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History

Whether we are telling stories of slavery and war or charting our shared experiences of summer through popular song, WGBH creates programs that help us all identify with the events and figures that molded our present. Understanding our history gives us the power to learn from our mistakes, appreciate our successes, and act thoughtfully in our complex present.

American Experience

Television's most-watched history series, American Experience has been hailed as "peerless" (Wall Street Journal), "the most consistently enriching program on television" (Chicago Tribune), and "a beacon of intelligence and purpose" (Houston Chronicle). On air and online, the series brings to life the incredible characters and epic stories that have shaped America's past and present.

WORLD Channel

WORLD is a 24/7, full service multicast channel featuring public television’s signature nonfiction documentary, science and news programming complemented by original content from emerging producers. Programs for WORLD include series America ReFramed, Doc World, Local, USA, Stories from the Stage, and other programming unique to the channel featuring a number of topical, timely special reports and productions.

Reckoning + Repair

One of our nation’s most urgent and unanswered questions is around the topic of reparative justice, exploring America’s struggle to come to grips with its true history. “Reckoning + Repair” is an organization-wide GBH initiative that will investigate the historical record and the discussion now underway in Boston and across the nation about reparations.

GBH History and Timeline

Learn about GBH's history as a public media powerhouse serving New England, the nation, and the world with educational content that informs, inspires, and entertains.

GBH Archives

GBH has been on the front lines of history for nearly seven decades. The station went on the air with a radio broadcast of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in October of 1951, and broadcast its first television program, “Come and See,” in May of 1955. The GBH Media Library and Archives ensures the long-term preservation and access to GBH’s vast archive of programming and original materials. The MLA makes GBH’s historic materials accessible to producers, scholars, researchers, educators, students, lifelong learners and the public. 

Celebrating Native American Heritage

GBH is committed to inclusion and representation in media. Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures and invaluable contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native people by viewing this special collection of films and programs.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Cultural Heritage Month

Resilience, ingenuity, creativity. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have enriched American history, society and culture and are instrumental to our past, present and future. We celebrate the wide array of values, beliefs and traditions and AAPI communities' extraordinary impact on our national identity. 

Celebrating Black History

Black history is American history, it honors our past, present and future. GBH is committed to sharing diverse and inclusive programs this month—and every month—that explore the Black experience. We celebrate Black achievements in history, art, science, music, culture and more. Deepen your understanding of race in America by streaming these films and programs. 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

Every day, GBH is committed to presenting stories that represent the diverse experiences of all Americans. All year-round, we’re proud to celebrate the vibrant cultures, art and history of Hispanic Americans. GBH also recognizes the achievements of non-Spanish speaking Latina/e/o/x actors, musicians, educators and more. Each story adds a distinct and dynamic perspective to our country’s shared history.