Ep 1. Interviewing Kin and Mining Home Sources

In the premiere episode of Discovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy, viewers are introduced to the fascinating world of genealogy and the work that goes into uncovering one's family history. Hosted by renowned genealogist Dr. Vanessa Taylor, the show aims to provide beginners with the tools and knowledge necessary to start their own genealogy journey.

The first episode, titled "Interviewing Kin and Mining Home Sources", focuses on the initial steps of the research process. Dr. Taylor stresses the importance of talking to family members and gathering as much information as possible before delving into online records and archives.

Viewers are introduced to several individuals who are just starting their genealogy journey, including a woman who knows very little about her maternal grandfather and a man who wants to know more about his family's immigration history. Dr. Taylor guides them through the process of interviewing family members, emphasizing the importance of asking open-ended questions and taking detailed notes.

In addition to interviewing relatives, Dr. Taylor also stresses the value of mining home sources for information. Viewers learn about the various types of documents and artifacts that could be found in a family home, such as old photo albums, letters, and birth certificates. Dr. Taylor shows how to properly handle and preserve these items to ensure their longevity.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also given a brief history lesson on genealogy and how it has developed over the years. They learn about notable genealogists and the breakthroughs that have been made in the field, such as DNA testing and online databases.

The episode concludes with Dr. Taylor reminding viewers to be patient and persistent in their research, as uncovering one's family history can be a long and challenging process. She encourages them to continue their research and seek out the help of professional genealogists if they need it.

Overall, episode one of Discovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy sets the tone for the rest of the series, providing a thorough introduction to the world of genealogy and the research process. Viewers are left feeling inspired and eager to dig deeper into their own family histories.