Documentary filmmaker and patriotic American Ken Burns discovers an incredibly surprising fact about his Revolutionary War-era ancestors -- they were loyalists, devoted to the Union Jack!

Actress, playwright, and professor learns of her courageous ancestor, a conductor along the Underground Railroad. With the help of the Finding Your Roots research team, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. was able to relay details about this inspirational hero, a freed slave risked his life to help others on the path to freedom.

Ken Burns, Anderson Cooper and Anna Deavere Smith are three iconic American storytellers who have spent their lives chronicling the lives of others all the while knowing almost nothing about their own family history:

TV journalist Anderson Cooper discovers a surprising fact about his Civil War era ancestors, and must reconcile with his family's dark past.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers basketball star Rebecca Lobo's ancestral immigration papers, revealing a surprising turn of events in the Lobo family line.

With the support of his diverse extended family, Yankee captain Derek Jeter knew from an early age that all he wanted to be was the shortstop for the New York Yankees.

In this clip from Episode 2, tennis champ Billie Jean King, who knew very little about her beloved grandmother's past, is able to read a family Bible containing a detailed written genealogy.

Three of America's greatest athletes -- Derek Jeter, Billie Jean King and Rebecca Lobo -- whose determination and love of sports were deeply shaped by their families, were all cut off from their true origins.

Thanks to Professor Gates' research, Stephen King learns an enlightening fact about his Southern ancestors' journey.

Three guests who know almost nothing about their fathers’ histories: Stephen King’s father walked out on the family when he was only two years old, and never returned; Courtney Vance wants to learn more about his true roots after the tragic suicide of his father, a foster child who never knew the identity of his biological parents; and Gloria Reuben’s father was 78 years old when she was born.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces Courtney B. Vance's fascinating family line back to a runaway slave turned Union Army soldier. Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Season 2 premieres Tuesday, September 23 on PBS (check local listings).

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals evidence about actress Gloria Reuben's 5th Great-Grandmother, an incredibly rare discovery that connects her family line back to Africa.

Finding Your Roots host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. shares a story from his family history.

Henry Louis Gates, JR. invites you to share your own family history on the official Finding Your Roots website.

Linda Chavez learns about her ancestors who were Pueblo.

Actor Adrian Grenier learns about about his Conquistador ancestor who had terribly violent interactions with Pueblo Indians.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. finds some surprising connections when he traces actress Michelle Rodriguez's Puerto Rican roots.

Adrian Grenier learns his maternal eleventh great-grandfather was one of the original Spanish colonists in New Mexico and a sergeant in Juan de Oñate’s army.

Linda Chavez discovers how her family was involved in the Pueblo Revolt in New Mexico in 1680 – and that she has surprising family roots.

An overview of how the Revolutionary War helped slaves attain their freedom.