Ancient Roots

For more than a decade, renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has helped to expand America’s sense of itself, stimulating a national conversation about identity with humor, wisdom, and compassion. Professor Gates has explored the ancestry of dozens of influential people from diverse backgrounds, taking millions of viewers deep into the past to reveal the connections that bind us all.

RMPBS Passport

Please log in to your PBS Passport account to watch this video

Become a Member

Ancient Roots

Season 2 Episode 9 | 52m 51s | CC

Trace the histories of these three guests. Tina Fey’s fifth great-grandfather survived a terrible massacre and became a hero in the Greek War of Independence. David Sedaris’ ancestors were also touched by the Greek War of Independence. George Stephanopoulos’ family was willing to sacrifice themselves in the struggle against the Nazi occupation of Greece during World War II.

Finding Your Roots

Watch more episodes

52:20

Finding Your Roots

Decoding Our Past Through DNA

DNA analysis challenges guests’ ideas about their family’s history and their identities.

53:11

Finding Your Roots

In Search of Our Fathers

Uncover the paternal ancestry of Stephen King, Gloria Reuben and Courtney B. Vance.

53:11

Finding Your Roots

Born Champions

Examine the ancestral origins of athletes Derek Jeter, Billie Jean King and Rebecca Lobo.

Corporate support for Season 11 of FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Ancestry® and Johnson & Johnson. Major support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Support is also provided by Ford Foundation; Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Candace King Weir; by the Inkwell Society together with many of its members; and by public television viewers.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Get trusted Colorado stories, programs, and events from Rocky Mountain PBS straight to your inbox.

Set Your Preferences >