Ep 1. To The Manor Born

In the season 7 premiere of Finding Your Roots, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the ancestral histories of three well-known guests: actor Glenn Close, politician and diplomat John Kerry, and musician Norah Jones.

The episode begins with Close, who has always been fascinated by her family's history. Through Gates' research, she learns about her fourth great-grandfather who was a successful merchant in Connecticut and a fierce abolitionist. She also discovers a family line that can be traced back to a village in Scotland, where her ancestor was skilled in the trade of wool. Close is emotional as she learns about the political outspokenness and bravery of her ancestors, who fought for what they believed in at a time when it was dangerous to do so.

Next up is Kerry, who has always known of his Irish heritage, but the details are a bit vague. Gates takes him on a journey through his family's past, revealing an ancestor who left Ireland during the famine and came to America in search of a better life. Kerry also learns about his great-grandfather, a doctor who immigrated from Austria-Hungary and eventually settled in Massachusetts. He discovers that his great-grandfather was the first in the family to adopt the Kerry name, which originally had a much longer and complicated spelling. Kerry is touched by his family's resilience and determination to better their lives.

Finally, Gates dives into the family history of Norah Jones, whose mixed heritage was always a point of curiosity for her. Through extensive research, Gates uncovers details about Jones' paternal grandfather, who was a prominent civil servant in India during the British Raj. Her grandfather was highly educated and worked tirelessly to improve education for Indian children. Jones is moved by the dedication and passion of her ancestor, especially given the turbulent political climate of the time.

Throughout the episode, Gates reveals not just the facts of his guests' family histories, but also the social, political, and cultural contexts that shaped their ancestors' lives. He illustrates the ways in which their familial pasts have contributed to the paths they took in their own lives. Finding Your Roots, season 7, episode 1 is a must-see for anyone interested in genealogy, history, or the stories of notable figures.