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?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.
Days of Our Lives
Running

Days of Our Lives

Days of our Lives is set in the fictitious Midwestern town of Salem. The core families are the Bradys, the Hortons and the DiMeras, and the multi-layered storylines involve elements of romance, adventure, mystery, comedy and drama.

Beginning on September 12, 2022, DAYS became exclusive to streaming on Peacock.

The Lincoln Lawyer
Running

The Lincoln Lawyer

Mickey Haller, an iconoclastic idealist, runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, as he takes on cases big and small across the expansive city of Los Angeles.

Beyond the Gates
Running

Beyond the Gates

Beyond the Gates is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you'll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have "made it" and those who haven't are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.

GenreDrama
Mayor of Kingstown
Running

Mayor of Kingstown

Mayor of Kingstown is set in a small Michigan town where the only industry remaining are federal, state, and private prisons, the story follows the McLusky family, the power brokers between the police, criminals, inmates, prison guards and politicians, in a city completely dependent on prisons and the prisoners they contain. It is a stark and brutal look at the business of incarceration.

GenreDrama
Strike
Running

Strike

Strike is a drama series based on the novels by Robert Galbraith. Cormoran Strike, an injured war veteran turned PI, and secretary Robin Ellacott seek the truth surrounding a mysterious death.