Free Genealogy Resources on TV Shows
Applying to Genealogy-Themed Television Shows to Research Ancestry
The UK genealogy tv show Who Do You Think You Are? is a hit overseas and has spawned US and Canadian versions. All three series focus exclusively on the ancestry of selected celebrities, but it is also possible for ordinary people to have a team of professionals scour their family trees for free and have the results shown on tv.
US Genealogy TV Show: What’s My Story?
What’s My Story? is a US-based tv show about genealogy. They are looking for people of all backgrounds who want to explore their ancestry. “We'll follow along with our cameras and document your journey as you discover, with the help of our professional genealogists and historians, the answers to your burning questions,” writes BYU Broadcasting on the show’s website.
Free Genealogical Resource: Applying to Appear on What’s My Story?
Prospective participants must be over 18, reside in the 50 states, and be able to give several days for production of the show, as well as keep in contact over several months with the show’s producers. All expenses are covered, but there is no payment to appear on the show. An application appears on the What’s My Story? website.
US Genealogy TV Show: Legend Seekers
In a press release, the tv show Legend Seekers describes itself as the This Old House of genealogical research. The show uses the services of historians and archivists, as well as DNA and other advanced technology, to research and reconstruct the family legends of participants. Episodes have explored participants’ ancestral links to the Underground Railroad, the Trail of Tears and the Civil War.
Genealogical Resource: Applying to Appear on Legend Seekers
Producers are looking for participants whose genealogical research contains stories that are authentic, historically relevant and contain dramatic impact. The hallmark of the show is diversity, whether geographic, economic, cultural or age-related. Interested applicants should visit the Legend Seekers’ website.
Free Genealogical Resources From Another TV Show: Ancestors in the Attic
What kind of results might a family history researcher expect? In the Canadian genealogy TV show Ancestors in the Attic, participants have been reunited with lost family, introduced to previously unknown relatives and had family legends, such as being related to Pocahontas or royalty, confirmed or refuted. Extensive research is performed on their family trees by professional genealogists. An application to have Canadian-related genealogical research performed for the show can be found on the Ancestors in the Attic website.
Who Do You Think You Are?: Celebrity Genealogy
For some people, celebrity genealogy is more interesting than their own. The different versions of Who Do You Think You Are? explore the ancestry of celebrities in the UK, US and Canada. Celebrities featured in Who Do You Think You Are? UK version include:
- Patsy Kensit
- Jeremy Irons
- Jerry Springer
- Nigella Lawson
Celebrity genealogy for the Canadian version of WDYTYA? has featured:
- Randy Bachman
- Margot Kidder
- Margaret Trudeau
- Don Cherry
The US version of Who Do You Think You Are? features the following celebrities:
- Lisa Kudrow
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Susan Sarandon
Beyond celebrity genealogy, websites for the different versions of Who Do You Think You Are? also include advice for people wanting to trace their ancestry, as well as additional resources for family history researchers who have already started their genealogical research.
Some TV Shows Provide Genealogical Research
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