Smithsonian scholar to explore 200-year-old Thomas Jefferson mystery at Heinz History Center
The Senator John Heinz History Center will host a special program featuring author and historian Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian Institution’s distinguished scholar and ambassador-at-large, for the launch of his new book, “History by a Hair: Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings, and Solving a 200-Year-Old Mystery” on Sept. 27 at 2 p.m.
In 2011, staff at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History discovered a light red hair pressed between the pages of the Thomas Jefferson Bible.
That single strand sparked an unprecedented inquiry: could advances in technology help recover Jefferson’s DNA and resolve one of the most enduring questions surrounding his life – the paternity of the children of Sally Hemings, one of hundreds of African Americans enslaved by Jefferson?
Kurin will take attendees inside the historic investigation that brought together historians, scientists, and descendants to resolve a 200-year national controversy. Guests will hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and discover how new scientific evidence is reshaping the understanding of Jefferson, Hemings, and the complexities of America’s past.
Kurin will be joined in conversation by History Center president and CEO Andy Masich.
Copies of “History by a Hair” will be available for purchase at the program. Attendees can also pre-purchase a copy when reserving tickets and pick it up at the event on Sept. 27.
For more information, go online to heinzhistorycenter.org/events.