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

Patricia Polacco's Family Tales

Patricia Polacco tells warm family tales drawn from her own childhood among an extended immigrant family of grandparents and cousins. In this interview by Reading Rockets, Patricia Polacco talks about writing and illustrating and the passing down of family history whose themes resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Reading Rockets is a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Throughout this holiday season, Roots Television is focusing on oral history and storytelling.  Programs such as "The Call of Story," "Capturing the Past," and "Grand Generation" can all be found in the How-to and Legacy sections.

Tags:  public television,  author,  books,  storytelling,  video,  genealogy,  family history,  Roots Television,  Roots Video

Canadian Thanksgiving Maple Cake

Happy Thanksgiving - and a belated Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! It's time to take a well-earned break from our research to enjoy the number one food holiday of the year.  Here's a maple cake recipe from our Canadian friends.  I haven't tried it yet, but it looks yummy to me!

Tags:  Thanksgiving,  Canada,  recipe,  family history,  food,  video,  Roots Television,  Roots Video

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

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

Music of the American Revolution

It's Military Roots Week here at Roots Television.  Have you entered our first contest?  I thought we could kick off the week with a little music.  Here is a short clip of award-winning composer, violinist, and teacher Mark O'Connor sharing fiddle music of the American Revolutionary War Era.

Tags:  war,  music,  genealogy,  history,  Roots Video

Family History for Genetic Health

Did you know that Thanksgiving is National Family History Day in the U.S.?  And now, even the Surgeon General is involved!  Knowing your family medical history can help doctors prevent and treat diseases including cancer, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis.  So if you find yourself short on fascinating dinner conversation this holiday season, get your loved ones started on a Family Health Portrait!

Tags:  genealogy,  family history,  dna,  Thanksgiving,  cancer,  diabetes,  health,  Roots Video

Jack-o-Lantern Overachievers

Looking for more than a pair of triangle eyes and a crooked smile?  Check out these fantastic family pumpkin creations.  For the artistically challenged (like myself), try using one of the Pumpkin Lady's patterns available online.  If you have a great Halloween tradition of your own, share it with us in the comments section!

Tags:  Halloween,  traditions,  family history,  family,  video,  Roots Video

Howdy Doody Dental Cream

If you've logged on to the site recently, you've probably already noticed that we have added a fews ads.  Hey - as Og says - 15 seconds of your time helps keep the content on our site free!  But just to prove that even commercials have genealogical caché, here are a few vintage ads that will put the nostalgia in your weekend.