Ep 1. Ginnifer Goodwin

Ginnifer Goodwin, the beloved actress best known for her roles in Once Upon a Time and Big Love, sets out on a journey to discover her family's history in the first episode of Who Do You Think You Are? season 7.

Goodwin begins her search in Memphis, Tennessee, where she uncovers the tragic story of her paternal great-grandmother, who died in a fire at the young age of 20. Through family interviews and historical records, Goodwin learns more about her great-grandmother's life and the devastating circumstances surrounding her death.

From there, Goodwin travels to Madison, Georgia, where she delves into her maternal ancestry. She learns about the lives of her great-great-grandparents, who were both slaves before being freed after the Civil War. Goodwin explores the area where her ancestors likely lived and worked, as well as the church where they may have worshipped and the cemetery where they are buried.

Throughout the episode, Goodwin grapples with the emotions that come with uncovering both the triumphs and tragedies of her family's past. She speaks candidly about the sense of pride she feels in learning about her ancestors' strength and resilience, as well as the heartbreak of discovering the painful experiences they endured.

As she delves deeper into her family tree, Goodwin discovers surprising connections to historical figures, including a link to a signer of the Declaration of Independence. She also learns more about her relatives' roles in shaping the communities where they lived, from building schools to founding churches and businesses.

The episode concludes with Goodwin reflecting on the impact of her journey and the newfound appreciation she has for her family's legacy. She describes the experience as "life-changing" and encourages others to explore their own family histories, saying, "We're all connected in ways we don't even know."

Who Do You Think You Are? season 7 episode 1 featuring Ginnifer Goodwin is a poignant and powerful look at one woman's journey to uncover her family's past. Through interviews with family members, visits to historical sites, and extensive research, Goodwin uncovers a rich and complex history that is both inspiring and heartbreaking. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding where we come from and the impact our ancestors have had on our lives today.