Hello Brown descendants and researchers! The Brown/Browne/Braun DNA Study is a volunteer, non-profit activity that aims primarily to support amateur researchers in the use DNA analysis for studying the genealogies of various Brown families -- with a secondary goal of "spreading the word" about the promise of this exciting new genealogical tool. DNA tests under auspices of our project are limited to (1) males carrying the Brown surname or one of its variant spellings like Braun or Browning; and (2) men who carry other surnames but think they descend in an unbroken male-to-male line from a Brown-surnamed ancestor. (Unfortunately, women aren't tested as a part of this or any other surname-tracing project, since females don't carry the type of DNA that "tracks" a surname. But many women are active in our project as sponsors of their male relatives.) Lab work for the Brown project is done primarily at the University of Arizona's world-class DNA facility, via a sub-contract from Family Tree DNA Inc. (FTDNA) of Houston TX. We now have basic DNA signatures for 342 participants, among whom 203 members have been classified into 61 relationship groups -- while another 139 members are still seeking their first matches with other project members. These numbers mean that we now have a match rate of 59%, compared with only about 50% a year ago. They also mean that we've so far identified at least 200 biologically distinct Brown lines -- a level of diverse origins for the Brown surname that continues to surprise many of us. What's more, a number of participants have been able to use DNA test results for genuine research breakthroughs. In my own case for example, DNA helped bring down a genealogical "brickwall" that for almost 40 years had blocked research on my Brown ancestors' origins. If you've already had a genealogical DNA test, we sincerely hope you'll join the project. There are no costs or other obligations. We do ask that you allow us to post your DNA numbers at our website, but we'll do so anonymously if that's your desire. Your joining not only will facilitate your contacts with others who are employing DNA for research in Brown genealogy, but it also may help lead you to "long-lost" Brown cousins whose families have had no contact with your own Browns for several hundred years. (The latter has happened quite a lot for project members!) For those who haven't yet taken a genealogical DNA test, it may be helpful to learn that the process involves only two gentle swabs inside the mouth. There's no blood drawing, and nothing else the least bit uncomfortable. It's somewhat like brushing your teeth, although much easier! If you'd like details about costs and testing procedures for the Brown DNA Study, please feel free to contact me off-list. Thanks! Best regards, Jim Brown (James Armistead Brown, Jr.) Project Co-Administrator Brown/Browne/Braun DNA Study [email protected] or [email protected] http://brownsociety.org/browndna/dna-brown.htm ************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.