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THE GIBBS SURNAME DNA PROJECT
About The Project

Our purpose . . .

The Gibbs Surname DNA Project was started in April of 2003 by a small group of amateur Gibbs genealogists with the goal of using newly available technology and the science of molecular biology to determine the genetic signatures of as many Gibbs family lines (haplotypes) as possible. As genealogists, we share a hope that hard science can bridge some of the gaps between our sundered lines and allow us to confidently link together the results of conventional research into expanded lineages.

George Gibbs was the first individual of that surname to be tested, and as such, he is the administrator of this project. He was tested using the 25-marker Y-DNA test, and recently was the first to expand his test to the 37-marker level. He also had his results refined to test for ancestral/anthropological origins (think in terms of thousands of years ago).

By August of 2003, 12 Gibbses had taken part in the project. At that time we had results from seven tests that represent six different Gibbs lines. Several early colonial lines from America and three well-researched lines from England had participated to that point.

By December of 2003, the number of project participants had grown to 17, with 12 different haplotypes represented. Two of these haplotypes include matches of two or more participants. The participants represent at least two, and possibly three, haplogroups (a haplogroup is a classification used to define ethnic or anthropological origins of modern population groups throughout the world). For a comparison of the participating haplotypes go to the Project Findings page.

The results thus far indicate that our Gibbs lines are more diverse than might have been expected. The goal of eventually tracing all of these lines back to a common ancestor, or even a common homeland is no longer a viable option. We have also learned that the proximity of two or more Gibbs families in a given locality is not always an indicator of close kinship.

How the web site serves the project . . .

This web site was established to provide a central repository and point of contact for collecting and sharing the status of the project and the findings that emerge from it over time. It also serves as a place where project participants may display and share the results of conventional research into their Gibbs haplotypes (see the Shared Research page). While much of the conventional material is well researched and includes sources wherever possible, we are also using the web site as a "scratch-pad" to illustrate hypothetical information as we try to digest the clues we glean from DNA and conventional research. Reader are cautioned to regard this hypothetical information as unconfirmed.

Although we would prefer to have all of our facts confirmed, by including hypothetical information in our web offering we gain the benefit of seeing the best educated guessing of the participants as they wrestling with the challenge of fitting known bits of information together. By opening up their thought processes to other researchers, the participants may help each other with their lines of inquiry. Non-participants are also invited and encouraged to glean from the information each participant submits, and to correspond with that person as the point of contact (POC) for anything they believe will be helpful.

Everything published on our web site is offered to the public free of charge and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use established for the site.

How our genetic testing is done . . .

After looking into several companies that offer genetic testing services, a decision was made to use FamilyTreeDNA, Inc. of Houston, Texas to provide testing and analysis for our project participants. This highly qualified, and academically respected laboratory uses advanced technologies and the latest scientific methods to accomplish this work, and does so with total privacy and confidentiality. Dr. Michael Hammer, a highly respected geneticist from the University of Arizona, sits on the board of FamilyTreeDNA, and the company is staffed by highly qualified scientists and technicians from the field of genetics and related scientific disciplines.

About FamilyTreeDNA, Inc. . . .

In 1999, FamilyTreeDNA, Inc. began offering DNA testing services that are specifically driven by the needs of genealogists. This organization is dedicated to helping genealogists find lost relatives when the paper trail ends and the brick wall takes its place. FamilyTreeDNA offers its services to the general public for established prices, and at a significant discount to participants of affiliated family surname projects like ours. We believe that out of all the organizations currently offering such services, FamilyTreeDNA offers the best prices. To learn more about this company and its work go to the FamilyTreeDNA web site.

About the DNA testing for this project. . . .

Our project uses the non-recombinant Y-DNA from the male (or Y) chromosomes found only in the cells of men. It can prove, or disprove the relationship of two men to a common ancestor in their direct paternal line. Participants in our project can choose from a range of Y-DNA tests that provide lower to higher levels of resolution.

Y-DNA12 - This 12-marker test compares 12 base-pairs (or markers) from the Y-DNA, and was formerly considered the world standard for establishing a male's basic genetic signature. As the science of genetics has advanced, this test (though still available from FTDNA and other sources) has been improved on by higher resolution tests that look at more markers to eliminate false matches and provide a higher level of detail in the results. Some of our earliest participants, and others who have joined us after testing with other laboratories, have been satisfied to remain at this level. Most of our participants have chosen to test at higher levels or to upgrade their 12-marker tests. The 12-marker test is no longer available for ordering through our project, and we encourage our participants to upgrade their testing to a higher level.

Y-DNA25 - A more comprehensive 25-marker test (not currently offered to the general public) is available for those ordering through this project. This test uses tighter parameters and refines the signature to make a more accurate projection of the time when two men shared a common forefather. It also helps eliminate false 12-marker matches with individuals who do not have the Gibbs surname. Priced at just a few dollars more than the 12-marker test at FTDNA, this test provides double the resolution and a significant increase in resolution.

Y-DNA37 - A 37-marker test offers an even more definitive analysis for those who have one or more matches and wish to tighten the parameters of their haplotype. It looks at a balanced panel of 37 markers, including all of the markers used in the 12 and 25 marker tests. The 37-marker test has become the FTDNA recommended test to trace the paternal ancestry of males for genealogical purposes. We strongly recommend that all of our participants with lower level tests upgrade to at least the 37 marker level.

Y-DNA67 - This 67-marker test includes all of the markers used in the 12 through 37 marker tests and adds three additional panels of markers to help individuals who match at the lower levels differentiate between branches of their common lineage. By far, this test provides the best resolution and most complete definition of an individuals haplotype presently available for genealogical purposes. This test has proven to be very helpful to our project participants who have found matches with two or more others, and who want to tighten the definition of their lines.

The Gibbs Surname DNA Project includes participants at all four levels of testing. New participants may join our project with testing at any of the three higher levels. We do recommend the use of the 37-marker or 67-marker tests, if at all possible, as the higher level tests provide a much clearer definition of a participant's haplotype. Those who have already been tested by other laboratories can also join our project, but a new FTDNA test to at least 37 markers will be required to confirm their earlier results and protect the integrity of both the FTDNA database and the validity of our project. FTDNA offers conversion testing at reduced prices for those who have previously been tested by other companies.

Although the Gibbs Surname DNA Project is based on the Y-DNA signatures of men who share our surname, women can also participate by having a male blood-relative (of the Gibbs surname) test for them. For more details on joining the project go to How To Participate.