Discovering African American Stories Using DNA and Genealogy

l-r Becky Lao, Archaeology Now; Clayton Candor, Family Tree DNA; Sherman McRae, Family Tree DNA; and Ed Udell, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. -Archaeology Now, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, and Family Tree DNA Present Interactive Workshop on Tracing Ancestry Clues – HOUSTON – Archaeology Now, the Archaeological Institute of America – Houston Society, in collaboration with the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and Family Tree DNA, helped individuals trace the story of their ancestries through an interactive workshop about the power of DNA and genealogy on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Sherman McRae of Family Tree DNA, a genealogist and the great-great grandson of a man born into slavery, presented information about how a search in archival records combined with DNA research was used in the discovery of stories that might have been lost to slavery. McRae cited examples of his own journey to reveal how databases can be accessed and how information on different types of DNA testing can be powerful tools in unlocking one’s personal history. “Getting past 1870 is the biggest hurdle for descendants formerly enslaved. One of the best avenues to research slaves is studying the records of the slave holder, including wills and probate records,” said Mr. McRae. He also discussed how DNA is like a cheat code for finding genetic connections. “Our dreams, our adventures, our loves, our tragedies, our beginnings, our endings are all contained in the stories we tell,” said Becky Lao, executive director of Archaeology Now. “Knowing one’s roots uncovers so much about our individual histories and how they shaped us into the people we are today. Mr. McRae’s presentation on this topic served as a powerful testimony to the value of understanding one’s own personal genealogy.” McRae’s journey toward discovering his family story began when he searched the 1940 census and found his grandmother listed as a child living with her young parents and paternal grandparents. Through that initial discovery, Mr. McRae was able to trace his great-grandfather through records that showed him being given away as a child to the grown children of his family’s enslavers. Additionally, […]

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