I watched the first episode of Faces of America last night. Henry Louis Gates does a great job working with the guests. The show was interesting, entertaining and at times very emotional as I watched each guest learn about their ancestors. I look forward to episode #2 next week.
The show does not really go into how to locate records or the methodology and analyzation of all the information and documents found. Rather it tries to instill in each of us that just as our ancestors were living and making history, so are we. Right now each of us is a witness to historic events.
It took all my ancestors (1000's of them) being in a certain place at a certain time - over and over again throughout the centuries for me to be here at this time. I do not believe in coincidences, I believe that I am here for a reason. I am sure that reason is to make sure that my family's history stays alive. I feel a responsibility to seek out and tell their stories and more importantly to pass on those stories on to others. Knowing where and from who I came from has given me a sense of direction, guiding me towards where my life needs to go.
Everyone's family has a story to tell. Will you be the one to discover it?
The show does not really go into how to locate records or the methodology and analyzation of all the information and documents found. Rather it tries to instill in each of us that just as our ancestors were living and making history, so are we. Right now each of us is a witness to historic events.
It took all my ancestors (1000's of them) being in a certain place at a certain time - over and over again throughout the centuries for me to be here at this time. I do not believe in coincidences, I believe that I am here for a reason. I am sure that reason is to make sure that my family's history stays alive. I feel a responsibility to seek out and tell their stories and more importantly to pass on those stories on to others. Knowing where and from who I came from has given me a sense of direction, guiding me towards where my life needs to go.
Everyone's family has a story to tell. Will you be the one to discover it?
Beautifully put, Sheri. This program was so well done. I can hardly wait for the next episode!
ReplyDeleteYes! I put it on the DVR so am looking forward to watching it today during a feeding of the newborn. I loved African American Lives; Gates can be so poignant.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get to watch last night but I understand you can watch online at the PBS website. Can't wait to do that this weekend.
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