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Secrets of the Dead

How Forensic Genealogy Is Solving a 246-Year-Old Mystery

Season 23 Episode 8 | 1m 30s

For centuries, the identity of a Battle of Camden soldier remained unknown. After archaeologists recovered viable DNA from his remains, forensic genealogists began searching for living relatives. The result was extraordinary: more than 20,000 DNA matches and new hope of identifying a man who died in the American Revolution.

SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.
Extras
Watch • 0:30
Secrets of the Dead
Preview | Finding America's Fallen
Explore the site of the Battle of Camden and its importance to the American Revolution.
Preview: S23 E8 | 0:30
Watch • 1:51
Secrets of the Dead
How Black Colonial Marines Changed the War of 1812
Formerly enslaved Americans formed Britain's Colonial Marines unit and marched on Washington, D.C.
Clip: S23 E7 | 1:51
Watch • 3:17
Secrets of the Dead
Inside the Deadly Musket Warfare of the American Revolution
A musket ball reveals the deadly reality of Revolutionary War combat.
Clip: S23 E8 | 3:17
Watch • 1:37
Secrets of the Dead
Archaeologists Discover Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried at Camden Battlefield
A metal detector survey reveals long-lost soldiers at Camden Battlefield.
Clip: S23 E8 | 1:37
Watch • 1:53
Secrets of the Dead
Fighting Erosion With Living Oyster Reefs
Tangier Island's lawns are turning into marshes. Can oyster reefs help?
Clip: S23 E7 | 1:53
Watch • 3:18
Secrets of the Dead
Uncovering Fort Albion's Forgotten Black Heroes
The search for a sunken fort uncovers a powerful freedom story.
Clip: S23 E7 | 3:18
Watch • 0:30
Secrets of the Dead
Preview | Saving Tangier Island
Scientists race to save the historic island on the Chesapeake Bay from rising sea levels.
Preview: S23 E7 | 0:30
Watch • 0:30
Secrets of the Dead
Preview | Raising Lady Liberty
See how the unique partnership between two countries made the iconic monument possible.
Preview: S23 E6 | 0:30
Watch • 1:29
Secrets of the Dead
The Hidden Chains Beneath the Statue of Liberty Explained
A controversial symbol was removed from Lady Liberty's original design. Here's why.
Clip: S23 E6 | 1:29
Watch • 2:28
Secrets of the Dead
How Lady Liberty's Giant Torch Was Built
Rare photographs reveal how the Statue of Liberty was constructed piece by piece.
Clip: S23 E6 | 2:28
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  • Secrets of the Dead Season 23
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  • Secrets of the Dead Season 5
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 4
Secrets of the Dead
Finding America's Fallen
Explore the site of the Battle of Camden and its importance to the American Revolution.
Episode: S23 E8
Secrets of the Dead
Saving Tangier Island
Scientists race to save the historic island on the Chesapeake Bay from rising sea levels.
Episode: S23 E7
Watch • 54:56
Secrets of the Dead
Raising Lady Liberty
See how the unique partnership between two countries made the iconic monument possible.
Episode: S23 E6 | 54:56
Watch • 55:15
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