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 specific test, please make arrangements with the person to be tested.

Surname projects receive discounted prices at FamilyTree DNA. After you register you will be given the web address where you will order your test for the Belcher Project and receive this discount. Price update! As of the end of March 2006, the cost of the Y-DNA 25 marker test has been reduced to $159 USD plus $2 shipping. The 37 marker test is now $189 and a new 59 marker test is available at $269. The 12 marker test is no longer offered for this project. If you choose a test with fewer markers now, you can upgrade later. Current upgrade prices are as follows. For those that received 12 marker tests earlier, you can upgrade to 25 markers for $49, to 37 markers for $99, and to 59 markers for $189. The 25 marker tests can be upgraded to 37 or 59 markers for $49 and $148 respectively. An upgrade from 37 to 59 markers is $99.

Note: All fees are payable to FamilyTree DNA. We do not receive any money for this project and volunteer the time and efforts that go into it.

If, after careful consideration, you decide to participate in the Belcher Y-DNA Project:

• Order your kit at the Belcher project page at FamilyTree DNA.

We will post test results as they become available. Please check back often.

We are excited about this project and look forward to your participation! Please send email to any one of us at the email links below if you need more information.

Ruth Tinker Smith
Joan Belcher Browne
Kim Sullivan