The Hall DNA Project

To participate in our DNA project, you must be a male with surname Hall and over 18 years of age. If you are a female reading this page and your maiden name is Hall, your natural brothers, father, Hall uncles, or Hall grandfather are eligible to participate.

Assuming you have many questions, I have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions below.

* Why are females not suitable to take this test?

The Y-chromosome necessary to perform this test is only present in the male. It is passed directly from father to sons to grandsons.

* Which lab will you be using?

We will be using FamilyTreeDNA, Inc. For more information on FTDNA, see their site.

* How much will the test cost?

There are 3 types of tests - the 12-marker, 25-marker and the 37 marker. The 12-marker test costs $99 + $2 postage. The 25-marker test costs $148 + $2 postage. The 37-marker test costs $189 + $2 postage. Best results are obtained with the 25 and 37-marker tests since, if you produce very common results in the 12-marker test, you may well find yourself matching dozens of non-Hall surnames who are not likely related. This then requires you to expand to 25 or 37 markers which ends up costing somewhat more than had you taken these tests originally.

* How is the test taken?

The DNA test is quite simple and painless. Your genetic test kit consists of a cheek scraper and a collection tube. You will be able to read the instructions and perform a painless cheek scraping in about five minutes.

* How long will the testing take?

FTDNA will process the test from 3-7 weeks, the normal time being 4-6.

* How will I get my results?

One copy is sent to you and one copy is sent to me

* Should all the male Halls in my family be tested?

No, there is nothing to be gained by having several members of the same family tested. Under normal circumstances it would be expected that all members would produce exactly the same results.

* If I have both a father and grandfather willing to be tested, which one should I choose?

The grandfather would be the best choice as there is one less generation from the grandfather back to the ancestors we are trying to match.

* I would like to be tested but I cannot afford it. What can I do?

In this situation it may depend on your direct line ancestry. If a number of people connected to your family group have already been tested with no problems arising from these tests, it is likely your test would not add anything of value to the current picture. But if your family or family group presents a unique question, it is possible funds could be found to support all or part of your test. The more unique your position is within the scope of the project, the more likely funds can be found.

Please contact me if you have additional questions. It would be helpful to include your direct line back to your earliest ancestor when contacting me.

* How do I order the test?

Use the link below to join the Hall project and purchase your DNA test.
Order Test

The lab will then mail the test kit and a release form directly to you. After performing the test and signing the release form, you mail it back to the lab.