How to Join the Project (Step-by-Step)

If you have already tested with AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or MyHeritage, you don’t need to buy a new kit to join us at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA). Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download your Raw Data

Login to your current testing site and look for “Download Raw Data” in the settings:

• Ancestry: DNA Settings → Actions → Download Raw Data.
• 23andMe: Settings → Data Download → Download Raw Data.

Step 2: Upload to Family Tree DNA

Go to the FTDNA Autosomal Transfer Page and upload your file. This is free and will provide you with a list of matches on their platform.

Step 3: Join the Guthrie Project

Once your FTDNA account is set up:

1. Click “Join a Project” in your dashboard.
2. Search for “Guthrie” and select the Guthrie Project.
3. Click “Join.”

Step 4: Grant Admin Access

To help me analyze your results and place you in the correct Guthrie Family Group & Branch:

• On FTDNA: Ensure your privacy settings allow “Project Administrators” to view your matches.

• On Ancestry: Go to DNA Settings → Sharing → “Add a Viewer” and invite Ann Guthrie.

💰 Project Costs & Savings

The Guthrie DNA Project is a volunteer-led effort. While the project doesn’t charge any “membership fees,” there are costs associated with the DNA tests themselves.

How to Save Money:

1. Wait for Sales: DNA kits almost always go on sale during holidays (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Prime Day, and November/December).
2. The Guthrie General Fund: We occasionally have donated funds available to sponsor or subsidize tests for key lineages that have not yet been represented. If you are a Guthrie male from a “missing” branch, please [Contact the Admin] to see if sponsorship is available.
3. Free Transfers: If you’ve already tested at Ancestry or 23andMe, you can transfer your data to FTDNA for FREEto join the project. (There is a new nominal fee to unlock all genealogy report features.)

🔒 Privacy & Your Security

We take your privacy as seriously as our own. Participation in the Guthrie DNA Project is designed to be safe, transparent, and anonymous where it matters most.

• You Control the Access: You are not required to give the Admin full administrative access to your DNA account. We only need “Limited” or “Viewer” access to help analyze matches.
• Living People Stay Private: We never publish the names or details of living individuals. On our public charts, you are represented only by a Kit Number and a truncated lineage (e.g., John Guthrie b.1750 SCT > Robert b.1780…).
• Independent Verification: Genealogy data you provide is used to build the master Guthrie Research Tree. If you’ve done the heavy lifting on research and want credit, let us know! Otherwise, we use generic labels like “Family Researcher.”
• Confidentiality: Conversations between you and the Admin are strictly private unless you choose to join our group discussion boards to meet your “Genetic Cousins.” Announcements on the Guthrie Genealogy blog will also remain generic and maintain the privacy of living individuals.

Still Have Questions? Contact the Admin.