Can We Access the Memories of Our Ancestors Through DNA ?

We ask a philosopher about the scientifically-debated concept of genetic memory.

By Katherine Gillespie
Some psychologists, most famously Carl Jung, have theorised that we're born with the memories and experiences of our ancestors imprinted on our DNA. We're not necessarily unlocking them, but it's possible that our most basic survival instincts might stem from some long ago trauma experienced by a dead relative. It's a theory that's also subscribed to by television psychics, though, so you can see where things get tricky.

While you might not be able to remember the specific horrors experienced by a great grandfather in a WWI trench, or the weary footsteps taken by ancestors as they migrated from Africa to Europe, it's not an uncommon thing to feel in touch with those whose genetic material you share. We define ourselves by things like race and family history, and sometimes those experiences of the distant past feel very present.
So how possible is it that the memories of our ancestors are embedded into our DNA, perhaps influencing us in ways we are barely aware of?

Additional story at: https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/ypv58j/genetic-memory

South Carolina Archives Announces Large Digitization of Rev War Records

Press Release

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH) is pleased to announce that the records series “Accounts Audited of Claims Growing out of the Revolution in South Carolina 1775-1856” is now active and images are available on the Online Records Index. This record consists of 11,170 documents presented by citizens to the treasury in support of claims for military service, supplies, and other contributions rendered during the latter part of the Revolutionary War. Most of the files contain an auditor’s cover paper, which includes the name of claimant, a brief description of their service provided, and the amount of their claim and its adjusted value. Additionally, if an indent was issued, its number and the claimant’s signature verifying its receipt were also included as well as receipts and affidavits to the validity of the claim.

Over the last six months, the SCDAH completed the process of adding these records to the Online Records Index. Our greatest appreciation goes to the Southern Revolutionary War Institute and Mr. Michael Scoggins for providing the images to the agency. Mr. Scoggins was instrumental in having the images scanned through a grant funded to the Southern Revolutionary War Institute from the National Park Service. Scoggins is the historian for the Culture & Heritage Museums in York County and research director of the Southern Revolutionary War Institute. This series is one of the most requested records series at the SCDAH. Records such as audited accounts are vital resources for genealogists and historians. Having a series as valuable and expansive available in a digital format is a milestone for any individual with South Carolina ancestry.

To view the record series, please visit the Online Records Index (http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/). After opting to enter the Index, use the Advanced Search option, choose the Record Group “Combined Index to Records Series, 1675-1929” and the Series “ S108092: Accounts Audited of Claims Growing Out of the Revolution.” For questions about this series, please contact us at 803-896-0339 or info@scdah.sc.gov.

About the South Carolina Department of Archives and History

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History is an independent state agency whose mission is to preserve and promote the documentary and cultural heritage of the Palmetto State. The department houses one of the most comprehensive state archival collections in the nation, spanning more than 325 years of South Carolina history. 

https://scdah.sc.gov/news/2018-07/scdah-announces-digitization-over-11000-revolutionary-war-records