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Participation in the HAM Surname DNA Project

To qualify to take the DNA test, you need to be a male (or find a male) with the HAM surname. The Y-Chromosome genetic sequence of males in your immediate family will be identical (except for rare mutations). If you are female HAM descendant, encourage your male HAM relations (father, brother, cousins, uncles, etc).  I am looking for two participants from each branch of the family to allow for unrecorded adoptions, etc. and also to verify and confirm each other's test results.

If you are interested in participating in the project, I have set up a HAM Surname Group account with the Family Tree DNA Company (FTDNA). Their website can answer a lot of questions you may have about using genetics along with genealogy research. You can order your DNA test on line by going to the HAM_Family Tree DNA_Project page and clicking on "Join This Group," or simply click here. The person taking the test will receive a kit consisting of instructions, a cheek scraper, two collection tubes, and a return envelope. Two tests are requested, and each takes about one minute each to perform. For more information about the test procedure, see the Family Tree DNA Tutorial.

For non-English speaking European customers, go to the European site for FTDNA at:       http://europe.familytreedna.com/
or the European branch of FTDNA ( IGENIA )  and ask to join the HAM DNA Project.

When the DNA test is sent back, I would also like to receive information from you about your earliest known (documented) HAM ancestor along with these items (if known):

 1) Earliest HAM ancestor
 2) his wife and children
 3) dates and places of birth, death, and marriages

Family Tree DNA will send your samples to the University of Arizona, where it will be analyzed  for the Y-chromosome genetic sequence of your DNA. The results will take about 8 weeks from the time that you return your DNA test. Your test kit will come with a number that has been assigned to your results. This number allows only you to view the results on the Family Tree DNA website. We will display the results for all participants on this website for comparison purposes, using the participants kit number, rather than name.

We will not use your name, or the name of any living person in your line without your permission. 

 - Dave Hamm
 HAM Surname DNA Project Administrator


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