“History by a Hair” book reading and discussion with author Richard Kurin

The North Fork Arts Center and Coming to the Table’s North Fork chapter present an afternoon with Richard Kurin, Smithsonian distinguished scholar and ambassador-at-large, for a presentation, book reading and discussion of his new book, “History by a Hair: Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings and Solving a 200-year-old Mystery.”

Kurin will discuss how a discarded strand of hair found in Thomas Jefferson’s Bible led to a scientific investigation into whether modern genomics could recover Jefferson’s DNA and address the long-debated question of the paternity of Sally Hemings’ children. The book follows a 15-year inquiry involving DNA scientists, archaeologists, genealogists and Jefferson and Hemings descendants.

Two descendants featured in the book, including one who lives in Greenport, will join Kurin on stage in conversation with book collaborator and Coming to the Table co-founder Liz Welch. Burton’s Books will be on-site selling copies, and Kurin will sign books following the program.

Free admission is available for ages 25 and under. The program is presented with support from the North Fork Arts Center youth advisory board.