Groundbreaking DNA Study in Maryland Allows Thousands of Black Americans to Trace Their Roots to Enslaved Ancestors
For the first time, thousands of Black Americans may be able to trace their roots to enslaved ancestors in the 1800s, thanks to a groundbreaking DNA study conducted in Frederick County, Maryland. The study focuses on the workers who lived and worked at Catoctin Furnace, an iron mill where hundreds of enslaved people endured backbreaking labor.
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, led by President Elizabeth Comer, has been working tirelessly to shed light on the lives of these enslaved individuals. Comer emphasizes that they are not just names or numbers on a ledger, but real people with stories that deserve to be remembered.
To conduct the study, the Smithsonian and Harvard University partnered with 23andMe for DNA research on the workers buried at a cemetery near Catoctin Furnace. This unique approach, known as identical-by-descent comparison, has never been done before. Comer explains that people are eager to learn about their ancestors and embrace their stories.
Crystal Emory, one of the descendants involved in the study, believes that everyone has a story and deserves to be remembered. She recently discovered that her third great-grandfather, Robert Patterson, lived and worked near Catoctin Furnace as a free Black man. However, records regarding her fourth great-grandfather, who may have been enslaved, are scarce.
Emory is collaborating with two of her cousins to build their family tree and hopes to find more relatives through this research. She highlights the importance of recognizing the stories of these individuals, stating that their experiences are part of the American story.
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society aims to connect with many more descendants in the future and help them learn about their ancestors. By uncovering and sharing these stories, they hope to provide a deeper understanding of the lives and struggles of enslaved individuals in America’s history.
How did the groundbreaking DNA study in Maryland help thousands of Black Americans trace their roots to enslaved ancestors?
Groundbreaking DNA Study in Maryland Allows Thousands of Black Americans to Trace Their Roots to Enslaved Ancestors
For the first time, thousands of Black Americans may be able to trace their roots to enslaved ancestors in the 1800s, thanks to a groundbreaking DNA study conducted in Frederick County, Maryland. The study focuses on the workers who lived and worked at Catoctin Furnace, an iron mill where hundreds of enslaved people endured backbreaking labor.
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, led by President Elizabeth Comer, has been working tirelessly to shed light on the lives of these enslaved individuals. Comer emphasizes that they are not just names or numbers on a ledger, but real people with stories that deserve to be remembered.
To conduct the study, the Smithsonian and Harvard University partnered with 23andMe for DNA research on the workers buried at a cemetery near Catoctin Furnace. This unique approach, known as identical-by-descent comparison, has never been done before. Comer explains that people are eager to learn about their ancestors and embrace their stories.
Crystal Emory, one of the descendants involved in the study, believes that everyone has a story and deserves to be remembered. She recently discovered that her third great-grandfather, Robert Patterson, lived and worked near Catoctin Furnace as a free Black man. However, records regarding her fourth great-grandfather, who may have been enslaved, are scarce.
Emory is collaborating with two of her cousins to build their family tree and hopes to find more relatives through this research. She highlights the importance of recognizing the stories of these individuals, stating that their experiences are part of the American story.
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society aims to connect with many more descendants in the future and help them learn about their ancestors. By uncovering and sharing these stories, they hope to provide a deeper understanding of the lives and struggles of enslaved individuals in America’s history.
This is truly remarkable, as it provides more insight into the rich history and diverse heritage of Black Americans.