Barnum Family DNA Project
–Remember, DNA is the Gene in Genealogy –
Project Surnames:
|
BARNUM BARNHAM BARNAM |
Participation in the Barnum Family DNA Project
In order to take a Y-DNA test, you must be a
male with the Barnum surname. The Y-Chromosome genetic sequence of males in
your immediate family will be identical (except for rare mutations). If you are
female Barnum descendant, you can encourage a close male relation (father,
brother, cousin, uncle, etc) to take the test. I am looking for a minimum
of 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.
This project is open to Barnum (or variant surname) males who purchase a
Y-DNA analysis from a laboratory of their choice. To participate all you have
to do is to indicate your interest by sending me an e-mail message along with
the results of your test. Current prices for the various levels of tests vary
from approximately $140 to $290. The price within this range depends, in part,
on the number of markers to be tested. But number of markers is not the only
factor in determining price, so it makes sense to check around.
The more markers included, the higher the resolution of the test. Higher resolution tests have an increased ability to resolve relationships between two individuals. Tests lower than 25 markers are offered by some labs, but are not very useful for genealogy projects.
The test itself, including your payment for it, is entirely between you and the lab that you choose. Three of the largest companies providing these tests are DNA Heritage, Family Tree DNA and Relative Genetics. The quality at all three of these companies appears to be high. There are some price differences, along with some variance in the markers tested, turn-around time, and other features offered. Enough markers are tested by all three companies at the twenty-three-marker level and above for adequate comparisons and analyses to be made. Some of these companies also supply “deep ancestry” tests to determine one's haplogroup. Along with the companies above, you might also consider EthnoAncestry, a company that currently specializes in these “deep ancestry” tests, if your interests run to that depth.
The Barnum Family DNA Project is registered with Family Tree DNA, which will allow a price break for participants. Remember, though, that the choice of the company with which you wish to test is completely yours.
I have no relationship to any of these companies other than as a customer. To date, I have purchased tests from Family Tree DNA and from EthnoAncestry. I mention this only for the purpose of disclosure; I don’t specifically endorse any one company. All of the companies mentioned above have their own strengths and their own fans. You are free to choose whichever testing company you like.
Important things you need to be aware of (the “fine print”)
• Identity protection
I will not identify your results by name as part of this project. You may personally choose to include or not include your e-mail address with the results that you ask to have posted in this study. In any case, your name will never appear on the results page in connection with your results. Only your e-mail address will appear — and then only if you so choose. Please recognize, however, that your e-mail address may include your name or other words that may reveal your identity.
As far as I am concerned, the only people who will know your name-identified results will be you, me, and anyone else that you may choose to tell. Again, be aware that if you give me permission to connect your e-mail address to your results, that could reveal your identity
As long as time and database size permits, I am also willing to serve as the “middleman” in communications between you and another project participant. If you choose not to have your e-mail address published on the results page, the only way you will be identified in this project is by group, number, and earliest known ancestor. Someone could then e-mail me and say that they would like to carry on an e-mail dialogue with you. I would then contact you and ask you for your permission to give this person your e-mail address. If you don't give your permission, they don't get your e-mail address from me.
• Non-paternity events
Inevitably, some participants in any DNA project will discover that their genetic heritage and their surname became connected in an unanticipated way. Two examples are adoptions and out-of-wedlock births. The risk may be as high as 4 to 5 percent per generation. In other words, if you've identified Barnum ancestors by traditional genealogical techniques, there could be a 4 to 5-percent chance that they are not really your ancestors. Non-paternity events such as unknown adoptions, conception outside of marriage, and other non-paternity reasons for assigning a surname to a child can all be explanations for this phenomenon. If your line of descent falls into that category it will be wholly your own decision whether or not to share your data within this project.
If you do decide to participate in the Barnum
Family DNA Project, when you send me your DNA test results I would like to
receive the following information from you (if known):
1) Include “Barnum Family
DNA Project” in the subject line of your e-mail.
2) Provide your Y-DNA test data or
a link to the site where it is posted.
3) Provide your Barnum line of
descent as far back as you have documented it.
4) Be willing to share that
information with others.
I will not use your name, or the name of any living person in your line of descent, without your expressed permission.
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A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
The information on this site is developed and maintained by Patrick Barnum
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