Title: Groundbreaking DNA Study in Maryland Helps Black Americans Trace Roots to Enslaved Ancestors
Introduction
In a groundbreaking collaboration between the Smithsonian, Harvard University, and 23andMe, thousands of Black Americans may finally be able to trace their roots to enslaved ancestors who lived in Frederick County, Maryland during the 1800s. The pivotal research is centered around Catoctin Furnace, where hundreds of enslaved individuals toiled in an iron mill. The project aims to shed light on their lives and provide a bridge to the past for their descendants.
The Humanization of Enslaved Ancestors
Elizabeth Comer, president of the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, stressed the importance of recognizing these individuals as more than just names or numbers on a ledger. She emphasized, “They’re not just names. They’re not just numbers or checkmarks on a ledger or a sale record. These are real people.” The study seeks to honor their memory and the invaluable contributions they made to American history.
Partnership and Unprecedented Research Methods
The collaboration between the Smithsonian, Harvard University, and 23andMe brings together expertise in DNA analysis and historical research to uncover hidden connections. The DNA research specifically focuses on analyzing the remains of workers buried at a cemetery near Catoctin Furnace. As Comer explained, “This identical-by-descent comparison is something that’s never been done before.”
Crystal Emory’s Remarkable Discovery
An example of the study’s impact is Crystal Emory, a descendant who recently learned about her third great-grandfather, Robert Patterson, a free Black man who lived and worked near Catoctin Furnace. Although records on her fourth great-grandfather, who may have been enslaved, are scarce, Emory remains determined to piece together her family tree. She expressed, “I think everybody has a story…I think everybody deserves to be remembered by somebody.”
The Quest to Unravel the American Story
Emory is not alone in her quest for ancestral knowledge; many more descendants are expected to be reached through the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society’s ongoing efforts. By connecting with as many descendants as possible, the society aims to facilitate learning about these individuals, whose stories are integral to the broader American narrative. Comer enthusiastically stated, “Their story is the American story, and we are so thrilled to be able to tell it.”
Conclusion
The DNA study conducted in Frederick County, Maryland, in collaboration with the Smithsonian, Harvard University, and 23andMe, presents an unprecedented opportunity for Black Americans to trace their roots to enslaved ancestors of the 1800s. By shedding light on the lives of those who lived and worked in Catoctin Furnace, the study aims to provide a deeper understanding of this significant chapter in American history. Furthermore, the project seeks to humanize these individuals by recognizing their invaluable contributions and bridging the past with the present for their descendants.