Until recently our results were only available via the Bryson Surname Forum. The forum gave us an idea of how many people are interested in the project, and it still gives us an easy way to notify you when new results or developments are posted. It is also a place to present more detailed information and allow questions and discussion.

If you aren't familiar with Y-Chromosome test results the strings of numbers may seem a bit bewildering. To overcome that we've organized the results of those who are genetically linked into distinct groups.

So far only one line of Brysons (William and Isabella Holmes Bryson) has had multiple persons tested. They all match each other and they match three other Bryson lines for whom no known conventional genealogical connection exists. These four branches are thus organized into one genetic group known as B1.

Even from our limited testing one thing is clear, we have at least eleven genetic groups of Bryson who have virtually no statistical probability of having shared a common ancestor within the past 600 years, and probably much longer than that in most cases.

In addition to the results posted here our testing service has launched a public site Ysearch which is a large database with results stored by surname along with information about the most distant ancestor. It allows an easy comparison of results, and is also open to people who were tested by other genetic testing companies. Here you can also see other surnames which may happen to share the same Y-chromosome markers as certain Bryson groups. Each participant in our project decides for himself if he wishes to take part in the Yseach project. Now you can also take part in a major research project sponsored by National Geographic.

National Geographic The Genographic Project is a real time effort to map how humankind populated the earth. It is a five-year research partnership between National Geographic and IBM with support from the Waitt Family Foundation, and public participation through Family Tree DNA. The three main pillars of the project include:

Global field science: The core of the project is the collection DNA samples from indigenous populations, which contains key genetic markers that have remained relatively unaltered over hundreds of generations making them reliable indicators of ancient migratory patterns. Dr. Wells and a group of 10 scientists from prominent international institutions will conduct the field and laboratory research. One additional research center will focus on analyzing DNA from ancient remains. The Waitt Family Foundation is funding this component of the Genographic Project. An international advisory board will oversee the selection of indigenous populations for testing as well as adherence to strict sampling and research protocols.

The Genographic Project is going to test your sample to determine what migratory routes your deep ancestors (on either your mother’s or father’s side of the family) followed and to which branch of the human family tree you belong. The tests do not reveal anything about your health or about any health problems you or your family may have. Once National Geographic has conducted the DNA analysis, you will be able to access your personal genetic migratory profile by logging on to the Genographic Project’s personal gateway web page at www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic and using your Genographic Project Participant ID number provided to you in your kit. Participation in the Project is of course purely voluntary. By returning the sample, you are consenting to have your DNA sample tested to determine your migratory history. Once this test is completed, you can expand your own genealogical research by electing to do further testing with Family Tree DNA. Unless you elect additional testing to be performed, your sample will be discarded at the conclusion of the project.

If you have already tested with Family Tree DNA, you can join the Genographic Project. To do so, you will be able to log into your personal page at Family Tree DNA where you will see a new tab "Genographic Project". You will be able to upload from that link. There is a nominal cost of $15. Proceeds will go directly to the National Geographic Society to support local education and cultural preservation efforts to benefit the participating indigenous populations.

If you have already tested with the Genographic Project you can easily join Family Tree DNA. Joining Family Tree DNA after you received your results from the Genographic Project is simple. At the bottom of your results page you will see a link "Learn More", which takes you to Family Tree DNA. You will be able to join a Surname Project during the process of transferring your data, and obtain additional information related to genealogy at no extra cost. Should you decide to do any of the other genealogy-related tests that Family Tree DNA offers, including upgrades to more markers, you will be entitled to a reduced rate and Family Tree DNA won't need to collect your sample again, as Family Tree DNA offers to store your sample for 25 years as an additional service - free of charge.

BRYSON GENERAL FUND: Our testing service provides a general fund to be used for sponsoring tests. If you would like to contribute to getting more Brysons tested, use the link below. The amount you contribute is completely up to you.