For some families, identity contains a hidden surprise. One of the earliest groups of crypto Jews, or conversos, was brought to North America by Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva in the 16th century and populated northern Mexico and southern Texas. Some abandoned allegiance to Judaism, gradually losing knowledge of their Jewish identity. Others held on to their beliefs and traditions, making modifications in forms of worship.

Discover how families are uncovering centuries of secrets and redefining their cultural and ethnic identity today.