Genealogy is everywhere– online, on screens, through organizations and conferences and more. But technologies aside, genealogy was everywhere in the 1700s, too. And while we may think of Americans living in the 1700s as largely the subject of genealogy research, they were active participants in what was a foundational interest and practice in their own time. Family histories were deeply meaningful for diverse early Americans, but it was also baked into the very structures of their society through law, politics, and religion. From deep research across 18th century British America, Karin Wulf’s new book, Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America examines how we can understand the role of genealogy then, and its impact now.

The Historic Annapolis Virtual Lecture Series is offered free of charge thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. If you enjoy this program, we hope you will consider becoming a member or making a donation today to support Historic Annapolis and our mission to connect all people with our shared history. 

Can’t watch live? All lectures will be recorded. Please register and you’ll receive the link to watch the recording after the event.

Advance registration required; registration closes on half-hour prior to lecture. 

Cost: FREE

This lecture will be offered virtually by Zoom. Upon registration, you will be sent the link for the video conference to join on the evening of the lecture. If you do not receive your confirmation email after you register, please check your Spam folder, or email Cara Garside at cara.garside@annapolis.org. To learn more about Zoom and to download the app to your computer, visit the Zoom website.

About Our Presenter: Karin Wulf is the Director and Librarian of the John Carter Brown Library, and Professor of History at Brown University.  A historian of early America focused on gender, family, and politics, she writes widely for both public and academic audiences about history, the worlds of scholarship and scholarly publishing, and libraries and archives. Her new book is Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in 18th Century British America. She serves on a variety of non-profit boards, and is a Vice-President of the American Historical Association.

The information contained in the HA Virtual Lecture series represents the historical research, views and opinions of the lecture presenter and may not represent the views or opinions of Historic Annapolis, Inc.