Ep 10. Maps of Stars

In Finding Your Roots season 3 episode 10, titled "Maps of Stars," host and cultural commentator Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the family trees of three celebrities to uncover the secrets and stories of their ancestors. The episode focuses on the genealogy of actors Tea Leoni and Gaby Hoffmann, as well as director, producer, and writer Ava DuVernay.

The episode begins with Leoni, whose upbringing was shrouded in mystery due to a family tragedy that left her without a father at a young age. Through genealogical research, Gates uncovers Leoni's paternal grandmother's family history, which reveals a surprising connection to the American West and the California Gold Rush. The research also leads to a discovery about Leoni's great-grandfather, who was a prominent figure in the early days of the film industry as a studio head and producer.

Next, Gates turns his attention to Hoffmann, tracing her lineage back to the 18th century and revealing a fascinating story of assimilation and intermarriage between American settlers and Native Americans. Hoffmann's ancestors played a significant role in this history, with one of her great-great-grandfathers being adopted into a Native American tribe and later becoming a prominent figure in the tribe. Hoffmann is visibly moved by the revelation of this connection to her heritage.

The episode concludes with DuVernay, whose research takes Gates back to the era of slavery in the United States. DuVernay's ancestors were enslaved in the Southern United States, and Gates illuminates the brutal realities of their lives through harrowing historical documents. But there are moments of hope in the story as well: DuVernay's great-great-grandmother was a respected midwife and healer in her community, and DuVernay herself has established a scholarship in her honor.

Throughout the episode, Gates emphasizes the importance of knowing one's family history and the ways in which it can shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. The stories of Leoni, Hoffmann, and DuVernay's ancestors offer a glimpse into the diversity and complexity of American history, adding depth and context to the narratives of these three public figures. "Maps of Stars" is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of identity and heritage.