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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
Lea Salonga discovers the roots of her maternal great great grandfather, Pedro Malhabor.
Amanda Seyfried's third great grandfather played the fife and fought for the Union to end slavery
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the Italian roots of Joy Behar & Michael Imperioli.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. connects Lea Salonga & Amanda Seyfried to their dramatic ancestors.
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
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.