DNA Testing

Given signifiant interest in the project, DNA testing for Charlestonian  African Americans was opened up for the third time in May 2022. Dr.  Theodore Schurr and Dr. Raquel Fleskes will collected cheek swabs from study  participants with informed consent  to look at markers on the mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome. The  DNA samples will be brought to the Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology  at the University of Pennsylvania where they will be securely stored. The data resulting from this analysis will  not be sold or patented, and used only to understand the genetic  ancestry of contemporary Charlestonians in relation to the Anson Street Ancestors. Enrolled study participants from this round of DNA sampling  can expect to have their results by the end of the  year, 2022. Please note DNA testing is limited to people of African descent and one test per family. Testing will be offered on Tuesday May 3rd at Cannon Street Arts Center 5-6 pm and Wednesday May 4th at the Gaillard Center, following the ceremony at 7-8pm - in addition to this session on Tuesday 11:30-12:30 pm.