🧬 Welcome to the Ralston Project
Y-DNA testing helps distinguish unrelated Ralston lines and identify shared paternal ancestry that cannot be confirmed through records alone. Over time, these results help reconstruct the deeper history of the Ralston surname.
The Ralston Project welcomes participants with the surnames Ralston, Rolston, Roulston, Raulston, and related variants. Throughout this site, “Ralston” is used as an inclusive term for all such lines.
To contribute meaningfully, a male from your direct Ralston line should take a Y-DNA test.
🚦 New to the Project? Begin with these links,
ℹ️ For New Members
Information about taking the Y-DNA test and setting up your account at FTDNA
❓ Questions & Answers
Wonder which test to buy?
What Y-DNA can tell us?
What is a phylogenetic tree?
⚡ Apply for a Free Test
We have a limited number of complementary Y-37 DNA test kits to qualified individuals.
🤝 Ways You Can Contribute
Even if you are not yet ready to test or you are unable to test, you can still help the project grow:
- Help spread awareness of the project and identify potential candidates for testing
- Share family tree information that may help connect Ralston lineages
- Sponsor or donate toward Y-DNA testing for participants who need assistance or for testing that advances the project as a whole
📷 Project Snapshot
Established in 2014, the Ralston Project currently includes 168 members worldwide contributing Y-DNA results and research. This website serves as a complementary resource to the Ralston Surname Project at FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA), helping participants interpret results and explore historical connections.
🔗 Helpful Resources
The following resources may help you better understand Y-DNA testing and haplogroups:
- FAMILYTREEDNA Learning Center
- FAMILYTREEDNA DISCOVER Haplogroup Age Estimation
- Family Tree DNA Forums
🧬 DNA Helpers/Info
- GEDmatch Tools for DNA and Genealogy Research
- DNA Painter Map DNA Segments
- The Shared cM Project Relationship probabilities based on shared DNA
- DNAAdoption Find Your Roots Through DNA (not just for adoptees)
- Genetic Affairs Unleash your DNA cousins
- SAPP The Life of Trees (Or: Still Another Phylogeny Program) (also see David Vance's book, The Genealogist's Guide to Y-DNA Testing for Genetic Genealogy.}
📩 Questions?
If you are unsure whether your family line fits the project, or if you have questions about testing, please use the Contact Information page — we’re happy to assist.
