This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lh.2ADE/2184 Message Board Post: As an amateur genealogist, I enjoy doing family history research. I have no science background, but I accept the use of DNA test results as a tool for learning family history combined with genealogical research techniques. Already in our Hull Surname DNA Study, conventional research coupled with DNA testing is proving to be a very powerful method for verifying family lines. Specifically, it is benefiting Hull families, but the genealogical community, in general, in proving ancestry. DNA genealogy can be a very valuable tool if applied properly and if its limitations are clearly understood. A DNA test can provide solid direction and clues in a shorter period of time for the family researcher, who most likely has spent a great deal of time and money looking for bits and pieces of information that over the years resulted in far less discovery and much frustration. Are any of the many Hull* families living in colonial America in the 18th century like Richard Hull of New Hampshire, Johann Nickel Holl of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Hull of North Carolina, George and Joseph Hull or George Hull of Massachusetts, Peter Thomas Hohl of Virginia, or Jesse Hull of Tennessee, related? Which researchers should be collaborating because their lines have a common ancestor? Can connections be made between the families in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Missouri, or Kansas with those in Kentucky, Iowa, Michigan, or those who emigrated to Canada, and elsewhere? How many distinct Hull lines exist that are unique to common male ancestors associated with your Hull surname? Are the various Hull families from England or Germany related, and can families be traced back to a specific location? *Variant spellings of the surname, i.e., Hohl, Holl, Hoel, Holle In order to answer the question whether there is mainly one, or there are many initiating Hohl/Holl/Hall/Hull/Hoel ancestors, one will need broad participation by many from these lines. For this reason alone, I would like to encourage as many of you as possible to participate in this Study. You may find totally unexpected relationships with other Hohl lines. Some further information about the Hull DNA project can be found at http://www.hullsurnamednastudy.com