Decoding Our Past Through DNA

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

Decoding Our Past Through DNA

Season 2 Episode 10 | 52m 20s | CC

Deval Patrick is the first African-American governor of Massachusetts and Jessica Alba is an actress who proudly embraces her Mexican-American heritage. But cutting-edge DNA analysis reveals that the family trees contain a far more diverse range of cultures and races. DNA is used to delve deeper into the families of other guests in the series, including Valerie Jarrett and Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Finding Your Roots

Watch more episodes

52:51

Finding Your Roots

Ancient Roots

Trace the histories of Tina Fey, David Sedaris and George Stephanopoulos.

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 >