Purposes of the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society
The Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society (TJHS) is a not for profit entity created in 2000 by a group of concerned businessmen, historians, genealogists, and scientists to undertake an independent and objective review of all the facts and circumstances surrounding the paternity of Sally Hemings’ children. The TJHS was formed by a cross section of citizens as a response to efforts by many historical revisionists to inaccurately portray Thomas Jefferson as a liar, fraud, hypocrite, and child molesting slave rapist. Several projects have been initiated to produce a more balanced examination of this issue. As enumerated in its Charter, the purposes of the TJHS are:
To further the honor and integrity of Thomas Jefferson, and to promote his vision and ideas and their application in our times and in the future.
To foster truth in all matters that touch upon the legacy of Thomas Jefferson.
To promote the principles of freedom, patriotism and truth which are the hallmarks of Thomas Jefferson's life.
To perform research in matters pertaining to the private and public life of Thomas Jefferson.
To stand always in opposition to those who would seek to undermine the integrity of Thomas Jefferson.
The Jefferson-Hemings Controversy
Report of the Scholars Commission
The TJHS formed a commission of 13 independent scholars from across the country, including prominent professors and specialists in various fields, and asked them to study all the evidence regarding the claim that Jefferson had children with his slave Sally Hemings, and issue a public report. The conclusions reached by these scholars, with one mild dissent, range from “serious skepticism about the charge to a conviction that it is almost certainly false.” It is the most comprehensive treatment of this issue. That report--The Jefferson-Hemings Controversy: Report of the Scholars Commission--is now available for free.