What to Expect...
This page will give you a good idea on how this all works. If you still have further questions after reading this, you can follow the links below and/or check the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Surnames in this Project
Our project is open to any male with the Richmond surname or any of it's variant spellings. Currently these are Richmond, Richman, and Rickman. Any man believing that he is descended from one of these names may also participate. Participants are sought from all parts of the world.
Project Discussion
The DNA information is to be used in conjunction with historical and traditional research. DNA results do not often "prove" a relationship, but can be quite helpful in guiding research. If a DNA profile does not match traditional genealogy, a hypothesized relationship may be incorrect. At other times DNA results may point to an unknown adoption in the family, or some other so-called non-paternity event.
Because this test checks the y-chromosome, the tested individual must be a male that wants to check his paternal line (ex. father's, father's, ... father's line). Females do not carry the y-chromosome and should look for a brother, a cousin, or more distant male relative with that surname to be tested.
Females can also order a test for themselves, which will be the mtDNA or mtDNAPlus, but the results of their test do not tie to the Surname Project. These would test the maternal line.
Click here to place an order for a DNA test at Family Tree DNA.
Step-by-Step
- First, Order your kit.
- You should receive your collection kit in the mail within a week.
- When you get your kit, follow the instructions inside to insure good results.
- You should use it right away so you don't forget. Click here to see a demonstration.
- Send your kit back in the mailer provided.
- When Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) receives your kit they will send you an email to let you know they have received it. At this time you will also get a personal web page at FTDNA.
- After 4 to 6 weeks, the results start to come back in sections. You might get markers 13 through 25 one week and markers 1 through 12 the next.
- Once your results are received here at the Richmond DNA Project (from FTDNA), we will post your results on the Lab Results Chart. Results are grouped according to lineage.
- All results will be carefully compared to other participant results and findings will be posted on our analysis page.
- CLICK HERE for a nice Step-by-Step Slide Show by FTDNA. (Use the buttons on the bottom to slow it down.)
What are the specifics?
The test will be conducted by Family Tree DNA, of Houston TX, the World's leading testing company for Surname DNA Projects. All tests include an estimate of the "Haplogroup" (an indication of deep ancestry).
We personally recommend the largest number of markers that you can afford. We expect that most serious researchers will eventually upgrade to 37 markers - if they don't start there.
- 67 marker test $269
- 37 marker test $189
- 25 marker test is $148
- 12 marker screening test is $99
- Add $2 for US postage and $4 for international postage
The test is a simple cheek swab. The kit will arrive and leave your house by mail. You simply rub the inside of your cheek a number of times with a special scraper, put the kit back into the envelope, and put it in the mail.
If you wish to participate, you may place an order for a DNA test and submit your pedigree.
Click here to go to the Pedigree Forum and submit your Pedigree Info.
(We will then move it to the Patriarch Page.)
What do I do if I have questions?
- Be sure to read the Disclaimer and About pages.
- Please read Order DNA Tests at World Families Network.
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions at World Families Network.
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions at Family Tree DNA.
- If you still have questions, contact one of the Project Administrators.