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Timeline of a Nation
Public Media 250

1700s—The Revolutionary Era


Unforgotten: Connecticut's Hidden Slave History
Slavery has deep roots in Connecticut and across New England. Enslaved people helped build the foundation of much of this state. Get to know some of these men, women and children and the lives they lived. Hear from descendants who reflect on their loved ones. And learn from historians, experts and volunteers going on a journey of discovery to uncover this hidden history.


The Ninety-Six "Star Fort"
Park Ranger Adrian Stewart talks with Host Andrew Davis about the 1781 Siege of Ninety-Six and its historic significance for the Revolutionary War. The earthen “Star Fort” at Ninety-Six remains one of the best-preserved examples of an original 18th century fortification, and Kosciuszko’s tunnel is the only military tunnel constructed during the Revolution.


Major Patrick Ferguson's Cairn
Visitors to Kings Mountain National Military Park may have noticed a grave marker with a massive pile of rocks behind it. What is the story of this unusual monument? NPS Park Ranger Robert Holmes joins Host Andrew Davis to uncover the background of the Battle of Kings Mountain and why South Carolinians have periodically added stones on top of this grave ever since it was placed there.


Curiosity Trek: A Letter from the Swamp Fox
The Georgetown County Museum is proud to showcase an impressive piece of Revolutionary War history- A handwritten letter from Francis Marion, also known as “The Swamp Fox”, addressed to General Nathanael Greene. Paige Sawyer sits down with Host Andrew Davis to discuss Francis Marion’s significance in the Palmetto State and how this incredible artifact has been so well preserved!
1800s—Expansion, Division & Reconstruction


Franco-Americans: We Remember
They came to New England for the promise of a better life. They brought with them a commitment to their faith, their family and their community. They were at the heart of New England industry. Their beautiful churches grace the cities and mill towns where they worked, and their rich cultural traditions are bright strands woven into the fabric of New England life.


Unforgotten: Connecticut's Hidden Slave History
Slavery has deep roots in Connecticut and across New England. Enslaved people helped build the foundation of much of this state. Get to know some of these men, women and children and the lives they lived. Hear from descendants who reflect on their loved ones. And learn from historians, experts and volunteers going on a journey of discovery to uncover this hidden history.


It Started Here: Early Arkansas and The Louisiana Purchase
It Started Here: Early Arkansas and The Louisiana Purchase, chronicles the people and land of Arkansas, between the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, leading up to Arkansas statehood in 1836.


Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom
Go beyond the legend and meet the inspiring woman who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery.
Early 1900s—Progress & Protest


Stately Images: The Public Art of Missouri's State Capitol
In 1911 Missourians approved funding for the current capitol building and a design that would showcase cultural and state history. Available construction monies resulted in a one-of-a-kind and breathtaking collection of stained glass, murals, carvings and statuary that evocatively portrays Missouri’s legendary and beloved history.


The Stavig Letters
A documentary based on the stories of Lars Stavig, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1876, and his brother Knut, who stayed behind in Norway. The two exchanged more than 150 letters spanning more than five decades from 1881 to 1938, the Stavig Letters give voice and reality to the immigrant experience from the perspectives of both countries.


Passion for Snow
Passion for Snow highlights the role of people from Dartmouth College, Hanover NH and Northern New England in developing all aspects of the modern ski industry since 1910, including initiating early alpine ski racing to leading the 10th Mountain Division in WWII to creating the Olympics, most ski resorts and all aspects of the greater ski industry.


A Palace of Art: The Pennsylvania State Capitol
"It is the handsomest building I ever saw," said Theodore Roosevelt in his speech inaugurating Pennsylvania's State Capitol Building. Conceived by architect Joseph Huston in 1901, the seat of the Commonwealth's government conjures up images of romantic palazzos in Florence. Visitors to the Capitol find numerous works of art worthy of nobility, earning it the moniker "Palace of Art."
1930s-1940s—Crisis, War & Resilience


Rohna Classified
When one of World War II’s first radio-guided missiles strikes, the Rohna sinks, claiming 1,015 lives—the single greatest loss of life at sea by enemy action in U.S. history.


Dream Land: Little Rock's West 9th Street
Little Rock, Arkansas's, West 9th Street was once a vibrant, African-American business and entertainment district. Taborian Hall is the only remaining historic structure on West 9th Street and stands as a living witness of the street's former glory days.


Arizona’s Dust Bowl: Lessons Lost
Explore the effects of the 1930’s depression-era Dust Bowl, not only on Arizona’s economy, but also the area’s demographics and culture.


The Cruiser Houston: Of Pride and Purpose
The extraordinary series of events that bonded together a group of sailors who served together on the USS Houston during the early days of World War II.
1950s-1970s—Civil Rights & Social Change


Founded on Friendship and Freedom
Tells the story of how two historians, Dr. Gordon “ Nick” Mueller and Dr. Stephen Ambrose, sought to salute the spirit of Americans who fought to preserve our freedom. Their dream exists today at The National WWII Museum in downtown New Orleans.


Unveiled: Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash
Unvieled celebrates the enduring legacies of two of Arkansas's most iconic figures. Daisy Bates, who courageously led the fight for civil rights, and Johnny Cash, whose music captured the soul of America, are immortalized in bronze in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall. Explore the profound impact of their lives on history, from their humble beginnings to their lasting influence.


Hey Cartooners!
For nearly three decades Jule Huffman entertained the tri-state area as Mr. Cartoon, but his legacy loomed larger than his television personality. Now those who knew him best tell his story. From his childhood during the great depression, through World War Two, into the dawn of the television age and past the turn of the century. This is the story of Jule Huffman. As told by those who knew him.


Finding David Riffle, West Virginia Artist
This unusual, lyrical documentary takes you on a journey into the inner world and prolific/rarely seen art of this amazing, yet humble WV artist. Vietnam vet, David Riffle creates fantastical worlds of 1960s trailers, giant dogs, and the mystical found in nature. He and his daughter also just built together a creative passive solar house in the mountains of WV. They started when she was 8.
1980s-1990s—Culture, Technology & Power


Hey Cartooners!
For nearly three decades Jule Huffman entertained the tri-state area as Mr. Cartoon, but his legacy loomed larger than his television personality. Now those who knew him best tell his story. From his childhood during the great depression, through World War Two, into the dawn of the television age and past the turn of the century. This is the story of Jule Huffman. As told by those who knew him.


A Murder in Montrose: The Paul Broussard Legacy
Twenty five years ago, Paul Broussard, a 27 year old gay man, was murdered on the streets of Houston, sparking a deafening outcry. The crime served as a wake-up call that highlighted all of the harassment and mistreatment experienced by the LGBTQ community. Through the documentary and a follow up live town hall, Houston Public Media explores the aftermath of this pivotal event – from civil unrest to hate crime legislation; from victim’s rights to political activism, Houston a


The Murder of Mulugeta Seraw
This story takes a deep archival dive into the rise of white nationalism in Portland, Oregon, which led to the murder of Ethiopian immigrant Mulugeta Seraw in 1988 at the hands of racist skinheads. The story is grounded in the personal account of Mulugeta’s uncle Engedaw Berhanu, who led the charge to hold the racist organization White Aryan Resistance responsible for his nephew’s murder. The film draws on oral histories of antiracist activists and people from Portland’s musi


Christa
Christa McAuliffe, America’s first teacher in space, is the subject of a moving documentary on the creation of her statue, unveiled in September 2024 at the New Hampshire State House and created by Idaho sculptor Benjamin Victor. Through interviews with former students, educators, and state leaders, the film celebrates her life and belief that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.
2000s to Today—A Nation in Reflection


Deconstructing Ableism: A Community Conversation
Along with our partners, Move to Include convened this important community conversation on ableism and inclusion. This panel discussion features nationally recognized disability rights activist, Imani Barbarin, moderator Jeiri Flores, a Rochester-based disability rights advocate, and local community members who share their own lived experiences.


Connections Live: The State and Stakes of Caregiving in our Community
In this special edition of "Connections with Evan Dawson", we discuss recent legislation and its impact on the disability community. How often are people with disabilities - and their caregivers - brought into the discussion? What are the risks of legislating without that input? Who should be helping guide these policies? Our panel includes Chris Hilderbrant, Heather Burroughs, and Brian Weber.


A Boston (R)Evolution
A racially complex American city confronts its past and future. When a Black female city councilor, once bussed as a child to hostile neighborhoods, is catapulted to Acting Mayor, she breaks 200 years of white male mayorship. Boston's old school politics are further challenged when the top candidates in the historic 2021 mayoral race are all non-white women.


THE OFFICIALS
The work of elections in the US has fundamentally changed. For decades, election administration was considered a significant but quiet civil service job. Since 2020 election workers have dealt with endless harassment, accusations of wrong-doing, constant questioning of their integrity, and coordinated strategies designed to deter and distract them from their most important work. With a controversial presidential election ahead, US election officials, in rural and urban areas
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