Ancestry Library Edition, the largest online family history resource available, provides unprecedented access to family history via documents that record the lineage of individuals from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and more. Join us to learn about how to search, save, and print your discoveries. Please register online.

This program was inspired by our 2024 Saratoga Reads selection, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Henrietta Lacks cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951 and used for scientific research. The exploration of her life and her descendants' experiences intertwines with the broader theme of family history. Ancestry research often involves tracing one's lineage back through generations, which is a central theme in understanding Henrietta Lacks' legacy and her impact on her family. Ancestry research can relate to the genetic heritage passed down through generations, as individuals may discover information about their own genetic predispositions to certain diseases or conditions. This intersects with the broader ethical questions raised by Henrietta Lacks' story regarding consent and ownership of genetic material.