Going back in time with Jim Swift

AUSTIN (KXAN) - For a generation now, Jim Swift has been telling the story of Austin and its people.

On Tuesday night, KXAN's senior reporter will hear a little more about his own story. That's when the Austin Geneaological Society will present what it has learned tracing back the roots of Swift's family on his father's side. Swift said he's eager to learn what the society has uncovered.

"I've always been fascinated by genealogy, particularly as it relates to my family," Swift said.

His mother's side is not a mystery, Swift said. Two aunts traced the lineage back to the Mayflower, he said. But there was less to work with on his dad's side.

"They were poor Tennessee farmers, by the Kentucky border," he said. "There wasn't much for us to investigate."

But the Austin Geneaological Society did find some tidbits.

"A team of genealogists spent months tracking down the mysteries of Jim’s family history, and will reveal their discoveries live to Jim in the style of the hit show, 'Who Do You Think You Are?'" the organization said.

The organization is holding back most of the findings until Tuesday's event, which starts with a get-acquainted session at 6:30 p.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church, 5206 Balcones Drive, in Austin. The program begins at 7 p.m.

"I'm eager to find out what they found out," Swift said.