Planting Seeds in America

What Do Seeds Have to Do with Our Immigrant Ancestors?!

Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and our immigrant ancestors. You may be surprised to learn that many immigrants brought seeds with them to America. These seeds were so valuable that they sometimes went to great lengths to hide them. They were then able to grow these seeds once they settled, and they used what they grew to recreate foods from their homelands. During the episode, Daniel shares a couple of examples and then provides ways you can find your immigrant ancestors. The episode ends with some suggestions for those who may want to try growing heirloom seeds at home.

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If you are interested in learning more family stories about seeds, be sure to attend “Heirloom Seeds & Family Stories” tonight (March 20) from 7 to 8:30 pm via Zoom. Sara Straate, the Seed Historian at Seed Savers Exchange, will be sharing about her work which involves collecting heirloom seeds and preserving the family stories connected to them! To learn more about the valuable work of the Exchange, watch this brief introductory video and explore the exchange – “a community of gardeners and seed stewards, sharing and swapping unique varieties you might not find anywhere else.”

Remember to also check out the Seed Library, available throughout March at both locations, as long as supplies last! There are still many seed varieties available to check out. As Cicero said, “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”