What can science tell us about history? This week's articles highlight how DNA has become an important tool in efforts to understand the past. We have also included an essay about how our ancestors understood nature - it makes us wonder how future generations will view our attempts to make sense of the world!

Finally, be sure to save the date for our next in-person workshop, Part II of "Slavery in New Jersey - It Happened Here, Too." It will be a full-day event on October 11th, at the beautiful Grounds For Sculpture. Stay tuned for details.

THE SCIENCE OF HISTORY

A landmark study opens a new possible way for Black Americans to trace their ancestry | NPR

Henrietta Lacks' family settles with biotech company that used her cells. Here's why her story is so important. | Yahoo!Life

DNA of enslaved iron workers illuminates African American history | Reuters

Click on the image below to read this essay about how people in the 1700s coped with stormy weather:

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Our colleagues at the New Jersey Historical Commission are recruiting a Senior Research Associate. Click here to view the complete announcement, and please feel free to share with potential candidates.

NEW FROM SANKOFA COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

Sankofa Collaborative partners Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck have released their second book, African Americans of Central New Jersey: A History of Harmony and Hostility. Order your copy today!

For more articles, guides and other materials, visit the Sankofa Collaborative's Program Archives and Resources page.

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The Sankofa Collaborative helps people learn about, understand, and discuss African American history in schools, museums, libraries, civic groups, and other settings.

The Collaborative is the work of five New Jersey organizations - 1804 Consultants, Grounds For Sculpture, The New Jersey Historical Society, Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, and the William Trent House Museum. Our programs and website are made possible through generous grants from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Sankofa, a word from the Twi language of Ghana, translates to "go back and get it." It is often depicted by a bird with its body facing forward and its head turned back, holding a precious egg. This and other Sankofa symbols remind us of the importance of learning from the past.

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