The project consists of two parts. First there is the FamilyTree DNA company which provides the test kit and produces the results. Then there is the Belcher Y-DNA Project webpage (here), where participants register and results are posted.

To participate, you must be a direct male Belcher descendant, that is, your surname must be Belcher or you know through your research that your surname would be have been Belcher but there was an adoption. Belcher women and those descended from female Belchers can not participate directly, but they can encourage Belcher brothers, fathers, cousins, etc., to take the test. Belcher researchers might want to pool their resources with other Belcher relatives to help pay for the costs of the tests.

FamilyTree DNA offers a method for you to contribute to a general fund for the Belcher Y-DNA project. This allows a secure way for family, friends and fellow researchers to contribute toward the purchase of test kits. See the link at the right for more information. Note: This is a general fund, the use of which is at the discretion of the Belcher DNA group administrators. If you wish to pay for a test for a specific individual, please contact Ruth (see below).

If you decide you'd like to participate in this project, please contact one of the group administrators (see our addresses below). Kits purchased as part of a surname project are discounted and we can walk you through how to order one through our project. Two or three times a year, FTDNA offers additional discounts or specials. If you'd to receive notices about such discounts, or keep informed about our project, we can add you to our email list. There is very little traffic on the list, so needn't worry about it filling up your box! Please send an email to Kim (see below) to be added to our Belcher DNA Project email list.

Note: All fees for the kits are paid to FamilyTree DNA. Money in the general fund can only be used to purchase FTDNA kits. We do not receive any money for this project and volunteer the time and efforts that go into it.

We will post test results as they become available. Please check back often, or get added to our list.

We are excited about this project and look forward to your participation!

Ruth Tinker Smith
Joan Belcher Browne
Kim Sullivan