 DNA Project |
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Blackburn DNA Project Underway As part of an ongoing effort to expand outreach to “potential” Blackburn relatives who have to this point been frustrated in their ability to make that “final” connection to the Blackburn family, Kevin Howley is coordinating a Blackburn DNA project so that those “final” links might be made. Kevin has used this new genealogical tool with some other family lines among his ancestry and it has proven successful. At this point, the project is looking for volunteers to submit to DNA testing. The process is quite simple. Volunteers will receive a DNA kit in the mail that requests two swabs be taken from inside the cheek on two different days. The sample is then returned and testing takes a couple of weeks. Volunteers have to be direct male descendants from their Blackburn ancestor – sorry, the testing does not work for females. Volunteers are also requested to cover the cost of the test – the cost is currently $101 for a simple 12-marker Y chromosome test. We are hoping to get participants from several different branches of the Blackburn clan. The test proves to 99% certainty that the individuals have a common ancestor, most probably in the first seven generations. For those that are interested, further testing can be accomplished. Kevin is using a reputable DNA firm out of Texas and their website is www.familytreedna.com. Additional advanced testing can be performed. To participate, send your name, address and e-mail address to Kevin Howley at khowley@aol.com or 13138 Lincoln Drive, Huntington Woods, MI 48070. Kevin will order the kit and have it sent to the volunteer. Payment is only required when the kit is returned to the laboratory. An e-mail address is most helpful. The company will inform you at each step along the process – and let you know when a match has been made. Information will be confidential, and only those with an exact match will be mutually informed of their connection. Other family members are welcome to use the Blackburn Project as a place to “store” their DNA testing. The DNA samples will last for about 20 years and your payment includes storage for an extended period. If other technologies and techniques are developed, the original samples can be used for further testing at your request. It is extremely important that volunteers be generated for this project. If you are interested in supporting the project but do not qualify (i.e., you’re a woman), perhaps you have a cousin that you can encourage to participate – even paying their testing fee. |