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Ever wondered whether you're related to someone else with a similar surname? Well, if you've run out of ideas on paper maybe it's time to let science determine your blood-line through DNA testing, now the process has become a little more affordable.
Put simply, what genealogical DNA testing does, is analyse one's genetic characteristics and then list them as a series of numbers which, when compared with someone else's, indicate the likelihood of a relationship to that person. It really isn't half as complicated as I make it sound, so if you'd like to learn more, click on the button below for short animation that will give you a better idea of what it's all about.
Hold on though... Before you get too excited, there's some bad news as well. The only people who can take part in this project are those with 'Y' chromosomes, i.e. BLOKES. The ladies will have to sit this one out I'm afraid. Of course that shouldn't deter them from volunteering male relatives who are descended from Hog*s through the male line. (I say 'Hog*s' because spelling our name seems to have been pretty hit-or-miss in the past, while our genes have remained constant.)
As more of us get involved we will begin to see common links appear, which tie together otherwise unconnected families around the globe - and perhaps get a few surprises too. I'm particularly interested to see what links exist between the various different main branches of Hog(g)arths. Watch this space in that regard!
So what's the catch then? Well, unlike the rest of the website (which is free), joining this project does involve parting with some money. Please be assured that I won't profit from it myself though, and that as a member of our group you'll receive a discount on the amount normally charged to individual participants. What you'll also get is a certificate and report which future generations of your family will thank you for. Remember that whilst you'll only ever need to be tested once, your results are permanent.
Ok, now we've got the awkward business of the sales pitch out of the way, I do hope you'll consider joining our very exclusive club by choosing a test which might use as few as 23 markers (the default), or as many as the full 43. Obviously, the more markers you pick the more accurate will be the result, although the cost does rise accordingly. However, I'm pleased to say we've been granted a further 10 dollar discount on the 43-marker test as an added incentive.
There's an extensive FAQ section on the DNA Heritage website, but the main things you'll probably want to know right away are: testing simply involves dabbing a sterile swab inside your mouth; and that the discounted cost of the FULL 43 marker test is 189 US Dollars to project members.
Please click the 'Join' link at the foot of the page if you would like to participate and receive a (free) DNA sample testing kit in the post.
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Join The Hogarth DNA Project |
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DNA Heritage (for FAQs, etc.) |
