DNA Project

SCUDAMORE SKIDMORE FAMILY GENETICS PROJECT

DNA research can in some cases prove a link to an established line which cannot be proved on paper. It has in a few cases shown that what we assumed from paper research was wrong. In the interests of all Scudamores and Skidmores we are building up a set of DNA samples which are representative of the various branches. You can help either by providing a DNA sample yourself or finding a relative willing to do so.

You will be sent a kit and you simply rub the inside of your cheek to remove some cells for analysis. You send the kit directly to the lab, which only does tests for genealogical purposes. This test bears no relation to the medical and police DNA tests. Nevertheless, the lab takes confidentiality very seriously and the lab only deals with one person - in our case this is Frank Skidmore who set up and runs the Scudamore/ Skidmore Family DNA Project.

The test program is open to all males bearing the Scudamore/ Skidmore surnames (and spelling variants). The male Scudamore/ Skidmore has the same Y chromosome as all of his male Scudamore/ Skidmore ancestors as well as of all his male Scudamore/ Skidmore descendants. You must bear one of our names - that is, be a direct male descendant, not via a female marriage. So if you are female you would need to ask husbands, brothers and cousins who are male descendants bearing the surname.

The cost is currently $195. If you would like to discuss your possible involvement, or to clarify any points, you can contact Frank Skidmore.

There are several web sites with excellent tutorials that provide introductory information regarding the use of DNA in genealogy. The last one listed is the most detailed and probably has more information than a new user wants to absorb in the beginning. To access any one of the sites, please click on the link: