January Update on the Gervais-Laurence Book Project: a long-awaited title, a major new artifact discovery, a surprising French-Canadian side project in Minneapolis, conference news, and why history matters right now more than ever.

This final update of 2025 reflects on an unexpected grant setback and the resilience of the Gervais family that continues to guide this project. It also shares a new plan for 2026, recent research updates, and a bit of end-of-year humor.

Recent research shows that the families of Benjamin and Genevieve were frequently deep in debt. The experience of indebtedness shaped their skills, outlook, and life trajectories.

The final grant application is in. More scholars are lining up to support the project. And shocking new evidence Genevieve’s mother once ran a brothel. All this and more in my September update!