Ep 4. Long Way From Home

In season 9, episode 4 of Finding Your Roots, titled "Long Way From Home," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the ancestry of three fascinating guests: actor John Lithgow, journalist Maria Hinojosa, and author Ayana Mathis.

First up is Lithgow, who is curious about his paternal lineage. Gates traces the actor's family back to his great-great-grandfather, a Scottish immigrant who fought for the Union in the Civil War. Along the way, they uncover a family scandal involving Lithgow's great-grandfather that sheds light on the social mores of the time.

Next, Gates turns his attention to Hinojosa, who is interested in learning more about her grandmother's journey from Mexico to the United States. Through genealogical research and DNA analysis, they piece together the story of Hinojosa's courageous ancestor, who came to the U.S. as a single mother and made a new life for herself and her family in New York City.

Finally, Gates sits down with Mathis, who wants to know more about her maternal ancestors. They discover a family tree full of pioneers and entrepreneurs, including a great-great-grandfather who was one of the first Black settlers in Kansas. But there are also shadows in this family's history, including a tragedy that affected Mathis's great-grandmother and a brutal act of racism that haunted the family for generations.

As always, Gates weaves together fascinating historical research, celebrity interviews, and touching personal stories to create an engrossing hour of television. "Long Way From Home" is a must-watch for anyone interested in genealogy, American history, or the human experience.