Roots TV a valued resource

In thumbing through the latest issue of NGS Newsmagazine, some words caught my eyes and demanded that I pay closer attention: "Coroners and genealogists join forces to tackle quiet epidemic of unclaimed persons."

The story in the magazine, from the National Genealogical Society, was about a new program on Roots Television, a Web channel for those who are interested in family history. It said the problem of dead bodies that go unclaimed inspired a new show on the channel called "Unclaimed Persons."

I reached for my computer keyboard and typed in www.rootstelevision.com. One mouse click led to another and I never got around to viewing "Unclaimed Persons." I'm still fascinated by Roots Television.

If I had heard about it before, I certainly don't remember — and if you haven't checked it out, you should.

One of Roots Television's founders is Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak, chief family historian and North American spokeswoman for Ancestry.com (and yes, that is her real name). The other is independent media producer Marcy Brown.

The channel has a wide variety of programming that reflects its stated goal of appealing to a broad range of family historians. That includes those interested in "roots travel," Civil War re-enactors, family reunion planners, armchair historians, cemetery buffs, mystery solvers and others, along with diehard researchers who've never heard of an archive they weren't compelled to visit.

Roots Television has many shows that are professionally produced, but that doesn't mean the average Joe or Jane can't appear. Family historians can be considered for Roots Television by submitting content for its Roots Tube.

The content can be about research tips, family reunions, oral history, anything that would interest people who like genealogy and related topics. Preferred submissions are 30 seconds to five minutes long, but longer ones will be considered. You can learn more about the guidelines and how to upload content to the Web site by visiting www.rootstelevision.com and clicking on Roots Tube.

There's also Roots Central, where viewers can post and read about events, brick walls and speaking schedules.

The founders say the majority of the programs on Roots Television will remain free, but there are plans to institute a pay-per-view or download-to-own option.

There's already so much to see there, it's difficult to remain in control.

Maybe tonight I'll finally get around to viewing "Unclaimed Persons."

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705 or wminis@postandcourier.com.