Who do you think you are?

On NBC’s Friday night series of the same name, a variety of different celebrities consider this question as they seek answers to family history questions. When I first heard of the show, I was skeptical. But knowing how passionate many people are about genealogy and family history research, including my own mother, I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did, because after only a few minutes, I was hooked.

There are a few reasons I enjoyed the program so much and continue to tune in. First of all, I was pleased to see that some of the biggest stars on the show are not just the featured actresses, singers, and professional athletes, but the genealogists, archivists, and the libraries that get involved. How exciting to see famous stars walking up the steps of public libraries in search of elusive family information. Whether it’s Lionel Ritchie at the Nashville Public Library looking at handwritten marriage records of his great-grandfather, or Rosie O’Donnell working with a genealogist at the Jersey City Free Public Library to trace her mother’s Irish roots, it’s clear that public libraries have something for everyone, and that librarians and genealogists are the special guides that connect people with this information.

Another reason I like watching this show are the commercials for Ancestry.com. Why would that interest me? Because it’s rare to see commercials promoting services provided by libraries. Ancestry.com is one of the many fantastic databases available at all Capital Area District Library locations. With your CADL card, you have access to the same database used by Sarah Jessica Parker to find her great-great-great-grandfather’s ties to the California Gold Rush. Country music superstar Tim McGraw also used Ancestry.com at the Kansas City Public Library to track his father’s family back eight generations to pre-Revolutionary southwestern Virginia.

Not only is “Who Do You Think You Are” an entertaining show with some great mysteries and twists, it also highlights the fact that libraries are essential to the preservation of our personal, national, and global histories. If you’re interested in genealogy, history, or pop culture, check it out – it just might ignite your curiosity and start you on your path of personal discovery. And your first stop can be the public library!

-Julie C., CADL Webberville Head Librarian