Here's our story - the Barton DNA Project was started in 2001 and soon became the focal point of extensive cooperation and sharing within the Barton families. The merger of genetic information with traditional genealogy was an exciting breakthrough. In some cases, it answered questions that traditional research couldn't answer. Probably more importantly, it energized and expanded the group of people working on the histories of the Barton families. Today, we have one of the largest Surname DNA Projects in the world, but more importantly, we have a large community of Barton researchers working together to share their information and puzzle out issues. We have a Barton family-wide Historical Society, a newsletter, a database, a website, a DNA project with sponsorships to focus testing and a set of family websites. (Barton was #42 worldwide in the last ranking - now with 210 in the project)
Our learning evolved into the World Families Network in early 2004, where we created a website to help other Surname Projects by sharing our learning and providing a place to find general information. This was initially a passive helping through information and an offering of a free site to support surname projects with no internet website.
Since late 2004, we have been establishing projects to help more families have the same opportunities we have enjoyed. We start projects where one does not already exist at Family Tree DNA - the premier DNA testing company (and our partner). We receive a modest compensation from FTDNA for this service - which we hope will allow us to keep doing this indefinitely. (The individuals and project administrators have the same relationship with FTDNA that they would have if we weren't involved - and the testing costs are the same best prices enjoyed by every project)
Our overall plan is to start, and then nurture the projects, to find good leadership to take them over, to provide the project admin with ever-improving tools to manage their project, and to have fun doing something we enjoy. (Finding that common ancestor, proving a long held theory, or puzzling out a surprising result are all exciting to us.)
We also provide project sites and administrative support to existing projects which need our help. Some of these are very large projects; some are small; each is different in their needs - which we work to specifically meet.
What Do We Do? Why Do We Do It? Why Do We Work With Family Tree DNA?
What? For the project administrators, we provide free websites to display test resultsi, family pedigrees, and shared information. There are also forums for family discussions. We provide any level of help desired, from doing all the posting and administration, to sharing some tasks with the administrator while he/she learns how to administer a project, to simply providing the website and the tools for veteran administrators, who take care of everything else. We are here to answer questions, as needed, and offer tips to help your project be a success. To learn more about administering a project at Worldfamilies.net: click here.
We realized quite quickly that many people are interested in getting started in genetic genealogy, but lack an understanding of the vocabulary and the process. To provide that information, we have developed the information pages on this website, and the step-by-step guide that makes sure you don't overlook any of the things you should do to make sure your testing is as successful as possible. We make it easy to join a Surname Project and to order your test. We think we've provided a wealth of information that should answer almost any question, but we still are happy to answer questions (and we do answer dozens of emails each day!) Feel free to contact us if you have a question that is not answered on our website. See our guide to DNA testing: DNA The Smart Way.
Why? This website grew out of our passion for genealogy and the knowledge we have gained as successful surname DNA project administrators since 2001. In 2004, Richard and Terry created a website to help other surname projects by sharing project administration tips, resource information, and by providing free websites. The hobby grew into a business, as the interest and enthusiasm for genetic genealogy has exploded. We provide this service at no cost to you. Our only revenue is from the small commission if you order a test from Family Tree DNA (at the same price you would pay if ordering directly from FTDNA), and from hosting fees for some of the project websites. However, most of the project websites are provided free. We receive a small compensation from FTDNA which allows us to continue providing this service. It is still a labor of love, however, as the best rewards for hours spent at the computer is helping an individual or a project make a connection through the use of genetic genealogy.
Why FTDNA? There are many testing companies offering DNA testing for genealogy these days. Many have beautifully done websites, but have little structure and few projects. If you tested at one of these companies with the lovely website, you probably were asking - "What now?" as soon as you received your results. And - then, you were told - "Join your surname project!". And - you probably found that your surname project is based at FTDNA. FTDNA has most of the dna results for those focused on genealogy and nearly all of the projects supporting genealogy research. In addition FTDNA has the largest DNA databases in the field of Genetic Genealogyi, a very important factor, as you want your results compared to as many others as you can. Family Tree DNA is run by genealogists and scientists who understand how genetic genealogy works, and who provide you with the most services of any testing company. To read more about the benefits of testing with FTDNA, click here.
| Terry Barton An Engineer who earned his MBA in mid-career, Terry is retired from the corporate world and works full time on WorldFamilies.net these days. He also volunteers at his church and speaks as a Master Gardener. Terry is President of Barton Historical Society and Coordinator of the Barton DNA Project... | |
 | Richard Barton, MD A physician for over 20 years, Dr. Barton is also a long time amateur genealogist and computer enthusiast. World Families Network is a natural outgrowth of his involvement with the Barton Historical Society and its goals... |
Some of our Ancestral Surname Projects:
Allard, Armistead
Barton, Biggs, Birdsong, Blow, Briscoe, Bynum
Cheney, Clewis, Conway, Cresap
Deberry, Dillard
Edgerly
Fleete
Geer, Goudelock
Harlan, Hassell, Heald, Hinekley, Hockley, Hodges, Hornsby
Isom
Jennett
Kerby, Kilbourne, Kirby
Lathrop
Marriott, Mizell, Murff
Nance, Newsome, Norwood
Ogle, Oldham
Poindexter
Ramsford, Rentz, Robeson
Seat, Shackleford, Sheppard, Sherbourne, Sneed, Sowerby
Taaffe, Tate, Thompson, Tidmore, Tyler
Vess
Waddell, Wakeham, Wisinger, Woodard, Woodward, Wortham
