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.

Network
Scheduleevery Thursday at 20:00 (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S04E10Black Market Baby?févr. 4, 2010
S04E09The Secretfévr. 4, 2010
S04E08Russian Daughterjanv. 28, 2010
S04E07Slavery Rootsjanv. 28, 2010
S04E06Journey to Ortonajanv. 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.
Extraction
Running

Extraction

Tyler Rake, a fearless black market mercenary, embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career when he's enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord.

Customer Wars
Running

Customer Wars

With supply chain shortages, prices skyrocketing and more shoplifting than ever before, positive customer relations are nearly impossible. Customer Wars spotlights the conflicts that arise when disgruntled and irrational customers come face-to-face with the employees doing their best to take care of their needs. From fiery exchanges at the fast-food drive thru to loss-prevention brawls, this series proves once and for all that "The customer is always right" is the exception rather than the rule.

Matlock
Running

Matlock

After achieving success in her younger years, the brilliant septuagenarian Madeline Matlock rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within.

Outlander
Running

Outlander

Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

The Outlander series, adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international best-selling books, spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history and adventure into one epic tale.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Running

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters

After surviving Godzilla's attack on San Francisco, Cate is shaken yet again by a shocking secret. Amid monstrous threats, she embarks on a globetrotting adventure to learn the truth about her family—and the mysterious organization known as Monarch.