Reconnecting the Descendants of Dave the Potter

A descendant-led initiative to rebuild family ties, preserve history, and advance restorative justice for the family of David Drake (ca. 1801–1874), the enslaved Edgefield, SC potter whose signed and inscribed vessels stand as acts of artistry and courage.

Descendant Registry DNA + Genealogy Ethical & Private Community-led
Join the Project Learn About Dave
2
Anchor Testers
1801–Present
Years Covered
0
Privacy Incidents
Open
Project Status
Dave the Potter creating a jar

Our Commitments

Privacy. Rigor. Respect. Repair.

  • Ethical DNA Use: Your data is yours. We never sell it and only share with your written consent.
  • Genealogical Proof Standard: We combine DNA with records and oral history.
  • Descendant-led Governance: Advisory council centers descendant voices.

About Dave the Potter

David Drake, known as Dave the Potter, was an enslaved artist in Edgefield, South Carolina. Despite laws against literacy for enslaved people, he boldly signed his name and inscribed verses onto large storage jars—acts of resistance and memory. His work appears in museums worldwide. This project seeks to reunite his living descendants, honoring the artistry and humanity behind those vessels.

Reconnection & Repair

We restore family ties disrupted by slavery and displacement through descendant-centered research.

  • Build a private Descendant Registry that recognizes verified descendants.
  • Support ethical storytelling and community archiving of family materials.
  • Develop cultural heritage + reparative initiatives led by descendants.

DNA Policy Snapshot

Inclusive
  • Strong Evidence: ≥100 cM with an anchor tester, or documented 3rd cousin (incl. removed).
  • Standard: 30–99 cM + genealogy placing family in Edgefield enslaved communities.
  • Extended: 20–29 cM + triangulation with ≥1 confirmed descendant + genealogy.

We follow the Genealogical Proof Standard and pair DNA with records and oral history. Lack of DNA does not exclude participation if the paper trail is strong.

View Full Standards

Gallery

Images are for project mockup purposes. Confirm permissions/licensing before public use; attribute creators and sources where required.

Colorful jars illustration related to Edgefield pottery Edgefield face jug, dark glaze Edgefield face jug, light glaze Signed Dave the Potter jar close-up Award displayed next to a pottery jar Brown pottery jar close-up

Join the Project

Register your interest. We’ll follow up with the consent form and next steps. If you already tested at AncestryDNA, you can add kit details below.

Learn & Explore

Understand how DNA + genealogy work together.

Register

Fill out the interest form to participate.

Test or Share

Take AncestryDNA (preferred) or share existing results + family tree.

Review & Recognition

Our team reviews evidence. Confirmed descendants join the registry.

Interest Form

Secure form. We only contact you about this project.

DNA Policy & Standards

Strong Evidence of Descendancy

  • ≥100 centimorgans (cM) shared with an anchor tester
  • OR documented 3rd cousin (or closer), including once/twice removed

Acceptable with Genealogy Support

  • 30–99 cM shared with an anchor tester
  • PLUS documents placing the family in Edgefield and connected enslaved communities

Extended (Triangulation Required)

  • 20–29 cM shared with an anchor tester
  • PLUS triangulation with ≥1 confirmed descendant and genealogy evidence

Ethics & Privacy

  • Ownership: Participants retain full ownership of their DNA data and may withdraw at any time.
  • Consent: We only publish or share outside the project with written consent.
  • Non-Exclusion: Lack of DNA does not exclude recognition if the genealogical paper trail is strong.

Download the full packet with policy, consent, and FAQ below.

Download Descendant Packet (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need DNA to join?

No. DNA helps, but it is not required. A strong genealogical paper trail can qualify you for recognition.

Which DNA test should I use?

AncestryDNA is preferred because anchor tests are there, but we can work with other services too.

How is my privacy protected?

You retain ownership of your DNA and data. We never sell data and only share outside the project with written consent.

What happens if I am confirmed as a descendant?

You’ll be listed in the Descendant Registry, invited to private community spaces, and notified of heritage initiatives.

Contact & Partnerships

Copyright / licensing: You provided the images used on this page. Before public release, confirm that you have the rights to display each image; if required, add credits/attributions and obtain permission from copyright holders.

Media Kit

One-pagers, logo files, and the project overview.

  • Descendant Packet (PDF) — policy, consent, FAQ
  • Privacy & Ethics summary — plain-language overview