Using Genealogy to Tell the Truth About the People Her Ancestors Enslaved | Annie Hartnett

06/28/23 • 29 min

Annie Hartnett recently started exploring her family's connections to slave ownership, which took her on a transformative path of discovery. By doing so, Annie gained a deeper understanding of her roots, and as a result, developed an increasingly authentic relationship with herself, her country, and those around her. Fascinated by the forgotten stories of those enslaved, she now dedicates her time to researching and writing about them and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
"I want to write about the stories of those people whose lives were stolen from them and whose stories have been buried and lost."
We talk about:

Developing skills for safeguarding historical knowledge and promoting awareness among others.
Confronting the legacy of slave ownership and its enduring consequences in today's world.
Revealing the previously untold lives of the enslaved and honoring their perseverance.
Adopting a mindset of transparency and understanding to progress beyond historical injustices.
Gaining insights on maintaining our shared history and educating future generations about the past.

Annie Harnett began researching her family’s involvement in chattel slavery in the U.S. in the spring of 2021. Until that time, she knew very little about American history and nothing about genealogy. In addition to the essays and interviews published on Medium, Annie has published essays and op-eds in Salon, the Austin American Statesman, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine, among others. Annie has an MFA in Creative Writing from Texas State University and lives in Austin, Texas.
Connect with Annie:
Website: https://anniehnet.medium.com/
Twitter: @AnnieHHartnett1
Facebook: @annie.hartnett.5
Instagram: @relationskinsfolk

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Developing skills for safeguarding historical knowledge and promoting awareness among others.
Confronting the legacy of slave ownership and its enduring consequences in today's world.
Revealing the previously untold lives of the enslaved and honoring their perseverance.
Adopting a mindset of transparency and understanding to progress beyond historical injustices.
Gaining insights on maintaining our shared history and educating future generations about the past.

Are we connected on Instagram or Facebook yet? Find me @msheathermurphy

Previous Episode

Exploring Family Tragedies with Compassion and Understanding with Jacqueline Jannotta

Jacqueline Jannotta's genealogy research uncovers a family history of mob ties and tragedy, revealing the ripple effects of trauma and the importance of understanding our shared humanity.
Through her genealogical research, Jacqueline gained a greater understanding and compassion for her ancestors, particularly her tough, outspoken grandmother. The trauma experienced by her family shaped their personalities and relationships, and it made her realize the importance of understanding one's roots to better comprehend oneself and others. Jacqueline's belief that we are all interconnected through our stories encourages her to approach communities and cultures with empathy and curiosity. By exploring the complexities of her own lineage, Jacqueline encourages others to look beyond the surface of their family's history, in order to uncover hidden layers that may lead to greater self-awareness and connection with the world around them.
About Jacqueline:
Jacqueline Jannotta is the award-winning author of the book Let’s Leave the Country! A Guide to Your Family Year Abroad, inspired by her family’s extraordinary year in Genoa, Italy. She’s a graduate of Northwestern University who spent the early part of her career working in television and sitcoms, followed by producing Internet content. After leaving the entertainment business and starting a family, Jacqueline continued writing and also devised a year abroad for her family. Her book was born out of that adventure, and she continues her work as a writer, avid genealogist, and forever optimist who is dedicated to building a better vision for the future.
Website: becomingbetterpeople.us
Medium: @JacquelineJannotta
Facebook and Instagram: @becomingbetterpeople.us
Mastodon: @JacquelineJannotta
You can purchase her book, "Let's Leave the Country!: A Guide to Your Family Year Abroad" through Amazon (affiliate link)

Are we connected on Instagram or Facebook yet? Find me @msheathermurphy

Next Episode

Genetic Genealogy Leads to Discoveries and Connections | Stephanie Renée

In Stephanie Renée's story, there's an exploration of identity and belonging that resonates deeply. She began her journey seeking to fill in the gaps left by the early loss of her mother. Her path took an unexpected turn when she discovered her mother was adopted, leading her into the world of genetic genealogy. Despite the hurdles she faced, Stephanie was driven to understand her roots and expand her familial network, bringing her closer to understanding her lineage and establishing a sense of belonging.
Connect with Stephanie on Instagram @TheDNAJourney or check out her website StephanieRenee.com
Want to support her video series, The DNA Journey? You can do that here.

Are we connected on Instagram or Facebook yet? Find me @msheathermurphy