Lena Dunham Uncovers Her Ancestor's Complex Legacy
Season 10
Episode 9
About the Episode
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.
Aired:
| Expires: | Runtime: 5m 08s
Recent Episodes
-
Episode 10, Season 10<br> Viewers Like You
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. solves mysteries for 3 everyday Americans chosen to be guests.| 52:10 -
Episode 9, Season 10<br> In the Blood
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the surprising roots of Michael Douglas & Lena Dunham.| 52:10
Extras
-
Regina King: “This is Pretty Fantastic”
Regina King sheds tears of joy reading the voter registration card of one of her ancestors1:20 -
Where Did We Come From? Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. journeys with Erin Burnett, Amy Carlson and André Leon Talley.0:32 -
-
Leslie Odom, Jr.: His Ancestors Were People, Not Possessions
Leslie Odom, Jr. gets emotional hearing the "dollar value" of his enslaved ancestors.1:38 -
-
Leslie Odom, Jr. on How “Hamilton” Changed His Life
Leslie Odom, Jr. on how colorblind casting in “Hamilton: The Musical” changed Broadway.1:06 -
Leslie Odom, Jr.'s 5th Great-Grandfather Was a Slaveowner
Leslie Odom, Jr. wrestles with the realization that his 5th great-grandfather owned slaves1:14 -
Leslie Odom, Jr.’s Great-Grandfather Comes to America
Leslie Odom, Jr.'s great-grandfather's name appears on a ship's manifest from 1920.1:29 -
Nathan Lane’s Grandfather Died in a Workhouse
Nathan Lane gets disturbing news that his great-great-grandfather died in a workhouse.0:51 -
John Leguizamo Learns About His 9th Great-Grandfather
John Leguizamo is stunned by how far back his lineage has been traced.1:06
