Test your Metcalfe DNA
Technology advancement is everywhere. So why should you test your own DNA?
From your DNA, you can discover where your ancient ancestors came from around ther world, and where you may appear on genetic maps.
How much of your DNA is Native American, Jewish or African for example?
The ancient ancestry testing uncovers your ancestral origins, taking you back to the very beginning of your ancestral lineage. It is not like traditional genealogy and does not provide information on tracing present day relatives.
By identifying DNA markers using Y chromosome DNA testing, it is possible to discover where and when your ancient ancestors originated, and retrace their genetic footprints across the globe over thousands of years. Note that the Y chromosome does not provide information about your mother’s family nor any of the women who married into your father’s line. Only men carry a Y chromosone, so it is not possible for a woman to use this test. Any woman who is interested in learning about her father’s line should have a direct mail relative (eg father or brother) take the test on her behalf.
Therefore, in order to gain the maximum benefit about our knowledge of the origins of the Metcalfe family, we would encourage a broad spread of males from all the different branches we have on record should take this test. Only one (or two for added certainty) from each broad family (cousins, second cousins) need take the test - although for a large family tree with many generations more would be necessary to cover the wider genetic spread.
Why use Family Tree DNA?
After carrying out some research on the web, the society discovered that Family Tree DNA are the leading commercial providers of DNA testing for genealogical research. Therein lies the downside - it's not free! The society has set up a project with FT DNA providing several advantages: a discount on the usual testing cost, along with a copy of all the test results being sent to the society’s DNA Project Manager (see Contacts) to analyse, to maintain a database and be the link to other project members.
How much does it cost?
Be sure you order the right test. The society recommend thes Y-DNA 37 test to get the most useful results, which with project discount costs $223 including shipping (around £135). If you are interested also in knowing more about your maternal ancestral origin you can at the same time have a mitochondrial DNA test carried out - everyone carries mtDNA inherited from their mothers. Because mtDNA mutates more slowly, it is not as useful in family research but you may still find it interesting. A combined 'DNAplus' test costs $363 with discount (about £220) and covers both tests.
What do I have to do?
After ordering online, in a few weeks time you receive a testing kit, which requires you only to brush the inside of your cheek with a small scraper and shake this in a tiny plastic bottle of liquid, repeat with a second sample and then return in the envelope provided. You will be kept updated on the stage of testing and after a few weeks the full results shold be available.
The results given provide the actual variations for each marker which you can compare directly with anyone else who has been tested. The web site provides direct comparison with others who have tested with them (and agreed to release the data) and highlights all the close matches. It also provides a link to a public site where you can post your results for comparison with people who may have used another service. If you have subscribed to the Metcalfe Project, Martin Metcalfe will have access as Administrator to compare and feed back on all the test results.
Projects
At the time of writing, there is already a Midkiff project for Americans of that name and related names, including Metcalfe. Midkiff is thought to be an American variation. There has also been a Metcalfe Project set up recently for the descendants of Metcalfes who emigrated to America before the revolution. A second Metcalfe project has been set up to link with the Society's broader interest in all Metcalfes and closely related names.
Want to know More? Want to Participate? What to do next…
Go to the main ftdna website or Visit the Metcalfe project directly
Browse it for more information, request to join the Project (of over 70 members). If the Project is not listed in the alphabetical list, enter 'Metcalfe' in the search box - this will pull up closely related projects as well, so make sure you access the right one.
So if you are interested, decide who is going to test in your family and contact the Metcalfe Society DNA Project Manager (see Contacts) to discuss what happens next. You can join the project anytime, but the more people that join in now, the sooner we will get some useful results back. Our DNA Project Manager (see Contacts) can also order tests for you and arrange for the kits to be sent to you with the invoice.