In 1850s America, one women-led newsroom blazed a trail for women’s rights, shifting the media landscape and ultimately affecting how we see and cover “women’s” issues today.
Womens History
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)
Rachel Carson: On-Demand
American Experience
Air Date: 01/24/17 | Expires: 06/30/26 | Rating: NR
Rachel Carson is an intimate portrait of the woman whose groundbreaking books revolutionized our relationship to the natural world. When Silent Spring was published in September 1962 it became an instant bestseller and would go on to spark dramatic changes in the way the government regulated pesticides.
Sesame Street Celebrates Women’s History On-Demand
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
Streaming: Women’s Films & Features
Throughout the month of March PBS has specials streaming on the PBS App and PBS Player site. Search for titles below to watch these films
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 Passport.