The overall goal of the project is to compare Y-DNA results for all interested men with surnames Graden, Graydon and similar spellings. It is possible that the "Irish" Graydons (circa 1600s to 1800s) are descended from families that lived in the Scottish Borders in earlier times (pre-1600), although only one DNA test supporting this theory has been obtained. More research and testing are needed to prove the link.

One specific project goal, to determine ancestry of John & Samuel Graden (1850 census of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, USA), may have been achieved as of April 2004: a combination of Y-DNA data and genealogical records indicate that John & Samuel had Graydon ancestors in County Fermanagh, Ireland (pre-1796).