This is a forwarded message. Please reply to the list or to Jim Liddell. Thanks, Nancy, List Admin. A research team of family genealogists was formed in Februrary of this year (2004) to assist individuals with lines connected to any of 40 or more related surnames which probably are derived from the Scottish placename Liddesdale. These surnames include Liddell, Lydell, Lidel, Liddel, Liddle, Littell, Lydal and so forth. The reader of this message can probably figure out the other variant spellings not listed here. This team currently uses the name Team Liddell simply because the vast majority of its members are of the various Liddell lines but the team fully supports and assists those with the assumedly related surnames. The two primary objectives of the team are to assist those still tracing back to Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England and those who have already accomplished this and who are now exploring the "ultimate origins" of their lines. The team believes that all of these surname groups are related in their DNA/mtDNA even if the document trail can't prove it. While still in its fifth month of existance, the team already had members in seven nations worldwide and some 15 American states, has established a Yahoo Group site which is closed to the public but which serves its members as a common filing cabinet, reference library and archives for its members to upload their line-charts, essays on their families and related material of general interest to all members. There are plans for a DNA/mtDNA study in perhaps a year and the erection of a limited-purpose more public website in addition to the Group site. An international in-gathering of the surnames has been discussed as well. Every intention is held for this to be a permanent community of related surnames. There are no dues or assessment and no formal organization. The team goes to great lengths to ensure complete privacy to its members and the non-disclosure of their email addresses and details of their private lives. All work is voluntary but generously acknowledged and recognized team-wide. If you are interested in joining on a trial basis with the assurance that you can remain simply an observer if you so desire, please provide: (1) your proper name and nickname, (2) your state or province of residence, ((3) your personal estimation of the size of your files (Average, Large or Vast--we don't force our members to admit they have only a few scraps), (4) whether or not you are interested without obligation in participating in the DNA/mtDNA study (the estiamted cost is under $175), (5) your primary research interest area and (6) if not bearing one of the Liddesdale-variant surnames, a brief description of how your lines link most closely to one of these. Email this to [email protected] and expect a reply within 48 hours. Thanks. Jim Liddell