Star Trek Turns 50

Can you believe it’s been 50 years since Star Trek aired its first episode? On September 8, 1966, the iconic show made its debut and introduced audiences to Gene Roddenberry’s vision of future exploration and discovery.

Image: Wikipedia

Although canceled after just three seasons, the show’s devoted fanbase kept its spirit alive as a cult classic and eventually, a cultural phenomenon. The groundbreaking show tackled significant social issues of the era, including racism, sexism and war. It broke new ground when it became the first show in American history to feature an interracial kiss on television. It is also the first television show to have an episode preserved in the Smithsonian Institution. To this day, the iconic show continues to inspire new generations to “boldly go where no man has gone before.”

When the show first premiered, millions were enthralled by the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise. The original series starred William Shatner as the ship’s captain and Leonard Nimoy as science officer Spock. Rounding out the diverse cast was George Takei, James Montgomery Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, DeForest Kelley and Walter Koenig.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, you can bring your passion for genealogy and Star Trek by checking out the Star Trek Universe genealogy project on Geni. Here you can explore the family trees of those involved with Star Trek over the last five decades and discover how you’re related to each of them! Join the project as a collaborator to help build and expand their family trees on Geni.

Do you remember watching the first episode of the series?

View the Star Trek Universe Project