The Dalton International DNA Project (DIDP)
The DIDP is designed to enable those researching their family history to discover connections, via DNA, which may not be found via normal records searches.
The Dalton Genealogical Society (DGS) uses the Family Tree DNA Corporation (FTDNA) to provide the scientific analysis of the DNA samples and to produce a list of other participants which match the submitted sample. Those sharing genetic markers are formed into Genetic Family groups which are categorised alphabetically e.g. Genetic Family A members have origins from Virginia and North Carolina, Genetic Families B & D have Irish roots and Family E origins are from Lancashire. Each member, until joining, not knowing the common ancestry they shared. There are a few individuals whose DNA does not link to any others which in itself can give clues as to where to research next.
The Dalton Int'l DNA Project is open to all males with the Dalton surname.
Male DNA (the Y chromosome) flows through generations of a family like a thread and can be used to show the generational links. Y-DNA is passed from father to son along with the family surname, with only minor variations called "mutations", and with no contribution from the mother. Female DNA (mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA) produces more diffuse results. mtDNA is passed down from the mother to both sons and daughters, however sons do not pass their mothers' mtDNA to their children. These results can give valuable pointers for further genealogy research but are not helpful in a surname project.
As the same mutating male DNA passes through the generations, each person taking part need only submit one DNA sample from a male member of their family. Women may submit a sample from a male relative with the Dalton surname.
The DIDP has been running for several years and there are now 231 testees in the Project, the vast majority divided into 16 genetic families. Results using the DIDP can be significant. My results have enabled me to be in touch with 15 others who share my common ancestor, of whom I otherwise would not have been aware, and allowed me to exchange family trees to discover connections. In conjunction with paper records it has also enabled the members of Genetic Family B to discover that its members can trace their heritage to the Walter Dalton who first arrived in Ireland with Henry II in 1171.
To become part of the DIDP you need to apply to FTDNA for a test kit at https://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?Group=Dalton-International selecting which level of testing you desire. Genetic markers are used to make comparisons starting at a 12 marker test and increasing in steps to the 111 marker test. We recommend that participants be tested at the 37 marker level or higher, to get the most meaningful results. You will receive a list of other Dalton testees, and their contact details, with whom you share a common ancestor, together with an estimate of how close, genetically, that ancestor is to your sample. You can then contact your new found DNA cousins, exchange information and let us know your discoveries.
If you are interested in taking part please contact Karen Dalton Preston [email protected] who can guide you through the process of making sure you are in the Dalton Project section of the FTDNA program.
The DIDP is designed to enable those researching their family history to discover connections, via DNA, which may not be found via normal records searches.
The Dalton Genealogical Society (DGS) uses the Family Tree DNA Corporation (FTDNA) to provide the scientific analysis of the DNA samples and to produce a list of other participants which match the submitted sample. Those sharing genetic markers are formed into Genetic Family groups which are categorised alphabetically e.g. Genetic Family A members have origins from Virginia and North Carolina, Genetic Families B & D have Irish roots and Family E origins are from Lancashire. Each member, until joining, not knowing the common ancestry they shared. There are a few individuals whose DNA does not link to any others which in itself can give clues as to where to research next.
The Dalton Int'l DNA Project is open to all males with the Dalton surname.
Male DNA (the Y chromosome) flows through generations of a family like a thread and can be used to show the generational links. Y-DNA is passed from father to son along with the family surname, with only minor variations called "mutations", and with no contribution from the mother. Female DNA (mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA) produces more diffuse results. mtDNA is passed down from the mother to both sons and daughters, however sons do not pass their mothers' mtDNA to their children. These results can give valuable pointers for further genealogy research but are not helpful in a surname project.
As the same mutating male DNA passes through the generations, each person taking part need only submit one DNA sample from a male member of their family. Women may submit a sample from a male relative with the Dalton surname.
The DIDP has been running for several years and there are now 231 testees in the Project, the vast majority divided into 16 genetic families. Results using the DIDP can be significant. My results have enabled me to be in touch with 15 others who share my common ancestor, of whom I otherwise would not have been aware, and allowed me to exchange family trees to discover connections. In conjunction with paper records it has also enabled the members of Genetic Family B to discover that its members can trace their heritage to the Walter Dalton who first arrived in Ireland with Henry II in 1171.
To become part of the DIDP you need to apply to FTDNA for a test kit at https://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?Group=Dalton-International selecting which level of testing you desire. Genetic markers are used to make comparisons starting at a 12 marker test and increasing in steps to the 111 marker test. We recommend that participants be tested at the 37 marker level or higher, to get the most meaningful results. You will receive a list of other Dalton testees, and their contact details, with whom you share a common ancestor, together with an estimate of how close, genetically, that ancestor is to your sample. You can then contact your new found DNA cousins, exchange information and let us know your discoveries.
If you are interested in taking part please contact Karen Dalton Preston [email protected] who can guide you through the process of making sure you are in the Dalton Project section of the FTDNA program.