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In a DNA Breakthrough, Thomas Jefferson’s Hair Proves ‘99.9%’ He Fathered Sally Hemings’ Children
TODAY.com • • nation
Key Points:
- The Smithsonian and researchers have presented the most definitive proof yet that former President Thomas Jefferson fathered children with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman he owned, based on DNA analysis from Jefferson's preserved hair.
- The findings, detailed in the upcoming book "History by a Hair," reveal a 99.9% probability of Jefferson's paternity, confirmed by comparing his genome to living descendants of Hemings.
- The research involved collecting DNA samples from over a dozen descendants, some of whom expressed validation and pride in their heritage, while others voiced concerns about the study's handling and conclusions.
- The project aims to make Jefferson's genome publicly accessible in the future and has sparked discussions about the historical narrative surrounding Jefferson and Hemings, highlighting the complexities of his legacy.
