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Genealogy is at the heart of the mission of the Chandler Family Association, so this part of our web site is designed to be as helpful as possible to members and friends who use it. The pages in this section contain the result of years of research by members of the Chandler Family Association. You will also find information about the Chandler surname and the histories of many genetically distinct Chandler families, as well as ordering details for our publications.

We offer you the opportunity to post a query asking for help with your Chandler research roadblock. Queries are stored indefinitely on our website, so even if you don't receive immediate help, your query may get a response from a future reader. Where appropriate, queries will also be passed to the CFA Genealogy Panel for a one-time review with a goal of providing advice on researching your roadblock.

CFA members can have their own Chandler line added to our Members/Lineage pages, opening the possibility of contact from those with a similar lineage.

We've also included several pages of links to fascinating genealogy and Chandler-related internet sites.

Within the past few years, DNA test results have provided a new dimension to genealogy research. The results of DNA tests cannot answer all our questions or complete our family trees, but they do help confirm or disprove paper genealogy trails. DNA results can also help genealogists focus their research within the right geographical area or the correct family group. The Chandler DNA Project, started in May 2004, has more than 200 participants. By December 2009 the Project had identified more than 50 genetically distinct families. You can read about these families, starting at the Genetic Chandler Families page on this website.

Some Chandlers undoubtedly descend from one or more le Chaundelers who came to England from Normandy around the year 1200. Most Chandlers, however, are descendants of people who gained their surname because they were candle makers at the time when hereditary surnames became common in England (1350 to 1450). It is highly probable that, at least as far back as the 1200s, the ancestors of all Chandler DNA Project testees lived in England.

1Chandler, Dick. Chandler One-Name Study.