Highlights Archive

Native Lands and the American Revolution on the Frontier

Tsi’yu-gunsini, or Dragging Canoe in English, is a Cherokee chief who leads raids against illegal settlements by American colonists on Native lands. Their British allies urge them to be patient, but Dragging Canoe doesn’t hesitate. In response, thousands of colonial militiamen pour into Native territories and wage a war of total annihilation. This program is made possible by viewers like you. Explore with your students differing perspectives on the conflict over Cherokee land and understand more about the complexity and consequences of decisions that individuals such as Tsi’yu-gunsini (Dragging Canoe) made during the American Revolution with this free, curriculum-aligned resource: https://bit.ly/48ztA9e

Find more video clips and discussion about Native American involvement and perspective on the American Revolution in the PBS LearningMedia American Revolution Collection

Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War • On-demand

“Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War” is powerful documentary uncovers the stories of four Black Americans who pursued freedom, citizenship, and belonging during the American Revolution, illuminating the tension between the promises of the Declaration of Independence and the lived realities of enslaved and free Black people in early America. Watch On-Demand through 9/28/26.

Originally Aired and streamed live on WXXI-TV on Monday, June 29^th at 10pm

A Hot Dog Program • WXXI-TV

Host Rick Sebak takes you on a mouthwatering journey across the country, visiting some of the most famous, unique and beloved hot dog stands.

A Hot Dog Program airs Sunday, July 5 at 5p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

From iconic city vendors to hidden small-town gems, this film celebrates the rich history, flavors and culture of hot dogs in a fun and engaging way. Originally aired in 1996.

Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song • WXXI-TV

The thirty-minute special will be hosted by PBS News Hour co-anchor & co-managing editor Geoff Bennett and focuses on Bruce Springsteen’s storied career, his impact on American music, and the opening of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University.

Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song airs Sunday, July 5 at 6 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

The special will include an extended look at Bennett’s recent interview with Springsteen that aired on PBS News Hour as well as conversations with Bob Sanelli, the former executive director of the Grammy Museum and founding executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, and Jon Landau, Springsteen’s longtime manager and producer, on the role music plays in telling the American story as the country marks its 250th anniversary.

Photo Credit: Singersroom

National Treasure, America 250 screening • The Little Theatre

Historian and code-breaker Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) has been searching his whole life for a rumored treasure dating back to the creation of the United States.

America 250 l National Treasure screens at The Little Theatre on Thursday, July 2 at 7 p.m. in Theatre 1 (240 East Avenue).

Joining an expedition led by fellow treasure hunter Ian Howe (Sean Bean), Gates finds an ice-locked Colonial ship in the Arctic Circle that contains a clue linking the treasure to the Declaration of Independence. But when Howe betrays him, Gates has to race to get to the document ahead of his so-called colleague.

Click here to purchase tickets!

Rufus Wainright Does Kurt Weill • WXXI-TV

Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright performs an evening dedicated to Kurt Weill’s iconic music, featuring classics including “Mack the Knife,” “The Saga of Jenny,” and “September Song.”

Rufus Wainright Does Kurt Weill airs Sunday, July 12 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright’s fascination with German composer Kurt Weill’s music goes back decades. However, RUFUS WAINWRIGHT DOES KURT WEILL marks the first time he dedicated an entire evening to performing the songs of this legendary figure in musical theater. Filmed in Los Angeles with the Paciﬁc Jazz Orchestra, the concert features classics like “Mack the Knife,” “The Saga of Jenny” and “September Song.”

Photo Credit: APT

America 250 Radio Celebration • WXXI Classical

From July 1 through July 15 WXXI Classical hosts will focus on American composers, cultural heritage, and orchestral storytelling by presenting 250 pieces of American music. More details to come including an America 250 playlist link.

Click here to listen to WXXI Classical live.

America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together • WXXI-TV

A star-filled tribute to America’s Semiquincentennial from revolutionary Colonial Williamsburg. Featuring live performance, historic interpretation, large-scale spectacle and fireworks. This is the place where the path to independence truly began.

America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together airs Saturday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

A star-filled tribute to America’s Semiquincentennial set in the revolutionary capitol of Colonial Williamsburg. Blending live performance, music, historic interpretation, impactful narration and large-scale visual spectacle to create an inspiring national event that connects the nation’s founding directly to the present day, the broadcast is designed as both a celebration and a unifying national moment. It offers a heartfelt and powerful reflection that honors the past, engages the present, and inspires a season of civic renewal – all from the place where the path to independence truly began. From the first melodic sounds of a violin to the thunderous pyrotechnic finale, this is a program for all Americans to see themselves reflected in our nation’s continuing story.

Photo Credit: PBS