DNA analysis — the study of our individual genetic “fingerprints” — will ultimately enable genealogists to use hard science to corroborate — or invalidate — our records-based research. As such, DNA analysis represents the exciting future of genealogy. A DNA study project is already established for the Weeks surname, and with enough participants, descendants may eventually be able to sort out family connections in England. For information about participating in the Weeks Surname DNA Project, click here. The project has isolated descendants from the lines of George Weekes (1600-1659) of Dorchester, Mass., William Weeks (1620-1689) of Barnstable, Mass., and Francis Weeks (1626-1689) of Oyster Bay, N.Y., but many of the early Weeks lines in America are not yet represented in the study. It was not until 2010 that a separate DNA line was established for descendants of Leonard Weeks (1633-1707) of Greenland, N.H. Noted family genealogist Frank Weeks (1930-2019) of Cranston, R.I., announced in October 2010 that his DNA analysis resulted in a match with three descendants of Leonard Weeks. (Frank’s DNA was a valuable contribution to the project, since two of his great-grandparents traced back to Leonard Weeks.)
The subject of DNA analysis for genealogical research has been covered in great detail elsewhere by general interest magazines, genealogy publications, and Internet sites. The following link to the International Society of Genetic Genealogy offers a good introduction, and includes a bibliography and links to other informative sites.