FAQs

About the Foster DNA Project

Is this genealogy project only for Fosters?

No, on this web site when you see "Foster" it means Foster or Forster or Forester or Forrester or Forester or Foerster or Forestier or Forister or Forrister or Vorster or Voster.

What kind of DNA test is this?

There are two types of DNA tests used for genealogical testing. The Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) gives information about the surname line. The mitochondrial (mtDNA) gives information about the maternal line. Visit the DNA Y Test page or the mtDNA page for more information about those tests.Top

Have other families done it, and has it worked?

Yes, hundreds of other families with different surnames are working on the use of DNA testing, and the results are fascinating. On this web site, see “Success Stories” on the results page. Yes, brick walls have been demolished. DNA information is used with historical and traditional research.Top

How many in your family line need to be tested?

It is best to test two or three males who have a known common ancestor but are distant cousins, or belong to different branches of your Foster family line. Top

There is only one living male person with the surname Foster in my family. Is there any point in joining the study if I don’t have more family members who are Foster surname males?

Yes, there is potentially value for you to join the study. The reason for testing two or three distantly related cousins is that this “validates” the family at least back to the common ancestor. The project may find another male of whom you were not aware who matches your Foster.Top

My male FOSTER cousins don’t care a thing about family history. They won’t pay for this. And they don’t have computers. Any ideas?

There is no rule that says the person ordering and paying for the test must be the person being tested. If your cousins will consent to doing this simple, painless test, you can order the kits on line and then send them to your cousins, and return them with your own payment. Some of the other DNA surname projects have multiple researchers in the same family line that have split the cost of testing male cousins who have no interest in our hobby.Top

What could be the cause if two males don’t match when I have a good genealogical paper trail?

It could be a “non-paternity event” where a FOSTER ancestor adopted a boy from outside the clan; step-children; a widow pregnant at the time she married a Foster. The testers may not belong to the same line because of errors in family traditions or family records. Families also sometimes altered birthdates to cover events they did not want to discuss.Top

I was adopted by Fosters as a child. Is there any benefit to do a DNA test?

Only if you are trying to trace your "biological" family or your FOSTER family. If you're trying to trace your "biological" family you would have your own DNA sample tested. If you know the surname of your "biological" family, it would probably be best to try to find a DNA project for that name since your results would more likely match someone in that group. If you don’t know the surname you could test through this Foster project but would need to take the 25 or best the 37 marker test. Email us first.Top

How will the Foster DNA project protect my privacy?

The Foster Project will assign you an ID#. Your ID# and present surname is shown with your Y-DNA data numbers. If you supply the information, your ancestors' names will be listed (but no living persons and usually not parents). We do not show the kit number from FTDNA'S. You decide if any of the following is shown: First name, present country, present state, email address, and Ysearch ID#. Top

With this privacy, how can someone contact me if I do not show my email address?

If someone wishes to get hold of you to find out information, they will email the project (postmaster@fosterdna.org) and the postmaster will forward the email to you. You have the option to write back, if you wish, to the person who is requesting information. (This also deters spammers from *harvesting* your email). In other words, you and other researchers like you will actually be the ones to make the final decision about sharing further information with each other.Top

What if I am the researcher and have sponsored the person tested (like female researching Foster who sponsors a cousin)?

There is a place for researcher info, with or without your email.Top

For more information go to Family Tree DNA FAQ page