Roots Television | Roots Video

Just my dog, my car, and my DNA

It's been a while, but we're back here at the Roots Television vlog with a great winter project - Digital Storytelling.  Inez Redding Bisbee's great-granddaughter left her native Maine for California, with little more than $20, her dog, and her DNA.  Forging a life of her own far from Maine's chilling winters, she finds herself again and again wrapped in thoughts of Grandma Buz and the ties of blood that they share.  If you've been waiting to unleash your inner muse, start by setting one of your own journal entries to digital images.

Tags:  genealogy,  family history,  digital,  storytelling,  photography,  video,  Roots Video,  Roots Television

The Veltz Family

The best stories seem to come from the times that stretch us the most as a family.  Watch this inspiring true story of one NYC family's journey through the music business.  From unemployment, to local success, to a record contract, and back, it is their connection to family that makes life go on.  31 years after their story began, they find new life and independence as "The Veltz Family". What's your family's name?  What's your story?

Tags:  Veltz Family,  video,  music,  stories,  family history,  genealogy,  Roots Video,  Roots Television

Life as a Kid

The Appalachian Media Access Center and the Athens County Library System trained local volunteers of all ages in oral history collection and digital video technology.  This video shows a small sample of the fascinating stories they collected.  Once you've finished your Family Health Portrait this Thanksgiving, why not start collecting your own oral histories?  All you need is a camcorder, cassette recorder, or even a pen and paper.  If you take a moment to interview your grandparents about their grandparents, suddenly you've spanned five generations! 

If you're looking for more inspiration, check out Grand Generation and Capturing the Past on the main Roots Television website. 

Tags:  oral history,  genealogy,  family history,  Thanksgiving,  video,  Roots Video,  Roots Television

Electric Scotland How-To

Alastair McIntyre introduces the genealogy section on Electric Scotland.  The site includes how-to guides, articles, links, resources for Scottish-Canadian research, and a program where you can upload your own family tree, genealogy information, and family stories.  And if you've ever wondered what exactly professional genealogists do for all that money, you can tour a professional genealogy search, including notes that show step-by-step how the professional did the research, what resources and databases he used, and what tricks helped him get past the dead-ends.

Tags:  how to,  genealogy,  family history,  research,  Scotland,  Canada,  software,  biography,  Electric Scotland,  Roots Video, Roots Television

Reveille

I know you'll enjoy this heartwarming tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.

Tags:  Army,  Navy,  WWII,  war,  veteran,  flag,  video,  genealogy,  family history,  Roots Video

Veterans of "The Forgotten War"

UK television presenter Andrew Bernard interviews three veterans of "The Forgotten War," the Far East conflicts that continued to the end of WWII.  Bernard interviews a former, highly decorated RAF pilot, a resident of the area who aided shipwrecked and injured Allied soldiers, and a Malaysian nurse.

Tags:  WWII,  veteran,  veterans,  RAF,  British,  Japan,  Asia,  video,  genealogy,  family history, Roots Video

A Commonwealth Remembrance

In remembrance of all British & Commonwealth Servicemen and Women who lost their lives in the tragic conflict of World War Two.  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains cemeteries around the world.  The commissions principles are that each gravestone should be permanent, uniform, and with no distinction made on account of rak, race or creed.  A wonderful tribute the fallen soldiers of Britain, Canada, Australia, India, and the rest of the Commonwealth nations.

Tags:  WWII,  war,  veteran,  British,  Canada,  Australia,  India,  genealogy,  family history,  cemetery,  video,  music,  Roots Video

The Great Escape

John Weir, an RCAF Spitfire pilot taken as POW in WWII, talks about the planning of the tunnels in Stalag Luft III. John, with Wally Floody, devised the tunnel support system for "Tom, Dick and Harry".  John was one of the key figures in the "Great Escape," but missed the actual escape due to being shipped out of camp just prior to that fateful night. He survived the deadly winter march to Lubeck in 1945, and returned to Canada where he still lives.  This interview is part of the Testaments of Honour project.  If you or someone you know is a Canadian veteran, visit the Testaments website to see how you can participate.

Merchant Marines

Let's not forget the incredible service and sacrifice given by those who served in the Merchant Marines.  These brave sailors hold a special place in my heart, as my husband's grandfather, a member of the British Merchant Navy, was lost at sea off the coast of Ulster during the war.  Thanks to the many unsung heroes who have given so much for future generations.

Veterans of the Somme

I couldn't decide which of these WWI clips to post, so you get to see them both.  The first is a set of interviews with veterans of the Battle of the Somme.  The second is a musical tribute to the 36th Ulster Division.

  Interviews with Veterans of the Somme.

A Tribute to men of the 36th Ulster Division, set to music.

Tags:  war,  veterans,  WWII,  Irish,  genealogy,  history,  video,  music, Roots Video