The Brown/Browne/Braun DNA Study

Hello Brown descendants and researchers!

The Brown/Browne/Braun DNA Study is a volunteer, non-profit activity that aims chiefly to support amateur researchers who are using (or want to use) DNA analysis for studying genealogies of various Brown families.

Actual DNA testing is limited to (1) males carrying the Brown surname or one of its variant spellings; or (2) men who carry other surnames but think they descend in an unbroken male-to-male line from a Brown-surnamed ancestor.

(Unfortunately, females can't be tested for this or any other surname-tracing project, since they don't carry any DNA that "tracks" the surname. But many women are active in our project as sponsors of their male relatives.)

Lab work for the project is done primarily at the University of Arizona's world-class DNA facility, via a sub-contract from Family Tree DNA Inc. (FTDNA) of Houston TX.

We now have basic DNA signatures for 342 participants, among whom 203 members have been classified into 61 relationship groups -- while another 139 members have yet to find matches with other project members.

These numbers mean we now have a match rate of 59%, compared with only about 50% a year ago. They also mean that we've so far identified at least 200 biologically distinct Brown lines -- a level of diverse origins for the Brown surname that continues to surprise many of us.

What's more, a number of participants have been able to use DNA test results for genuine research breakthroughs. In my own case for example, DNA helped bring down a genealogical "brickwall" that for almost 40 years had blocked research on my Brown family's origins.

If you've already had a genealogical DNA test, we sincerely hope you'll join the project. There are no costs or other obligations. We do ask that you allow us to post your DNA numbers at our website, but we'll do so anonymously if that's your desire. Your joining not only will facilitate your contacts with others who are employing DNA for research in Brown genealogy, but it also may help lead you to "long-lost" Brown cousins whose families have had no contact with your own Browns for several hundred years.

For those who haven't yet taken a genealogical DNA test, you may be interested to learn that the process involves only two gentle swabs inside the mouth. There's no blood drawing, and nothing else the least bit uncomfortable. It's somewhat like brushing your teeth, although much easier! Costs for the basic test (12 markers) are $101.00, while the recommended test (25 markers) is $150.00.

If you'd like more information either about the Brown project or about DNA genealogy in general, please feel free to contact me anytime. I'm here to help!

Best regards,

Jim Brown (James Armistead Brown, Jr.)
Project Co-Administrator
Brown/Browne/Braun DNA Study
http://brownsociety.org/browndna/dna-brown.htmhttp://brownsociety.org/browndna/dna-brown.htm