Discover History Programs
Did you enjoy unearthing the past on the Magic School Bus or Sesame Street? Reawaken the historian in you through our local and national documentaries about days gone past. Episodes of the programs below can mostly be discovered via the PBS app or pbs.org, with new episodes of many airing regularly; shows created locally by Iowa PBS are also available on YouTube and our website.
Historic Buildings of Iowa
Come across the state with us as we explore some of Iowa’s architecture, history and culture of some of Iowa’s most iconic buildings. Take in the beauty of these places with stops in Dubuque, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and more. This collection of documentaries is available on the PBS app, pbs.org and our show website.
Governors of Iowa
Leaders of Iowa have guided the state through legislative battles, cultural turmoil and international concerns. Intimate profiles of these governors bring viewers behind the scenes of pivotal moments in Iowa history. Learn more about Governors Howard Hughes and Robert D. Ray via YouTube, the PBS app, pbs.org and our show website.
Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women
The compelling story of Iowa suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, who devoted most of her life to the expansion of women’s rights nationwide & around the world, and is recognized as one of the key leaders of the American women’s suffrage movement. Her political strategies and organizational skills led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 100 years ago on August 18, 1920. Explore Catt's impact on YouTube, the PBS app, pbs.org and our show website.
Our Great State Fair
Explore the history of Iowa's biggest event - the annual showcase of our state's best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. The story begins in 1854, as an experimental agricultural exposition in Fairfield, and continues into the 21st century as a statewide celebration in Des Moines. Watch this local documentary on YouTube, the PBS app, pbs.org and our show website.
Tractor Wars
In 1909, hundreds of companies were trying to bring powered implements to America’s farms. By the 1920s, Deere, Ford and International were in a battle to develop a reliable tractor that would become part of everyday agriculture. Enjoy this documentary on YouTube, the PBS app, pbs.org and our show website.
The American Buffalo
The dramatic story of America’s national mammal, which sustained the lives of Native people for untold generations, being driven to the brink of extinction, before an unlikely collection of people rescues it from disappearing forever.
Finding Your Roots
For more than a decade, renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has helped to expand America’s sense of itself, stimulating a national conversation about identity with humor, wisdom, and compassion. Several seasons of Finding Your Roots are available to stream via the PBS app and pbs.org.
Secrets of the Dead
Part detective story, part true-life drama, explore some of the most iconic moments in history to debunk myths and shed new light on past events. Using the latest investigative techniques, forensic science and historical examination to unearth new evidence, the series shatters accepted wisdom, challenges prevailing ideas, overturns existing hypotheses, spotlights forgotten mysteries and ultimately rewrites history. Several seasons of Secrets of the Dead are available to stream via the PBS app and pbs.org.
Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution
From the basement bars of ‘70s New York to the peak of the global charts, this is the story of disco: its rise, its fall... and its legacy. Reveling in iconic tracks and remarkable footage, this is a powerful, revisionist history of the disco age. Watch this three-part mini series on the PBS app and pbs.org.
See what other History programs are available to stream on the PBS app!