Ancestors in the Attic

Ancestors in the Attic (2006-2010)

EndedDocumentary show

Hosted by Jeff Douglas, Ancestors in the Attic is an irreverent, fast-paced series that uncovers the personal dramas in your family tree. From the discovery of a birth mother in Scotland, to a lost family in Japan, to a woman's roots in the Masa tribe of northern Cameroon, Ancestors in the Attic changes the lives of Canadians. Our crack team of genealogical sleuths employ a mixture of CSI genealogy and good old-fashioned gumshoe detective work to solve the mysteries, and unlock the secrets of your past. Join us on a road trip across the country, and around the world, as we reveal the inside tricks of the genealogy trade, and take you on a uniquely personal journey through some of the most fascinating events in Canadian history.

Streaming

Watch Now

Network
Scheduleevery Thursday at 20:00 (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S04E10Black Market Baby?Feb 4, 2010
S04E09The SecretFeb 4, 2010
S04E08Russian DaughterJan 28, 2010
S04E07Slavery RootsJan 28, 2010
S04E06Journey to OrtonaJan 21, 2010
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'Ancestors in the Attic' premiere?

'Ancestors in the Attic' premiered on February 26, 2006.

Who hosted 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

The show was hosted by the genealogist and social historian, Marjorie Kohli.

What was the main concept of 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

The show focused on helping participants uncover fascinating stories about their ancestors by exploring their family history and heritage.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' differ from other genealogy shows?

'Ancestors in the Attic' stood out by incorporating elements of social history and personal storytelling in addition to genealogy research.

What was the typical format of an episode of 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

Each episode involved the host and genealogist Marjorie Kohli meeting with participants to delve into their family history through documents, artifacts, and interviews.

What was the significance of the title 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

The title represents the idea of uncovering hidden or forgotten family history, often symbolized by old documents and artifacts stored in attics.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' contribute to understanding Canadian history?

The show provided insights into Canadian history through the personal stories and experiences of the participants' ancestors, connecting them to broader historical events.

What were some of the emotional and personal themes explored in 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

The show delved into themes of identity, belonging, resilience, and the impact of family history on individual lives.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' engage with cultural diversity?

The show celebrated cultural diversity by exploring the varied backgrounds and heritages of the participants, reflecting Canada's multicultural society.

What were some of the challenges faced by the participants on 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

Participants often faced challenges such as uncovering hidden family secrets, tracing ancestors through limited historical records, and reconciling difficult family histories.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' resonate with viewers?

The show resonated with viewers by tapping into the universal desire to understand one's roots and connect with the past, sparking curiosity about their own family histories.

What impact did 'Ancestors in the Attic' have on participants' lives?

The show often had a profound impact on participants, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and family history, and sometimes leading to emotional revelations.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' contribute to genealogy research and storytelling?

The show contributed to genealogy research by showcasing the process of uncovering family history and highlighting the power of storytelling in preserving personal legacies.

What legacy did 'Ancestors in the Attic' leave in the genre of genealogy and family history television?

'Ancestors in the Attic' left a legacy of blending genealogy research with personal storytelling, inspiring other shows to explore the emotional and historical aspects of family history.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' capture the imagination of its audience?

The show captured the audience's imagination by weaving together personal narratives, historical context, and the thrill of discovery, creating a compelling storytelling experience.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Silo
Running

Silo

In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo.

House of the Dragon
Running

House of the Dragon

Set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon tells the history of House Targaryen as they fight through a civil war.

NCIS
Running

NCIS

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it's a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Marine gunnery sergeant, whose skills as an investigator are unmatched, leads this troupe of colorful personalities. Rounding out the team are Anthony DiNozzo, an ex-homicide detective whose instincts in the field are unparalleled and whose quick wit and humorous take on life make him a team favorite; the youthful and energetic forensic specialist Abby Sciuto, a talented scientist whose sharp mind matches her Goth style and eclectic tastes; Caitlin Todd, an ex-Secret Service Agent; and Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate whose brilliance with computers far overshadows his insecurities in the field; Assisting the team is medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, who knows it all because he's seen it all, and he's not afraid to let you know. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents travel the globe to investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.

Project Runway
Running

Project Runway

Project Runway designers are given an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion.

Big Brother
Running

Big Brother

Big Brother follows a group of people living together in a house outfitted with dozens of high-definition cameras and microphones recording their every move, 24 hours a day. Each week, the Houseguests will vote someone out of the house. At the end, the last remaining Houseguest will receive the grand prize of $500,000.