1836: It started with a bequest. John Lowell Jr. creates free public lectures for the benefit of the citizens of Boston. Later, the Lowell Institute forms a cooperative venture with universities to broadcast its lecture series.
For over 75 years, GBH has informed, inspired, and impacted the world with groundbreaking content. Discover our legacy of innovation and community service.
1950s
WGBH is on the air! For the first time, live Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts and educational television, including Lowell lectures, are broadcast.
1960s
Julia Child becomes a star, teaching French cuisine to home cooks across the country, GBH wins our first Academy Award, and WGBH TV is now in brilliant color.
1970s
WGBH changed media history by launching captioned television for viewers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. And created hit shows This Old House and ZOOM while introducing jazz to the airwaves with Eric in the Evening.
1980s
Hallmark national television series premiere including investigative journalism on FRONTLINE, history on AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, and Mystery! on MASTERPIECE. Brian O’Donovan debuts A Celtic Sojourn.
1990s
ARTHUR is here and it’s a beautiful kind of day. ZOOM returns with the next generation and Ken Burns becomes a household name.
2000s
Science finds a home in NOVA Science Now. Fetch with Ruff Ruffman features real kids facing real challenges. Radio news coverage gets expanded with the debut of the WGBH 89.7 newsroom and WCAI on the Cape and Islands. We also acquire 99.5 WCRB classical radio.
2010s
Online kids’ games are launched and educational content grows on PBS LearningMedia, reaching thousands of teachers. The nation falls in love with MASTERPIECE’s Downton Abbey.
2020s
GBH drops the W. FRONTLINE wins an Oscar. Arthur’s fist meme goes viral with the loss of federal funding. GBH merges with NEPM, grows membership like never before, and celebrates its 75th anniversary.