Amarillo Public Library and Panhandle PBS to Host “Finding Your Roots: A Genealogy Open House”

The Amarillo Public Library, Amarillo Genealogical Society, and Panhandle PBS will host “Finding Your Roots: A Genealogy Open House” from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Downtown Library.

This free, come-and-go event invites community members to explore the Downtown Library’s extensive genealogical resources while enjoying selected Season 12 episodes of the PBS series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Library staff and local genealogy volunteers will be on hand to assist attendees in accessing a variety of research tools, including both digital databases and print materials. Refreshments will also be provided.

Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. airs on Panhandle PBS and explores the ancestry of influential individuals, uncovering the stories, struggles and triumphs that shape identity across generations. Hosted by Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the series combines history and science to reveal the deep connections that bind us all.

“Events like this help people see that their own story matters,” said Cullen Lutz, Panhandle PBS community impact manager. “Whether you’re just getting started or have been researching your family for years, the library offers incredible tools to help you discover where you come from.”

At the open house, attendees will have the opportunity to view two Season 12 episodes:

• “American Dreams,” featuring actors America Ferrera and Darren Criss as they uncover powerful stories of immigration and resilience. 

• “Caribbean Roots,” highlighting the heritage of Liza Colón-Zayas and Delroy Lindo and the global journeys of their ancestors. 

Several local lineage societies will also be represented, including:

• Palo Duro Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas 

• Esther McCrory Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) 

• Molly Goodnight Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) 

• Panhandle Plains Chapter, National Society Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR) 

For more information about the event or available genealogy resources, visit amarillolibrary.org or call 806-378-3054. Season 12 of Finding Your Roots airs on select dates in April on Panhandle PBS and is also available for streaming through the PBS app. Additional details can be found at pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots.

Corporate support for Season 12 of FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Ancestry and Johnson & Johnson. Major support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Support is also provided by Ford Foundation; Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Candace King Weir; by the Inkwell Society together with many of its members; and by public television viewers.