Histories, mysteries, memories and families: it’s time to clamber up our ancestral trees. Author and genealogist Stephen Hanks -- who teaches genealogy classes in Portland, Oregeon and has contributed to PBS genealogy documentaries -- sits down to chat about what ignited a passion for learning about his own history. Also: how to find your family through census records, county archives, death certificates and more, plus which DNA tests he’s taken, our most recent common ancestor, and how America can try to heal from its past. Also: capes, detectives and hairy fanny packs.

Listen via Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Ad-free episodes available by subscribing to SiriusXM Podcasts+. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Stephen Hanks books on Bookshop.org and Amazon

A donation went to BlackPast.org

Some links you may enjoy:

“1619 — Twenty Africans: Their Story, and Discovery of Their Black, Red, & White Descendants” by Stephen Hanks

“Akee Tree: A Descendant's Quest for His Slave Ancestors on the Eskridge Plantations” by Steven Hanks

“Three Brothers - 1626: The Ancestry of the World up to 1626 and Beyond to Our Day” by Stephen Hanks

“1619: The Times Of The Gentiles & The Seed Of Judah Special Edition: The Times Of The Gentiles & The Seed Of Judah” by Stephen Hanks

The Seattle National Archives are moving?

Ronald Howard playing Sherlock Holmes

Sporran: A Scotsman’s hairy fanny pack

Manumission papers

DNA test not 100% Lizzo’s lyrics