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13 Episodes 2024 - 2024
Episode 1
Thu, Feb 1, 2024
Thomas Naegele, Behind Barbed Wire - Artist Thomas Naegele, a German-born war refugee, entered another unexpected chapter in his young life when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. In the midst of the war, with German prisoners of war incarcerated in America, Thomas was assigned to Internment Camp Indianola in Nebraska, to serve as an interpreter. In his free time, he painted scenes depicting everyday life at the prison camp. Experience history through the eyes of this extraordinary artist, where art becomes a window to a poignant past. Dancing in the Dirt - Jami Kment and her teenage daughter, Lexie, share a common love for horses and competition. They form a dynamic duo in the sport of dressage and spend a significant amount of time together traveling the country to compete in United States Dressage. They share similar aspirations: to compete in the Olympics. Shadows on the Screen - A filmmaker returns to his hometown of Grand Island and discovers rare footage of the town from the 20's, 30's and 50's. He hosts a premiere at the Grand Theatre in Grand Island, revealing the newly restore footage featuring rare scenes of everyday life.
Episode 2
Thu, Feb 8, 2024
Little Church of Keystone - There may be more ornate churches in Nebraska, but none compare to the unique quality of the 'Little Church' in Keystone. The simple board-and-batten building, trimmed in white, served as a place of worship for two faiths. Opened in 1908 with a grand dedication, the church features a Lutheran lectern on one end and a Catholic altar on the other. The church pews are hinged, allowing congregants and parishioners to face the appropriate direction of the service. It is the only known combined church in the state. The Curious Tale of Jenner's Park - Professor William Stoutamire and his student, Logan Osmera, team up to unravel the mysteries of Jenner's Park in Loup City, Nebraska. In the early 20th century, brothers Henry and Bob Jenner put Loup City on the map with their amusement park of rides, wild animals and an exotic museum filled with mummies and assorted curiosities from around the world. Since closing in the 1940s, the park and the brothers have become the topic of tall tales and country lore, but Professor Stoutamire and Logan are on a mission to separate fact from fiction and uncover the hidden truths of Jenner's Park. Nebraska's Ellis Island - During its earliest days, cattlemen drove their longhorns to Omaha where they loaded their livestock onto Union Pacific train cars bound for markets in the east. Within thirty years, four major meat packing plants were operating at the South Omaha Stockyards and eventually overtook Chicago as the nation's largest livestock market. The Crane Carver - At age 74, retired farmer Gene Gustafson took up wood carving and became known for his hand-carved Sandhill Cranes. Gene lived near the Platte River his entire life and over the course of twenty years, he whittled an estimated 500 birds.
Episode 3
Thu, Feb 15, 2024
A Century of Gridiron Glory - Lincoln is home to a college football cathedral. For one hundred years, Memorial Stadium has been the heart of Husker football. The origins of this revered landmark are rooted in post-World War I America when the public was resolute in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. Step back in time to learn what it took to build this Nebraska icon. Cornhusking, Harvesting Heritage - Before farming became mechanized, picking corn by hand and pitching ears into a horse-drawn wagon was how harvesting was done. In the late 19th century, local contests were held to determine the best corn picker in the community. By the 1930s, hand corn husking became the fastest-growing sport in America, drawing over 100,000 spectators at national contests. Nebraska is one of nine states still hosting competitions. Join us in the field to follow competitors at the Nebraska State Hand Cornhusking Contest held at the Stuhr Museum. Feeding the Soul - A portrait of Shahab Bashar, a Yazidi refugee from Iraq who helps his fellow immigrants and refugees from Iraq and other mostly Arabic countries adjust to life in the US. Part of the adaptation is built around maintaining ties to the rich culture they left behind while embracing new, more American traditions. Food is a cultural touchstone to their homeland... with a direct connection between the soul and the soil. Kool-Aid, Oh Yeah. - From Hastings to the world, discover the truly sweet origin story of Nebraska's official soft drink, Kool-Aid. Hastings entrepreneur Edwin Perkins invented the colorful drink in 1927 and engineered an innovative marketing campaign that brought the beverage to the entire country, eventually turning it into an international pop culture sensation, with clothing, toys, and action figures sporting the iconic Kool-Aid brand.
Episode 4
Thu, Feb 22, 2024
Running Down a Dream - Bellevue middle schooler Jaiya Patillo gained social media fame with a video showcasing her impressive running skills, hitting 17 mph on a treadmill at just 12 years old. Now, she's not only competing against, but beating college track athletes in the 400 meters. Jaiya has already secured the title of national champion, with the fastest time recorded in all AAU Amateur Athletic Union divisions. With a growing following and garnering national attention, Jaiya is on the fast track to success, clinching junior championships and setting her sights on the Olympics. William Henry Jackson: An Eye for History - William Henry Jackson was one of the most prolific American artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He personally witnessed and recorded the expansion of the American West in thousands of photographs and in hundreds of drawings and paintings. His images conveyed the breathtaking beauty and unique natural features of the wilderness, convincing Congress to preserve Yellowstone. It became the nation's first national park in 1872. Today, the Oregon Trail Museum at Scotts Bluff National Monument holds the largest collection of William Henry Jackson paintings in the world. Park visitors can immerse themselves in Jackson's vibrant tapestry of American western history as seen through the eyes of an intrepid explorer and pioneer in American art and photography. Splitting Records - Seward native Jesse Rood realized a childhood dream when he became a firefighter at the Nebraska Air Guard Base; however, this was just the beginning. A chance encounter sparked a new passion for him-axe throwing-and ignited a quest to set a World Record. Leonard Knight: before Salvation Mountain - In the mid-1980s, Leonard Knight was on his way to California when his camper van broke down on I-80 near Shelton, Nebraska. His intention was to stay for three hours, but he stayed for more than three years. In that time, the rural community adopted him and helped him realize his dream of sewing a multi-colored hot air balloon that spread his message of faith. Leonard Knight is the artist who's known for creating Salvation Mountain in California, but the story of his time in Nebraska has never been told.
Episode 5
Thu, Mar 14, 2024
The Relic Hunter - Pete Peters was a young boy when he first visited an old trail outpost called Alkali Station. It was a stopping point on the Oregon Trail and though it was just a grassy pasture, the wagon ruts and the outline of the old post remained visible ...as they still are today. Over Pete's lifetime, he saw the Overland Trail evolve into the interstate highway system that still moves people from east to west and back again. Over the years, Pete amassed a collection of bottles, guns, arrowheads, and other things travelers left along the trail. We dig into the historic trail's history with a man who's spent his entire life living near it. Rockin' Down the Highway - If you feel the need. The need for speed. We are profiling the life of Nebraska businessman 'Speedy' Bill Smith of Speedway Motors and taking a tour of the museum he founded - The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. We'll see some of the fastest cars in the world and feature a selection of the more notable artifacts in the museum's 28,000 piece collection. The Ultimate Husker Fan - Steve Harley may be the ultimate Husker fan. Since 1969, he's created a scrapbook for every season of Husker football. That's 700 pounds of memories. The KISS Collector - There are fans, and then there are super fans. Dennis Michalski of York has loved the rock band KISS since he was a child. Now, as a father and grandfather, his home is covered in KISS memorabilia. From KISS clothing to lunch boxes, leather jackets, guitars and even a KISS toothbrush, Dennis keeps collecting anything that has to do with his favorite band. He loves KISS music and he lives for KISS memorabilia. Too Many Things - If you're a collector of extraordinary things, deciding what to keep and what to throw away is a challenge. But for a woman living in Omaha's Old Market, it was easy - she just kept it all. And now the hard decisions are in her daughter's hands.
Episode 6
Thu, Mar 21, 2024
Pouring Perfection - In a world where 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day an Omaha man is on a mission to be the best barista on earth. He's already a national champion and placed 4th in international competition. His name is Isaiah Sheese and he's a rock star in the world of specialty coffee. Quote Dad's Number, Daughter's Game - In the late 1980s, Vada Murray, a safety for the Michigan Wolverines, wore number 27 under the coaching of the legendary Bo Schembechler. Sadly, Vada lost his two-year battle with cancer in 2011. In honor of her father, Nebraska Volleyball's Harper Murray wears the number 27 and even has a tattoo of the number on her finger. Every time Harper steps onto the court, it's a heartfelt tribute to their beloved father. The Animal Whisperer - A portrait of animal communicator, Cindy Downing of Papillion, who volunteers with area animal nonprofits to help resolve questions about animals in their care. We follow Downing as she works with an injured bald eagle at the Raptor Conservation Alliance in Elmwood; a kind, retired racehorse near Davey; and a pair of opinionated dogs in Bellevue.
Episode 7
Thu, Mar 28, 2024
Willa Goes to Washington - A 7-foot bronze statue of writer Willa Cather is now on display at the US Capitol, one of two statues representing Nebraska in the National Statuary Hall collection. We see the dramatic unveiling, speak with sculptor Littleton Alston, who created the work, and explore Cather's long journey from a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who created a new vision of the American frontier to a towering statue on display for the world to see at the US Capitol. Love and Football - Memorial Stadium's ability to connect goes beyond the playing field. Husband and wife Denny and Joyce Korinek bonded over their shared love of Husker football and the stadium itself during their first meeting. Even though the couple now resides in Florida, the dedicated fans travel back for every Husker home game to sit in stadium seats that have been in Joyce's family for 90 years. In the Deed and the Glory. A Story Set in Stone - Ninety-four-year-old twin brothers Howard and Harvey Kenfield have been avid collectors of fossils, arrowheads, and petrified wood since the 1950s. For 50 years, the twins created intricate sculptures out of petrified wood that are all on display at their gallery in Ogallala. These soft-spoken twins will charm you and their art will wow you. Cosmic Films - Teenager Bill Hedges was a projectionist at the Lyons' movie theater. When the theater closed, the longtime Lyons resident bought the old building and converted into his own sci-fi movie studio. It's outta this world.
Episode 8
Thu, Apr 4, 2024
Land of My Fathers - Arthur Jones, a Nebraska transplant from Michigan, finds the community of Wymore, Nebraska and learns about the history of the people and the town, and the parallels between his own journey and those that came from Wales to Wymore. Akiho Scores Kaneko - Grammy nominated composer Andy Akiho creates a groundbreaking orchestral work commissioned by the Omaha Symphony in honor of husband-and-wife artists Ree and Jun Kaneko. Akiho uses Kaneko's sculptures not only as inspiration for the work but also as musical instruments that are 'played' during the performance. The Girl from Broken Bow - Sometimes a family treasure requires detective work. We follow a young woman as she finds a surprising story behind a homestead portrait taken by sod house photographer Solomon Butcher.
Episode 9
Thu, Apr 11, 2024
Masquerade- In the 1940s and 50s, Nebraska artist Doane Powell created a series of strange and wonderful masks. As a former cartoonist for the Omaha Bee, Powell eventually moved to New York City and shifted his focus from drawing faces to sculpting them with layers of craft paper and adhesive, creating exaggerated caricatures and realistic likenesses of famous figures. From Clark Gable to Mae West to Hitler, the masks range from playful to a bit spooky. After years of neglect, many of Powell's masks have been restored and are now in the collection of the History Nebraska Museum. Football Fashion - Josh Sperle says it was growing up in Texas that spurred his passion for football and now, the Nebraska transplant has funneled that energy into his small business, Hide Park Apparel. The young entrepreneur recycles game-used footballs to make his unique hats. D-Wayne - Meet D-Wayne, a young man who turned a love of beatboxing into a full-fledged career. We follow the Lincoln vocal entrepreneur as he seamlessly transitions his talent into a high-energy MC and media personality. Les Vilda - Since 2007, Les Vilda has been running for president of the United States. Even though he rarely earns any votes, his unique campaign style earns smiles and cheers from his supporters and that's enough to keep him looking forward to the next election.
Episode 10
Thu, Apr 18, 2024
Time and the River - A beautiful visual montage of the four seasons along the Platte River created from photographs taken by the Platte River Basin Timelapse project and featuring commissioned chamber music by Kurt Knecht, a composer from Kansas City, Missouri. Inside Robber's Cave - The subject of speculation, myth, and rumors, Robbers Cave has long been a popular site for clandestine meetings, romantic interludes, and curious explorers. We venture underground with author Joel Green to learn the curious history of one of Lincoln's most timeless relics. Sowbelly Canyon - A Pine Ridge paradise located near the town of Harrison, Sowbelly Canyon has experienced a number of natural disasters in the past decade including a major flood in 2015. Explore this little known treasure and meet the people who are working to preserve this oasis for all to enjoy. Wildcat Hills - In a state known for its flat land, the Wildcat Hills in western Nebraska provides a dramatic alternative. The landscape is a unique co-existence of prairie and mountain ecosystems, featuring beautiful rolling hills, rocky formations and habitats for unique plant and animal species. A local rangeland ecologist takes us on a walk in the wild lands of the Wildcat Hills.
Episode 11
Thu, Apr 25, 2024
A Place to Be Ourselves - Second-grade teacher and mom, Adeline Johnson, has a disabled teen daughter who, like all teens, wanted a place to hang out with friends. When Adeline discovered daycares in her community do not typically take children over the age of 12, the busy mom got a little busier when she decided to create a community nonprofit in her very limited spare time. She created Our Place, an innovative non-profit where teens with disabilities can come after school to further their academic studies and learn social and life skills. It's the first nonprofit of its kind in Nebraska. Pint-Sized Justice - Established in 1914 and operational until 1961, Arthur boasts what Ripley's 'Believe it or Not' recognized as the smallest courthouse in the world. The 26 by 28-foot courthouse showcases distinctive artifacts dating back to the 1920s. A tiny jail was constructed a year later using two by fours, comprised of two rooms and a solitary confinement cell. Nebraska Star Party - It's a celestial celebration like no other in the country. The 25th year of the Nebraska Star Party welcomed people from all over the country to Merritt Reservoir, a certified International Dark Sky Park. Located in rural Valentine, young and old, novices and veteran stargazers gathered to witness the night sky as it was seen before the invention of the lightbulb. Kearney Goes to War Kearney - During World War II, thousands of people came to Kearney for training before leaving for combat in Europe and the Pacific. The Kearney Army Airfield, a nearly forgotten airfield built in 1942, served as the base for this war effort. Kearney was forever changed by the influx of military personnel and played an important role in Nebraska's contribution to the war effort.
Episode 12
Thu, May 2, 2024
Volleyball Day, Smashing Barriers - Nebraska set a new world-record attendance mark for women's sports as 92,000 people gathered in Memorial Stadium to experienced Volleyball Day in Nebraska and 518,00 viewers tuned in around the world. Relive the thrill of this monumental event and hear why it changed the landscape of women's sports and the enduring impact it will leave for generations to come. We also celebrate the Huskers trip to the final four in Tampa, Florida as the sunshine state was taken over by a sea of red. Behind the Seams - Featuring everything from soldier uniforms and Elvis suits to animal costumes and vintage shoes, the Costume Library at Nebraska Wesleyan University boasts around 50,000 items, making it the largest collection of costumes in the area. Discover the Costume Library at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where actors of all ages and anyone dressing up for fun can find the perfect attire for any occasion. Duck Pin Bowling - The village of Potter proudly claims the title of the 'Home of the Tin Roof Sundae,' it's also where locals still enjoy spirited rounds of duck pin bowling. Located along I-80, this charming community is a convenient stop for both inquisitive and hungry travelers. Seed Warriors - Members of the Pawnee Nation united with Nebraska farmers to preserve the tribe's ancestral corn. Sacred to their heritage, the corn can be traced back to when the Pawnee were expelled from their homeland in 1877. They carried their prized seeds from Nebraska to Indian Territory Oklahoma, but the corn wouldn't grow in Oklahoma. Set aside for years, the corn was on the verge of extinction until an unexpected friendship created an opportunity for the Pawnee to grow their corn once again in Nebraska.
Episode 13
Thu, May 9, 2024
Science Fun Factory - Omaha's newest cultural gem, the Kiewit Luminarium, aims to spark curiosity in STEM careers among young visitors. The 82,000-square-foot museum sits along the Missouri River and features more than 120 exhibits that blend science, math, and technology with art, music, and local culture. Volleyball Goes Supernova - The first professional volleyball league in the US debuted earlier this year with 7 franchises across the country, including one based in Nebraska's largest city. The Omaha Supernovas include a powerful roster, including several former Husker players who've been playing overseas and now, for the first time, are getting a chance to play professional volleyball in their home country. Artist in Exile - In her own words, exiled Sri Lankan and human rights advocate Sharmila Seyyid shares her journey of escaping political persecution and rebuilding her life in the United States, following death threats in her homeland. D-Day and The Oldfield Effect - During World War II, US Army press officer and Nebraskan, Barney Oldfield, enlisted the help of journalists to accompany troops during the D-Day invasion of France. Among these embedded war correspondents was Bob Reuben from Omaha, of Reuters news agency. Reuben made history as the first journalist to land with troops in Normandy and to file a news report with a Normandy dateline. His report was transmitted via carrier pigeon to Barney Oldfield, who was stationed 150 miles away. Lloyd McCarter and The Honky Tonk Revival - 'Raised in the poetry of old time twang,' Lloyd McCarter has been immersed in traditional country music his entire life. His parents hailed from musical families, setting McCarter's destiny in motion early. Now with his own band, 'Lloyd McCarter and The Honky Tonk Revival,' McCarter and the other veteran musicians in this group are dedicated to sharing the true and unmistakable sound of old-time country. We hear about McCarter's musical influences, followed by a performance in the Ron Hull Studio by the band of their honky-tonk original, 'Who's Going to Drive My Pick-up.'