Tag

Genetic Connections

All articles tagged with #genetic connections

historycultural-heritage2 years ago•3 min saved

"Uncovering the Ancestral Network: DNA of Enslaved Iron Workers in Maryland Connects to 40,000+ Relatives"

DNA analysis of the remains of enslaved individuals buried in a cemetery at Catoctin Furnace in Maryland has revealed their ancestry and identified over 40,000 living relatives, many of whom are still in Maryland. The study found that these individuals descended from West Africa's Wolof and Mandinka peoples and Central Africa's Kongo people, with strong genetic connections to present-day populations in Senegal, Gambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The research sheds light on the lives and histories of enslaved African Americans, whose experiences within the early industrial complex of the United States have been largely overlooked. The study highlights the power of genomics in reconstructing lost familial backgrounds and aims to restore the identity of these individuals stripped by enslavement.

via NBC News|

#african-american-history #catoctin-furnace #dna-analysis

science-and-technology2 years ago•5 min saved

Uncovering the Genetic Connections: 42,000 Present-Day Relatives Linked to 1800s Enslaved Black People

Researchers have used DNA analysis to connect the remains of enslaved and free Black workers at Catoctin Furnace in Maryland to nearly 42,000 living relatives. The study, published in the journal Science, utilized genetic information from biotech company 23andMe's database to establish connections between present-day individuals and those buried at the historical site. The research provides a new avenue for Black Americans to trace their ancestry and learn more about their heritage, particularly in cases where written records are scarce due to the legacy of slavery. The study also sheds light on the lives and health issues of the individuals buried at Catoctin Furnace, as well as their ancestral origins in Africa and European ancestry. The work is seen as groundbreaking and sets a blueprint for future studies in African American genealogy.

via NPR|

#african-american-history #ancestry #catoctin-furnace

history2 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling African American history through enslaved iron workers' DNA

DNA analysis of the remains of enslaved individuals buried in a cemetery at Catoctin Furnace in Maryland has provided unique insights into African American history. The study revealed the ancestry of these individuals, identifying their genetic connections to present-day populations in Senegal, Gambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The research also identified thousands of living relatives, shedding light on the familial backgrounds of African Americans. The study highlights the power of genomics in reconstructing lost histories and emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging African American heritage.

via Reuters|

#african-american-history #catoctin-furnace #dna-analysis