I’ll admit it. I’m a family history buff. I find history, or more specifically MY history within historical events in general, quite fascinating. When I started seeing the commercials for NBC’s new series Who Do You Think You Are during the Olympics (actually, I was getting hit over the head by them), I got very excited.
See, my maiden name is Parker and I have a direct ancestor who was hung as a witch in Salem in 1692. Perhaps Sarah Jessica Parker and I are cousins? Alas, no. Her ancestor made it out of the witch hysteria alive.
But that little fact didn’t keep me from being riveted to my seat. And the second it was over, I was in front of my computer searching for the past to feel a connection with the present (another great-grandmother had a run-in with the law for swearing in Welsh in public!).
So, my TwoCents is this: watch this show. It may seem boring to follow another person as they discover their ancestry, but it stirs within a desire to be rooted; to know who you are by knowing where you come from. Me? I think I’m an outlaw. For proof (other than the afore mentioned grandmothers), just look to my distant cousin: Butch Cassidy.
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TheTwoCents 
Obviously you know I loved this show since we were talking about it during the broadcast.
But I agree. I was riveted by the show and watching other people finding out who they are and where they come from and while I know immediately where I come from, I can’t imagine going back to the 1600’s and knowing about that part of my family.
Next week’s preview looks amazing as well … when the historian takes out Emmet Smith’s family book and it’s No. 22 and he says that’s the jersey number he wore. FREAKY.
You’re related to Butch Cassidy? WOW!
Who was it that was related to Barack Obama? Matt Damon? Ben Afflect? It was like 11th cousins or something. You never know.
Yep – Butch Cassidy’s real name: Leroy Parker. 🙂
See, like I said … last names … my last name only goes back to my grandfather, and it was only for half of his life. I can only imagine what is on that side of the family…I wish I had more information on my dad’s family, but there is literally nothing. It’s like one day they just popped out from the ground and that’s it. LOL.
That’s so awesome Rachel! I absolutely love that you were related to someone who was hung as Salem witch.
Once you get started digging for your relatives it’s really hard to stop. My cousin found out that we’re related to an Irish king. My last name used to be Apgar and I also found out that I am related to Virgina Apgar who created the Apgar score for newborns too. Pretty cool stuff! I really encourage people to discover their ancestors.
Lady Nette: It’s TOTALLY addictive. And this show just compounded it for me. 🙂
Loved this show. My mother has been tracing our family history for the last 30 years, and we’ve learned some fascinating stuff. SJP’s reaction was dead on, “I’m an American.” In other words, all this stuff that happened in history books springs to life now that I know people who were connected to me were a part of it. If one little thing had happened differently, who knows what might be the result? Crazy to think about. Anyway, I’m hoping this show gets more people interested in tracing their family history!
You’re totally right. History takes on a new meaning when we realize that those weren’t just some random people – they were our relatives. We all came from somewhere, right?!?