History by a Hair & From These Roots

A Book Discussion with authors
Dr. Richard Kurin and Tamara Lanier

Moderated by writer and collaborator Liz Welch

History by a Hair

The book follows a 15-year investigation sparked by a strand of hair discovered in Thomas Jefferson’s Bible, leading to DNA evidence that helps answer long-debated questions about the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings – and what it means for American History.

Dr Richard Kurin

Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar and former Under Secretary for History, Art and Culture at the Smithsonian Institute.

From These Roots

In From These Roots, Tamara Lanier recounts her 15-year search for proof that her 5x-great-grandfather is the same man depicted in the Zealy Daguerreotypes once held by Harvard’s Peabody Museum. The book explores kinship, legacy, and the struggle to prove one’s history in a country shaped by enslavement – making this conversation a powerful companion to History by a Hair.

Tamara Lanier

Author and descent whose 15-year fight reclaimed her family’s legacy from Harvard’s Peabody Museum

History by a Hair and From These Roots are both published by Crown.