Geneology book from Lebanon: Ruth Faris

Ruth Faris shares the fascination story of finding her name in an old printed geneological book from Lebanon. It is a comprehensive genealogical and historical account mapping out the lineages, prominent figures, and branches of the foundational Christian families who settled and built the coastal town of Amsheet (Amchit), Lebanon.

The 1954 book titled Al-Dawhah al-‘Amshītīyah (الدّوحة العمشيتيّة), written by the Lebanese historian and educator Adib Lahoud. The Full Arabic Title is : الدوحة العمشيتية : وهي تاريخ افراد عيال عمشيت الثلاث عبيد وكلاب وكرم منذ الجيل السابع عشر حتى اليوم Translation: The Amsheeti Arbor: It is the history of the members of the three families of Amsheet—Obeid, Kallab, and Karam—from the 17th century until today.

Ruth is a clinical social worker with a background in human resources. She has been a longtime Somerville resident and enjoys being a close neighbor to the Armory. She also volunteers time with the Somerville Library Foundation and the Center for Arabic Culture.