Ep 7. Children Of The Revolution

In this episode of "Finding Your Roots," titled "Children Of The Revolution," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the familial histories of three acclaimed guests, each of whom is descended from freedom fighters who sought to disrupt the status quo in their own unique ways.

First up is filmmaker Michael Moore, whose outspoken activism around labor rights and environmentalism has earned him a reputation as a thorn in the side of the establishment. But as Gates discovers, Moore's roots go even deeper than he realized. Through a combination of historical records and genetic analysis, Gates traces Moore's ancestors back to a pair of brothers who were instrumental in leading a rebellion against the British during the American Revolution. Despite the risks and sacrifices involved, these revolutionaries remained committed to their cause, just as Moore remains committed to his own.

Next, Gates meets actress Laura Linney, whose ancestors include a woman who was among the first to speak out against slavery in the United States. Drawing on archival documents and expert testimony, Gates tells the story of how Linney's great-great-great grandmother Eliza Moore risked everything to stand up for what she believed in, even as the institution of slavery remained deeply entrenched in American society. Through Linney's own reflections on her family's legacy of activism and social justice, viewers gain insight into how the past continues to shape our present.

Finally, Gates introduces guests Melissa McCarthy and Eric Stonestreet, who both share a connection to a Civil War hero named Andrew Maher. Through research and DNA analysis, Gates uncovers the remarkable story of Maher's bravery and sacrifice on the battlefield, as well as the impact he had on subsequent generations of his family. With McCarthy and Stonestreet sharing their thoughts and feelings about discovering this previously unknown chapter of their family histories, "Children Of The Revolution" offers a poignant reminder of the myriad ways in which our ancestors continue to shape and inform our lives.