Ep 10. Where Did We Come From?

In the season 8 finale of "Finding Your Roots," entitled "Where Did We Come From?," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. guides three guests through their family trees to uncover the origins of their ancestors. The guests featured in this episode include actors John Lithgow and Jane Lynch, as well as journalist Maria Hinojosa.

The episode begins with Lithgow, who sets out to learn more about the Lithgow family name and where his ancestors came from. Gates takes him on a journey through his family's past, tracing their roots back to Scotland, where his 10th great-grandfather was a prominent landowner and leader. But the real surprise comes when Gates uncovers evidence that Lithgow's ancestors were actually involved in one of the most significant historical events in Scottish history.

Next up is Lynch, who has always been curious about her family's history but hasn't been able to find much information beyond her grandparents. Gates takes on the challenge of uncovering Lynch's family history, and they travel back in time to explore her family's roots in Ireland. Along the way, Lynch learns about the harsh conditions her ancestors faced as 19th-century Irish immigrants, including discrimination and exploitation in the American workplace.

The final guest of the episode is Hinojosa, who has long been proud of her Mexican-American heritage but knows very little about her family's background before they came to the United States. Gates takes her on a journey through her family's history, revealing the surprising fact that her ancestors were among the first settlers of what is now the state of New Mexico. Hinojosa is also amazed to learn that her ancestors were prominent landowners and political leaders in a time when Mexican-Americans were fighting for their rights in the American Southwest.

Throughout the episode, Gates highlights the importance of discovering our roots and understanding the sacrifices and struggles our ancestors endured in order to provide a better life for their families. He also notes that by exploring our family history, we gain a deeper understanding of our own identities and the cultures and traditions that have shaped us.

As always, the episode features rich archival footage, historical documents, and expert commentary from genealogists and historians. With his trademark wit and wisdom, Gates leads viewers on a fascinating journey through the past, helping us to understand not just where we come from, but who we are. "Finding Your Roots" season 8 episode 10 is a must-watch for anyone interested in genealogy and the stories of our ancestors.