One of the main goals of this project is to try and establish and sort out as many Harris lines as possible. By using the Y-DNA testing process, many of the Harris lines will be scientifically proven to descend from the same ancestors.

It is our goal to build a large genealogical database to help all Harris researchers prove their family connections -- not only now, but also for future generations. This project will remain open and active as we continue to add others to accomplish our goal. It is necessary to have at least two participants and preferably three, from each documented and verified line in order to "establish" a group.

The Y-chromosome signatures change very slowly over time and the pattern is usually stable over hundreds of years, but for some unknown and unexpected reason, a mutation can occur without notice in any generation. Male relatives who have an uninterrupted male-male link between them will share the same, or very similar Y-chromosome signatures.

The Y-line is particularly useful when a connection between different branches of a family is suspected but cannot be proven from written records. Using the Y-line, by comparing the Y-chromosome signatures, provides the answer.

Family Finder tests (autosomal DNA testing) can also help to verify connections to substantiate a particular Harris lineage.