Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas

From celebrated anthropologist and New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Raff, discover the origins of the first peoples in the Americas, the reasons and methods behind their migration, their southward dispersal, and their way of life, all unveiled through a groundbreaking form of evidence: their complete genomes. Dr. Raff is the author of the book Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas and Professor of Anthropology at the University of Kansas with a dual PhD in anthropology and genetics and over fourteen years of experience in researching ancient and modern human DNA from the Americas. She works with tribes and communities across North America to use ancient and contemporary genomes as tools for investigating historical questions. Her research focuses on the initial peopling of the Americas as well as more recent histories in the North American Arctic and mid-continent through the lens of genetics. She works with Indigenous communities and tribes across North America who wish to use ancient and contemporary DNA as a tool for investigating questions of recent and more distant histories.

Reimagined with an updated message – “We were here. We are still here.” – the hall aims to elevate the Indigenous voices from Tribes and Nations in North, Central, and South America. HMNS is grateful for the support and guidance we receive from Indigenous advisors as we maintain this living exhibit.