By Librarian Julie C.
On NBC’s TV series of that name, a variety of different celebrities consider this question as they seek answers to family history questions. When I first heard of the show, I was skeptical. But knowing how passionate many people are about genealogy and family history research-including my own mother-I decided to give it a try. After only a few minutes, I was hooked!
First of all, where else on TV can you see a show that features librarians? The stars are not just the actresses, singers, and professional athletes in search of elusive family information, but the genealogists, archivists, and librarians that help them. Whether it’s Lionel Ritchie at the Nashville Public Library looking at handwritten marriage records of his great-grandfather, or Rosie O’Donnell working with a genealogist at the Jersey City Free Public Library to trace her mother’s Irish roots, it’s clear that librarians and genealogists are the special guides that connect people with this information.
Another reason I like this show is that it’s partially sponsored by Ancestry.com. It’s rare to see commercials promoting services provided by libraries. But you don’t need to purchase this one if you have a Capital Area District Library card-our patrons can use this valuable database for free! That means you have access to the same service used by Sarah Jessica Parker to find her great-great-great-grandfather’s ties to the California Gold Rush. Country music superstar Tim McGraw used Ancestry.com at the Kansas City Public Library to track his father’s family back eight generations to pre-Revolutionary southwestern Virginia.
Find out more about Ancestory.com-and other library genealogy resources-at www.cadl.org. Click on Research Tools in the left-hand menu, then Genealogy.
I hope “Who Do You Think You Are” comes back for another season. It’s not only an entertaining show with some interesting mysteries and twists, it also highlights the fact that libraries are essential to the preservation of our personal, national and global histories. It might even ignite your curiosity and start you on your path of personal discovery. If that happens, be sure the first stop on your journey is the library!
The Capital Area District Library Reference Department is located at 401 S. Capitol Avenue in Lansing, MI. Contact them at 517-367-6346 or by e-mail at reference@cadl.org.
Editor’s Note: TNCP staff has been watching this show since the beginning. For past shows and to see what is coming up in the next season, go to www.hulu.com.
May 8, 2011 – May 21, 2011 Edition
