Everyone has a story.The new PBS series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the basic drive to discover who we are and where we come from. The series takes place across the country with celebrities and well known personalities exploring their pasts and encouraging others to do the same.

PBS SoCaL invited girls from Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that empowers girls to reach their full potential, to our studio for a night of exploring their roots and sharing their stories. The girls participated in a workshop to learn about what it means to explore your roots and tools that are available to discover more about family history.

The girls were then given a tour of the studio and had the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be on camera. A green screen and camera were set up to capture the girls talking about the important events and people in their lives who have helped them to learn about where they are from and thus shape who they are today. These brief interviews were then put together for a spot promoting the series and highlighting the girls’ experiences.

PBS SoCaL is also making connections with the new series by putting together tools you can use to explore your own genealogy. The Finding Your Roots page on the PBS SoCaL website highlights organizations in Southern California who promote interest in genealogy and family history. These resources are here for you to use to explore your past and tell your story.

The new series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. premiers on Sunday, March 25th at 8:00pm on PBS SoCaL. Find out more about the  series  and watch a preview at the Finding Your Roots website.

Everyone has a story. What’s yours?