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American Experience: The Sun Queen • WXXI-WORLD

Unsung scientist Mária Telkes dedicated her career to harnessing the power of the sun.

American Experience: The Sun Queen airs Saturday, October 19 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD.

For nearly 50 years, chemical engineer and inventor Mária Telkes applied her prodigious intellect to harnessing the power of the sun. She designed and built the world’s first successfully solar-heated modern residence and identified a promising new chemical that, for the first time, could store solar heat like a battery. And yet, along the way, she was undercut and thwarted by her boss and colleagues — all men — at MIT. Despite these obstacles, Telkes persevered and, upon her death in 1995, held more than 20 patents. 

She is now recognized as a visionary pioneer in the field of sustainable energy. An unexpected and largely forgotten heroine, Telkes was remarkable in her vision and tenacity — a scientist and a woman in every way ahead of her time. Her research and innovations from the 1930s through the ‘70s continue to shape how we power our lives today. Produced and directed by Amanda Pollak, produced and written by Gene Tempest, and executive produced by Cameo George.

American Experience: Women in American History On-Demand

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)

More Women's History Resources

Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands On-Demand

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.

Extraordinary Women from Stories from the Stage On-Demand

What does it mean to be extraordinary? Defy the odds and redefine benchmarks of success. Homeless at 19, Natalie builds a career as a pediatric neurosurgeon; Rebecca, one of the “Lost Girls of Sudan,” finds a path to creating positive change; and Lachi fights discrimination as a disability rights advocate. Three storytellers, three interpretations of EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN; hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Running with My Girls On-Demand

Tired of watching local government ignore their communities’ interests, five diverse female activists run for municipal office in Denver – one of the U.S.’s fastest gentrifying cities. A story about an engaged community outrunning the deep pockets of the political establishment, RUNNING WITH MY GIRLS demonstrates that building a new kind of political power is not just aspirational but possible. Available to watch on-demand through 9/13/24

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