History

 

AMERICAN MASTERS

Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

After 60 years in show business, Mel Brooks has earned more major awards than any other living entertainer; he is one of 14 EGOT winners. Yet, the comedy giant has energetically avoided a documentary profile being made, even issuing an informal gag order on his friends … until now. 
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BASIC BLACK

Obama's Commencement Talk Draws Criticism

President Barack Obama's recent commencement address drew criticism for not only what he said but also how he said it. Was he talking down to the graduates? Chat online with Basic Black.

Friday at 7:30pm on WGBH 2
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PBS

Rebel: A Voces Special Presentation

Hear the story of Loreta Velazquez, a Cuban immigrant to New Orleans who disguised herself as a male to fight with the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War.

Friday at 10pm on WGBH 2
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WORLD CHANNEL

1962 World's Fair: When Seattle Invented the Future

Through archival footage and historical photographs see the sights and sounds of a futuristic vision from the 1962 World's Fair that inspired the likes of Paul Allen, Rick Steves, and others. (Postcard courtesy of Knute Berger/KCTS)

Monday at 6pm on WGBH World
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HISTORY

Constitution USA with Peter Sagal: Created Equal

An examination of the 14th Amendment and how it's being used in the fight for same-sex marriage, voting rights, affirmative action, and immigration reform.
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HISTORY

The Ghost Army

Don't miss the story of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, a top-secret World War II Army group in Europe that used rubber tanks, sound effects, and illusions to trick and misdirect the enemy about the strength and location of American units.

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FRONTLINE

Never Forget to Lie

Filmmaker Marian Marzynski attends a Warsaw meeting of fellow Holocaust survivors, where he and others recall the horrors they endured as children. Writer Lilian Boraks-Nemetz recalls how she and her mother were saved by her father.

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DOCUMENTARY

American Experience


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Watch television's most-viewed history series on air and online. Each episode brings to life the incredible characters and epic stories that have shaped America's past and present. 
PROFILES

American Masters


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The show that pioneered the television biography genre continues to offer insightful profiles of important figures in America's artistic and cultural life.


RESEARCH

Hunt with the History Detectives


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America’s top gumshoes leave no stone unturned as they travel around the country to explore the stories behind local folklore, prominent figures and family legends.

Tuesdays, 6pm on WGBH 44
ARCHIVES

Inside the WGBH Vault



WGBH Archives delivers a unique Boston perspective on today's stories by bringing historic content from the troves of archived media in the vaults. 

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WGBH FOOD

Celebrating Julia Child


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Julia Child was born Aug. 15, 1912. In 2012, we remembered her legacy as television's first celebrity chef with this collection of stories, photos, new episodes, and recipes from The French Chef.
BASEBALL HISTORY

Fenway at 100


READ THE STORIES
WGBH News brings you local stories and historic moments from Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, as it marked a century in baseball history in 2012.
WORLD

America Reframed


SCHEDULE
Hear the stories of a transforming American culture and its broad diversity. Each documentary profile reveals the guts, grit and glamour of a changing America. Journalist and filmmaker Natasha Del Toro hosts.

Sundays at 8pm on WGBH World
DOCUMENTARY

Independent Lens


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Watch films of history, drama, animation, and social-issues — here you have access to powerful and innovative programs united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent producers. Hosted by Stanley Tucci.

More History

How Teddy Saved Football

Football is a violent game but a century ago it used to be a lethal pastime. NPR's Tom Goldman explains how President Teddy Roosevelt stepped in and forced the establishment of new rules that made the game safer. - READ MORE

If You Don't Know The Name Horst Faas, Look At This

You don't have to know anything about him, or even the Vietnam War, to be stirred by the power of his photos. - READ MORE

The Visual South, Part IV: Getting Lost In Mississippi

For an enclave of communities in western Mississippi, rich cultural roots don't always translate to prosperity. The history is storied, the times are tough, and life goes on. - READ MORE

Most Popular

American Experience

Triangle Fire


American Experience

Stonewall Uprising


American Experience

The Panama Canal


American Experience

Dinosaur Wars


Television

Latest Comments

David commented on American Experience on 05.14.12
Test

Pamela R. commented on Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis Gates Jr. on 04.30.12
"Finding your roots" was really interesting, and fun tonight. I would like to point out that Ruth Simmons became president of TWO of Americas leading colleges. thank you for bringing us important history in a remarkable context.

Raymond commented on Masterpiece: Downton Abbey - Special Features on 03.03.12
Great Series. keep it up

Naomi commented on Masterpiece: Downton Abbey - Special Features on 02.25.12
Nicely done. I look forward to features with Dan Stevens.

Steve commented on Masterpiece: Downton Abbey - Special Features on 02.25.12
Wheres the "Downton Abbey Behind the Drama" that is listed under Member Favorites in the guide????

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