DNA Proof Emerges: Jefferson Fathered Hemings Children, Smithsonian Study Finds
TL;DR Summary
A Smithsonian-led team sequenced a lock of Thomas Jefferson's hair and, by comparing its genome to living descendants of Sally Hemings, concludes there is strong evidence Jefferson fathered Hemings's children Madison and Eston. The 15-year project used advanced ancient-DNA sequencing and 20,000 simulations to test paternity. The findings, which align with longstanding speculation, also note a Hemings descendant briefly withdrew from participation; researchers say these techniques have since helped solve cases like the Gilgo Beach murders and the Golden State Killer.
- Thomas Jefferson DNA test 'proof' he fathered kids with slave New York Post
- Researchers Say They’ve Found the Truth About Thomas Jefferson The Atlantic
- Two Centuries On, Smithsonian Connects Jefferson’s Hair to Hemings’s Children The New York Times
- Sally Hemings’s Oldest Descendant Gave the Smithsonian Her DNA. She Says It Lost Her Trust. The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Thomas Jefferson’s hair ‘proves he had children with slave’ The Times
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