they test
to provide ongoing support for education and social programs (The Legacy
Project). Anyone who wants to support the project can do so for $99.
The cool thing is that for that $99 contribution, you're not only supporting
the Genographic Project and the Legacy Project,. You get your own DNA
testing done (12 markers), you get a copy of Spencer Wells' Journey of Man DVD,
and you get a report telling you where you fit in the history of Human
Migration. Now there's a good gift for someone!
And to make it even better for us, the Genographic Project is using the same
lab (U of Arizona) that FamilyTreeDNA is. This means that anyone who joins
either project can upload to the other! If you've already joined thru FTDNA,
it costs $15 which goes to the Legacy project. If you're new to NG's
Genographic project, you can upload to FamilyTreeDNA (where our surname project is)
for free and use all the tools available there. (You can upgrade markers
from there also if you wish).
While you'd probably get into our surname project a little faster by joining
directly thru the project, I have to recommend the Genographic Project thru
National Geographic as a starting place because of the Legacy Project and the
worldwide database. You'll still get into our surname project (as long as
you hit the little button authorizing it) but you'll be doing some good along
the way!
Hope this helps some of you who've been "on the fence" about testing.
National Geographic certainly adds an element of legitimacy--and goodwill--to the
idea of DNA testing for genealogy.
Incidentally, may I heartily recommend the International Society for Genetic
Genealogy (ISOGG) as a free resource for folks who want to learn more.
There are local chapters that have meetings, and a Yahoo group online. And it's
all free...
Please write if I can help answer any questions--and pass the word!
Happy Thanksgiving, folks!
Cyndi in Baltimore