At a book signing on Sunday, April 27^th at the Tompkins Library, the five authors of Our Ancestors, Our Stories explained to a standing-room-only audience how their long journey to find their ancestors ended up in Edgefield, South Carolina.  Their book chronicles years of research and the emotional result of finding their slave ancestors and following them through their walks in life from slavery to freedom.

Most African Americans who are researching their family tree find it almost impossible to go beyond the 1870 census.  Prior to that, during the past five years of freedom, former slaves often changed their surname.  It is a testament to their persistent research that the authors of Our Ancestors Our Stories were able to go well beyond the 1870 barrier into the antebellum years of slavery.

The book is written from the heart and soul of five very different authors whose strong desire to tell their stories will leave a lasting legacy to the African American experience in Edgefield County.

The book is on sale at the Tompkins Library on the Square for $23.00.  An additional fee of $4.00 will be added if the book is being mailed.