# Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings DNA research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/thomas-jefferson-and-sally-hemings-dna-research > Updated: 2026-09-30T01:12:56.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 4. Researchers at the Smithsonian Institution have conducted a long-term multidisciplinary investigation to determine the parentage of children born to Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman. Using advanced DNA sequencing and genome reconstruction from hair samples—including a lock taken at Jefferson’s deathbed and strands found in his personal Bible—scientists established a genetic link between Thomas Jefferson and Hemings’ descendants. The study, which spanned at least 15 years, compared Jefferson’s genome with DNA from multiple individuals believed to be his descendants. The findings effectively addressed historical debates by evaluating alternative theories, such as whether Jefferson’s brother, Randolph, was the father; researchers concluded the probability of that being the case was only ‘one in a thousand.’ The evidence is described by project leader Richard Kurin as ‘compelling’ and ‘very clear.’ In the book ‘History by a Hair: Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings & Solving a 200-Year-Old Mystery’ by Smithsonian scholar Richard Kurin, the investigation provides what researchers describe as ‘extraordinary proof’ of paternity. By comparing genetic material from Jefferson’s hair with DNA samples from 13 living descendants of both the Jefferson and Hemings families, the study concludes there is a 99.9% probability that Jefferson was the biological father of Hemings’s children, specifically Madison and Eston. Recent analysis of a reddish-blond hair discovered in Jefferson’s Bible at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History has further refined these findings, suggesting a 99.96% chance that Jefferson fathered at least one of Hemings’ children. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which operates Monticello, stated that these findings reinforce rather than rewrite the existing historical record, offering a fuller picture of Jefferson and the world of Monticello. ## Claims - Smithsonian researchers claim DNA analysis provides extraordinary proof that Thomas Jefferson fathered children with Sally Hemings. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The research project lasted approximately 15 years. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The DNA was compared with samples from 13 living descendants of the Hemings and Jefferson families. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The DNA evidence helps resolve a long-standing historical debate regarding the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Richard Kurin co-authored the book 'History by a Hair: Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings & Solving a 200-Year-Old Mystery'. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Researchers sequenced Jefferson's DNA from a lock of hair collected at his deathbed in 1826. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: DNA evidence links Thomas Jefferson to Sally Hemings DNA analysis of hair samples from Thomas Jefferson provides 99.96% evidence that he fathered children with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman in his household. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dna-evidence-links-thomas-jefferson-to-sally-hemings ### 2026-09-23: DNA evidence reinforces Thomas Jefferson paternity of Sally Hemings' children New DNA analysis of hair samples linked to Thomas Jefferson reinforces the historical conclusion that he fathered children with Sally Hemings, with researchers citing odds of less than 1 in 1,000. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dna-evidence-reinforces-thomas-jefferson-paternity-of-sally-hemings-children ### 2026-09-21: Smithsonian DNA study links Thomas Jefferson to Sally Hemings Smithsonian researchers used DNA from Thomas Jefferson's hair to conclude there is a 99.9% chance he fathered children with Sally Hemings, resolving a centuries-old historical debate. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thomas-jefferson-dna-evidence-confirms-relationship-with-sally-hemings ### 2026-09-19: Thomas Jefferson DNA test provides proof of children with Sally Hemings DNA sequencing of a lock of Thomas Jefferson’s hair has provided compelling evidence that he fathered children with Sally Hemings, according to researchers at the Smithsonian Institution. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thomas-jefferson-dna-test-provides-proof-of-children-with-sally-hemings --- Cite as: Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings DNA research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/thomas-jefferson-and-sally-hemings-dna-research