Karin Wulf, "Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Jan 27, 2026

Karin Wulf, historian of early America who studies women, families, and politics. She explores how eighteenth-century genealogy shaped law, slavery, inheritance, religion, business, and memorial culture. Short, vivid stories show records from Bibles to gravestones. The book traces continuity through revolution and argues lineage wielded public power beyond private interest.

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INSIGHT

Genealogy Shaped By Three Pillars

British American genealogy in the 18th century was shaped by Protestant religion, monarchy, and common law rather than being a timeless universal practice.
These institutions created a specific genealogical infrastructure linking family, inheritance, and political legitimacy.

INSIGHT

Bible Provided The Model, Not Always The Medium

The Bible provided textual models and cultural emphasis for genealogical recording, but Bibles were not always the primary record-keeping place.
People often used account books, almanacs, or small hand-stitched notebooks to record family histories.

INSIGHT

Law And Monarchy Entrenched Lineage

Law reinforced genealogy through inheritance rules, including heritable slavery which tied maternal status to children's enslaved condition.
Monarchy also centralized genealogical importance via succession, making lineage politically consequential.

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In eighteenth-century America, genealogy was more than a simple record of family ties—it was a powerful force that shaped society. Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America (Oxford UP, 2025) by Dr. Karin Wulf delves into an era where individuals, families, and institutions meticulously documented their connections. Whether driven by personal passion or mandated by churches, local governments, and courts, these records appeared in diverse forms-from handwritten notes and account books to intricate silk threads and enduring stone carvings.
Family connections wielded significant influence across governmental, legal, religious, cultural, and social spheres. In the American context, these ties also defined the boundaries of slavery and freedom, with a child\'s status often determined by their mother, despite the prevailing patriarchy. This book reveals the profound importance of genealogy that was chronicled by family records, cultural artifacts, and court documents. These materials, created by both enslaved individuals seeking freedom and founding fathers seeking status, demonstrate the culturally and historically specific nature of genealogical interest.
Even as the American Revolution transformed society, the significance of genealogy endured. The legacy of lineage from the colonial period continued to shape the early United States, underscoring the enduring importance of family connections. Lineage offers a deep understanding of genealogy as a foundational element of American history, illuminating its vital role from the colonial era through the birth of the nation.

This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts.

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