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Lena Dunham Uncovers Her Ancestor's Complex Legacy

Season 10 Episode 9 | 5m 08s

We trace Lena Dunham's ancestry back to her paternal eighth great-grandfather, Stephanus van Cortlandt, a pivotal figure in the early history of New York City. Stephanus's life story unfolds as one of ambition, becoming the first native-born Mayor of New York. But Lena confronts the more troubling aspects of his legacy, including his dealings with the Lenape tribe and his involvement in slavery.

Corporate support for Season 11 of FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Ancestry® and Johnson & Johnson. Major support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Support is also provided by Ford Foundation; Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Candace King Weir; by the Inkwell Society together with many of its members; and by public television viewers.
Extras
FINDING YOUR ROOTS returns for a new season of genealogical surprises and DNA revelations.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS returns for a new season of genealogical surprises and DNA revelations
Henry Louis Gates reveals the unexpected family trees of Angela Y. Davis and Jeh Johnson
Join speech therapist Megan Robertson as she delves into a longstanding family mystery.
Join Terrie Morrow as she embarks on an odyssey to resolve a longstanding family puzzle.
Join Joyce Willis as she embarks on a riveting exploration into her family history.
Megan Robertson embarks on a quest to demystify the lineage of her great-grandfather.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. solves mysteries for 3 everyday Americans chosen to be guests.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the surprising roots of Michael Douglas & Lena Dunham.
Lena Dunham's journey to uncover her family's past reveals a connection to the Holocaust.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. solves mysteries for 3 everyday Americans chosen to be guests.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the surprising roots of Michael Douglas & Lena Dunham.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps family trees of comedian Tracy Morgan & actor Anthony Ramos.
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Sunny Hostin and Jesse Williams discover ancestors from very diverse places.
Bob Odenkirk and Iliza Shlesinger—two very funny people whose family trees brim with drama
Sammy Hagar and Ed O’Neill discover the dramatic stories hidden within their own roots.
LeVar Burton & Wes Studi grew up fatherless, haunted by questions about their family trees
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. unearths the hidden roots of Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser.
Explore the roots of Alanis Morissette and Ciara and their hidden connections to history.