I would like to thank Sherrie Patterson Royster for getting the Patterson Family DNA Project started several years ago. In 2009 Sherrie stepped down from the Coordinator role with the project, and was replaced by Matt Patterson (mattpatt@1starnet.com).

The Patterson DNA Project is hosted at FamilyTreeDNA. If you wish to participate in this project (by being tested or submitting test results already obtained), we invite you to join the project. The current Y-DNA Test Results for the Patterson DNA Project are stored at FamilyTreeDNA. We are working to see if we can display more descriptive genealogical information about the DNA results here at wespatterson.com. The results page was brought up-to-date on May 30, 2009. There is also a new page being developed which focuses on the sub group of Robert "R" Patterson (d 1775 SC).

How does DNA testing work? How does it fit in with genealogy research? Those are great questions, and of course, you may have other related questions concerning DNA testing. One of the best sites I have seen with documentation, explanations, etc is located at the BLAIR DNA Project. If you have any questions concerning DNA testing, please go to the Blair project to see how this works. Of couse, always feel free to contact Matt Patterson, the Patterson DNA Project Coordinator, or me (Wes Patterson). If I can't answer your question, I certainly know who to forward you on to (which is most likely what I'll do).

Other excellent DNA Project sites are:

• the Bryson Family DNA Project
• the Morrow DNA Project
• the Palmer (Parmer) DNA Project
• the Parrott DNA Project:
  • Parrott Project Home Page
  • Parrott Family DNA Profiles
  • Richard Perrott Family Groups

What does it cost? There are various levels of testing within the Y-DNA test, such as 67 markers, 37 markers, or 25 markers. The test you select may always be upgraded in the future if you desire. The 67 marker test is recommended. However, if cost is an issue, the 37 marker test certainly can get you started, and you can upgrade later. While the same is true concerning the 25 marker test, I wouldn't recommend it as it seems that 25 markers just isn't enough to give an accurate view of your results.

These prices are May 2009 prices at FTDNA. The 67 marker test costs $248 + p/h. The 37 marker test costs $149 + p/h. The 25 marker test costs $124 + p/h.