"Finding Your Roots" on PBS [View all]

[Behind the Aegis]

My husband and I recently discovered this show, which has been on for awhile (we are watching past seasons now). It is similar to the show on NBC (?) "Who Do You Think You Are?". Both are shows which explore the genealogy of various famous people (mostly movie/TV personalities) The latter, WDYTYA?, follows on individual though out the entire show, going to various locations and the like. Most of the people are white, though they have followed a Chinese-American (I can't remember her name, she's a morning TV show host) and Alfre Woodard. However, FYR is hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and it follows three individuals at a time, but what is even more interesting and unique about the show is it's use of DNA and it's exploring the roots of various ethnic groups, including African-Americans.

Last night's show was Maya Rudolph (Jewish and African-American), Keenan Ivory Wayans, and Shonda Rhimes. It was very interesting. You can see it here: http://www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots/ (this goes to the Oklahoma PBS, so if it doesn't show, search your local PBS station website).

I am very interested in genealogy, and have been exploring various things. The Jewish side is very difficult because most of the records about Jews were destroyed in WWII, no matter what country served as an origin for Jews. I am also helping out one of my best friend's sister who are African-American. As I am sure some of you may be aware, it is VERY difficult to go way back because of slavery. There is a thing called the "1870 wall". 1870 was the first US census in which all African-Americans were recorded with a first and last name, prior to that many AA folk either were listed by first name only, or no name at all.

If you are interested in genealogy, I highly recommend this program!