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.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Running

The Bold and the Beautiful

They created a dynasty where passion rules, they are the Forresters, the first name in Fashion. The Bold and the Beautiful, a world of fashion, glamor and romance. A place where power, money and success are there for the taking in a city where dreams really do come true. Follow the lives and loves of the Forresters on The Bold and the Beautiful...

Grimsburg
Running

Grimsburg

Marvin Flute may be the greatest detective ever to catch a cannibal clown or correctly identify a mid-century modern armoire. But there's one mystery he still can't crack - his family. Now that he's back in Grimsburg, a town where everyone has a secret or three, Flute will follow every lead he's got to redeem himself with the ex-wife he never stopped loving, even if it means hanging out with the son he never bothered to get to know.

LEGO Masters
Running

LEGO Masters

Based on the hit British reality-competition series of the same name, LEGO Masters brings imagination, design and creativity to life when teams of LEGO enthusiasts go head-to-head, with infinite possibilities and an unlimited supply of LEGO bricks. Teams of two will compete against each other in ambitious brick-building challenges to be crowned the country's most talented amateur LEGO builders. In each episode, the competing pairs who most impress the judges will progress to the next round, until the finale, during which the top teams will face off for a cash prize, the ultimate LEGO trophy and the grand title of LEGO Masters.

Severance
Running

Severance

Mark Scout leads a team at Lumon Industries, whose employees have undergone a severance procedure, which surgically divides their memories between their work and personal lives. This daring experiment in "work-life balance" is called into question as Mark finds himself at the center of an unraveling mystery that will force him to confront the true nature of his work… and of himself.

Expedition Unknown
Running

Expedition Unknown

In the hit series Expedition Unknown, Travel Channel's witty explorer Josh Gates seeks answers to some of the world's most captivating unsolved stories and legends. Gates is on a mission to find the truth behind each iconic legend, digging through years of historical evidence, facts and myths. Leaving no stone unturned, his adventures take him around the globe as he immerses himself in the core locales linked to each tale. From excavating ruins in search of the real Robin Hood to sailing the high seas investigating Christopher Columbus and exploring Nepal's "sky caves" for Shangri La, Gates' archaeological background and ubiquitous sense of humor generate a new take on age-old stories.