Arab American Public History
I’m excited to share a professional milestone: I contributed a chapter to the upcoming book Arab American Public History, edited by Edward E. Curtis IV, which will be published by Temple University Press in February 2026.
This important book explores the many ways Arab Americans are shaping, sharing, and protecting our narratives in the public history sphere.
My chapter, “Arab American Genealogy Research as a Form of Public History,” discusses how family history is public history. It examines how Arab Americans are delving into genealogy—researching, documenting, and preserving family stories—and how we are actively engaging with the broader genealogical community.
In addition to sharing my own observations, drawn from years of conversations, surveys, and engaged work with members of the Arab American community, I also include direct stories from community members who are tracing their roots, recording oral histories, and reconnecting with family and ancestral homelands. Their efforts reflect a broader movement to reclaim family narratives and ensure they are not lost.
Writing this chapter took me out of my comfort zone. It challenged me to articulate what I had long viewed as an intuitive connection between genealogy and history, and to translate everyday genealogical research and preservation practices into the language of academic writing. In doing so, I reflected deeply on my personal research journey, experiences as a professional genealogist, and on my nonprofit work building community around Arab and Arab American family history.
This chapter has inspired me to continue and expand this work and to encourage others to begin or deepen their own journeys in researching, recording, and preserving family stories.
If you’re interested in reading my chapter and this important collection, you can pre-order now and receive 25% off with code 25FNBK:
Temple University Press – Arab American Public History
It is also available for pre-order through your local bookstore or major book booksellers.
Congratulations!!! It took someone pointing it out to me that genealogy is public history before I realized it. You are leading the way in your community. Keep it up.