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Public Media Making History at 250

A national public media storytelling collective celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States by amplifying local stories from PBS stations

As we approach this landmark anniversary of our country, we want to unite public media stations to amplify their local stories — both past and present — to a broader audience and celebrate the essential role public media plays in sharing our national story.

At the heart of Public Media Making History at 250 is our commitment to curating collections that show how public media increases understanding around social change, local histories, civic engagement, and elevating a variety of community voices. 

 

How PBS Stations Can Participate

We invite all PBS stations—no matter the size—to contribute content that reflects their local history and connects to the broader national story. Content will be distributed monthly by theme and may include:

  • New Content: Recently produced programs or digital series.
  • Archived Content: Digitized or repurposed films, documentaries, or programs from station archives.
  • Community Collaborations: Partnerships with local museums, libraries, historical societies, or educators.

Content does not have to be complete to submit it for consideration. We want to hear about your upcoming projects as well.

Content Themes for Submission

Inspired by the American Association for State and Local History’s The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial: Making History at 250, your station can submit up to five (5) stories, aligning with these key themes:

Image from Unidad: Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unite

 

Unfinished Revolutions

Stories of movements for social, political, and economic change throughout history

image from St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood

 

Power of Place

How geography, environment, and communities have shaped history

image from Free Exercise: America's Story of Religious Liberty

 

We the People

Exploring citizenship, identity, and the diverse voices that define America

image from Liberty & Slavery: The Paradox of America's Founding Fathers

 

American Experiment

Democracy in action, civic engagement, governance, and the evolution of American institutions

image from P.O.W.: Passing on Wisdom

 

Doing History

Uncovering history through archives, oral histories, and new perspectives on the past

How Content Will Be Shared

  • Monthly Theme Releases: NETA will curate stations’ content into national collections for broadcast, streaming, and digital engagement.
  • Interactive Media Map & Timeline: Showcasing stories from all 50 states.
  • PBS App & Streaming: Selected content will be available via broadcast, Media Manager, and on an America 250 Fast Channel.

Submission Timeline

  • March 27, 2025: Content submissions open
  • May 1, 2025: Content submission deadline
  • Late Summer 2025: First curated content list for PBS app released; rolling content distribution by monthly theme begins
  • November 2025: Premiere of The American Revolution, A Film By: Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt
  • 2026: Continued content rollout.