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Women lead advancements in science, technology, politics, sports and activism—often fighting against inequity and opposition at every turn.
In this American Experience: Women in American History collection, explore films, interviews, articles, image galleries and more for an in-depth look at notable female figures in American history.
The American Experience Women’s Collection on PBS LearningMedia includes great short video clips and lessons for the classroom. (Grades 8-12)
The hidden treasures and majestic beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Exploring Ireland with Michael airs Sunday, June 1 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV.
Combining glorious video footage from the Emerald Isle, fascinating travel destinations, exciting cultural experiences, and performances from popular Irish artists and rising stars, EXPLORING IRELAND WITH MICHAEL uncovers the hidden treasures and majestic beauty of this breathtaking country.
The annual Student Podcast Challenge is will be accepting entries for middle school – high school contest is open for podcast submissions for 2026. The national judges will choose winners in three categories: grade four, grades five through eight, and grades nine through 12.
To mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, send us podcasts that explore what the phrase, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” means to you. For this special challenge, our judges will be listening for stories that look back at historical events, take us to historic places, or that explore what it means to be an American. Stories of innovation, of rights and protest, arts and culture, civic engagement and governance, or personal narratives or beliefs. This is a new additional prize category.
As in the past, entries must be submitted by a teacher, educator, or mentor who is 18 years or older. And don’t forget all the tips, advice and lesson plans we’ve compiled over the years – more on that below. Especially the rules around the maximum length of eight minutes, and about the use of music. After years of listening to student podcasts, we’ve learned that shorter is better. 2026 Advice: What You Really Need to Make A Podcast
Listen to Grand Prize Winner for the 2024 High School Podcast Challenge:
Learn more by listening to some of the podcasts at the Special Series NPR Podcast Challenge Page.
Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America.
American Masters: Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands is available on-demand through 9/1/2024
The film explores the life, career, art and legacy of the African American contralto and civil rights pioneer in her own words using archival interview recordings. Marian Anderson’s singing and speaking voice are heard throughout the documentary, providing new understanding of the woman behind the music.
Spotlighting Anderson’s voice and point of view, the documentary draws from 34 cassette tapes of interviews recorded in the 1950s, when she was preparing to write her memoir, “My Lord, What a Morning,” and other archival interviews. Anchored by key performances in her career, American Masters – Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands shows how her quiet genius and breathtaking voice set the stage for Black performers in classical music, and a louder voice for civil rights. Additionally, with unprecedented access to the Marian Anderson Estate, the documentary draws on rare audio recordings, photographs and personal correspondence to and from family and friends, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Josephine Baker and Langston Hughes.
Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America.
American Masters: Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands airs Monday, February 17 at 2 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD.
The film explores the life, career, art and legacy of the African American contralto and civil rights pioneer in her own words using archival interview recordings. Marian Anderson’s singing and speaking voice are heard throughout the documentary, providing new understanding of the woman behind the music.
Spotlighting Anderson’s voice and point of view, the documentary draws from 34 cassette tapes of interviews recorded in the 1950s, when she was preparing to write her memoir, “My Lord, What a Morning,” and other archival interviews. Anchored by key performances in her career, American Masters – Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands shows how her quiet genius and breathtaking voice set the stage for Black performers in classical music, and a louder voice for civil rights. Additionally, with unprecedented access to the Marian Anderson Estate, the documentary draws on rare audio recordings, photographs and personal correspondence to and from family and friends, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Josephine Baker and Langston Hughes.
WXXI celebrates Women’s History Month by honoring the inspiring and powerful women and girls who’ve helped support Sesame Street’s mission of helping kids grow Smarter, Stronger and Kinder! Watch the full playlist here
Experience Ivo van Hove’s production of composer Jake Heggie’s opera in its Met premiere.
Great Performances at the Met: Dead Man Walking airs Friday, March 15 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.
Experience Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove’s production of composer Jake Heggie’s opera based on a true story. With a libretto by Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, famed soprano Joyce DiDonato stars as Sister Helen alongside bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as the death row inmate Joseph De Rocher. The cast also features Latonia Moore as Sister Rose, and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, who sang Helen Prejean in the opera’s 2000 premiere, plays De Rocher’s mother. Based on Sister Helen’s real-life memoir about the fight for the soul of a condemned murderer, Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts this Metropolitan Opera premiere. Grammy winner Rhiannon Giddens hosts the broadcast.
Photo: Ryan McKinny and Joyce DiDonato • Credit: Provided by PBS
Check out what happened behind the scenes while filming this episode…
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Richard and Vicki Schwartz, The Lilliputian Foundation and The Waldron Rise Foundation.
Produced and distributed by WXXI Public Media in Rochester, NY.