DNA testing is the most powerful tool to ever become available for genealogists.  To get started, and have the DNA experience, your first step is to determine if there is a Surname Project for your surname.  The second step is to order a DNA test under the umbrella of the Surname Project, or as an individual.  It is recommended, though not necessary, but considerably less expensive, to order a DNA test as a participant in a Surname Project, if a Surname Project exists for your surname.

A Surname Project is a group that has been established for a particular surname and its variants, and each Surname Project has a Group Administrator (or Project Manager). The Group Administrator acts as a facilitator for the group, and provides assistance in understanding and interpreting results, and reports the results to the group, usually through a Web site and/or a newsletter (this Status Report in the case of the KNOWLES Surname Project).  In addition, Family Tree DNA provides email and telephone consultation, and a Forum where your questions can be answered. You can visit the FTDNA DNA Forum by using the link below:

http://www.familytreeDNA.com/forum/

Use the following link to find out if a Surname Project exists, if you are interested in a surname other than Knowles:

http://www.familytreeDNA.com/surname.asp

If a Surname Project has been established for your surname, the next step is to select a DNA test.  A Y-DNA test will provide information about your direct male line, and a mtDNA test provides information about your direct female line.  A direct line for a male would be his father, his father's father, and on back in time.  To take a Y-DNA test you must be male, since only males have a Y-chromosome.  If you are female, then a father, brother, or other direct line male in your family tree would need to take the Y DNA test.  Your direct female line, for both males and females, is your mother, her mother, and back in time.  Both males and females inherit mtDNA from their mothers.  Only females pass on mtDNA to their children.

If a Surname Project doesn't exist for your surname, consider starting a Surname Project.  The educational resources of FTDNA, combined with their email and telephone consultation, help you each step of the way.  Being confused or overwhelmed will quickly pass, and be replaced with the excitement of new discoveries.

Anyone with experience with family history research can start a Surname Project.  FTDNA will supply the tools and guidance so your Surname Project is successful. There are just two steps to take to become a Group Administrator for a Surname Project:

Find out if a Surname Project exists for your surname. Click on the link below to search our database of Surname Projects:

If a Surname Project hasn't been established for your surname, then use the email contact below to establish a Surname Project, or to discuss establishing a Surname Project:  bcg@familytreeDNA.com for Bennett Greenspan