After over a year of study, Monticello officials announced yesterday that research has nearly conclusively proven that University founder Thomas Jefferson fathered at least one and maybe more children with his slave, Sally Hemings.
Monticello officials commissioned the study after former University Pathology Prof. Eugene Foster published a study saying that, through DNA research, he had found a link between Jefferson's family and the Hemings' descendents.
Daniel P. Jordan, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation president, said the study was conducted by historians and scientists that already worked for Monticello.
Jordan said the Foundation did not begin its research hoping for any particular result.
"We came into [the project] with an open mind," he said.
The committee performing the research was charged with several tasks, including examining all evidence about the possible relationship between Jefferson and Hemings and consulting with outside experts.
Foster said he was pleased with the outcome of the committee's research efforts.
The committee reached "more or less the same conclusions" that were reached through the DNA research, he said.
Foster was not involved in the Monticello study.
Foster pointed out that the Monticello researchers had more information at their disposal than he had had while conducting his scientific study.
The committee reached four conclusions, which were announced yesterday.
These include that Foster's DNA study was conducted in a valid, scientific manner. The report of the committee also states that the DNA study combined with other evidence indicates that Jefferson most likely fathered at least one and possibly all of Hemings' six children. The study also indicated that many aspects of the Hemings-Jefferson relationship remain unclear. The final conclusion of the committee is that the implication of the relationship should be used to enrich the public's perception of Jefferson.
Jordan said he does not feel the findings will damage Jefferson's image, but instead may serve to humanize a sometimes remote, historical figure.
"His legacy is secure," he said.
He added that the study was performed at a negligible cost, because all the participants already were Monticello employees.
Foster said there is still some DNA research that is being done with another possible Jefferson descendent, Thomas Woodson.
He said that confirmation of Woodson's heritage would be important because it would then show a third line of descent from Jefferson and Hemings.
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