Ep 5. Boston

In the fifth episode of Genealogy Roadshow's third season, the team heads to Boston to help uncover the ancestral history of some of the city's residents. Using a combination of genealogical research and DNA testing, the experts on the show help each individual connect with their past in unique and unexpected ways.

One of the stories explored in this episode revolves around a man named Michael, who has always been curious about his family's history but struggles to find information due to his Irish ancestors' lack of documentation. With the help of genealogist Kenyatta Berry, Michael is able to discover the incredible story of his great-grandmother, who emigrated from Ireland to the United States alone at the age of 14. Through old census records and other historical documents, Kenyatta paints a vivid picture of Michael's ancestor's life, revealing not only her struggles but also her triumphs as she built a new life for herself in America.

The team also helps a woman named Alexis, who has always known that she was adopted but has never been able to find any information about her birth parents. With the help of DNA testing, Alexis is able to connect with a distant cousin who leads her down a surprising path to uncover the identity of her birth mother. Along the way, Alexis learns about her ancestor's involvement in the American Revolution and gains a greater appreciation for the rich history of her home city.

Another fascinating story in this episode revolves around a woman named Deborah, who has always assumed that her ancestors were slave owners. However, through the help of genealogist Joshua Taylor, Deborah discovers that her family's involvement in the slave trade was much more complex than she ever imagined. Through careful research and a deep understanding of the historical context, Joshua helps Deborah piece together the story of her ancestors' complicated relationship with slavery and the ways in which their legacy continues to impact her family today.

Finally, the team helps a man named Lenny who has always been proud of his Native American heritage but knows little about his ancestors beyond his grandparents. With the help of genealogist Mary Tedesco and Native American genealogy expert Melissa Otis, Lenny is able to uncover a wealth of information about his family's history, including the incredible story of his great-grandfather, who was a renowned Native American baseball player in the early 20th century. Through their research, Mary and Melissa are able to connect Lenny with distant relatives and give him a greater understanding of his family's place in Native American history.

Overall, this episode of Genealogy Roadshow showcases the power of genealogical research to uncover hidden histories and connect individuals to their pasts in meaningful ways. From the struggles of Irish immigrants in the 19th century to the complexities of family relationships throughout history, the show highlights the incredible richness of human history and the value of knowing where we come from.