Documentaries

Explores the power and the legacy of great ideas.

Exploring the life and work of writer and publisher, scientist and inventor, diplomat and signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution: Benjamin Franklin.

Explores America's response to the Holocaust, and how it challenged the ideals of democracy.

The documentary-series examines Ulysses S. Grant's life story using his perspective and experiences to explore a turbulent time in history: the Civil War and Reconstruction.

The story of the most important American exploration expedition in American history and the participants in it.

Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 made headlines across the world sparking a global frenzy for Ancient Egypt. But over the decades since the find, many of the pharaoh's priceless grave goods have disappeared into museum basements and archives across Egypt. Now all 5,398 objects are being reunited for the first time since their discovery at the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Many have never been seen before but together they shed new light on the short, eventful life of the so-called 'Boy King' and are now helping experts realize the sheer scale of Tutankhamun's influence in the ancient world.

Meet Nikola Tesla, the genius engineer and tireless inventor whose technology revolutionized the electrical age of the 20th century.

A commemoration of the Civil War for the 150th anniversary.

An examination of how President Abraham Lincoln used contemporary telecommunications to his maximum advantage in the American Civil War.

Johnny Cash guides us through the history of the great American railways, while performing some of his most famous train-related songs.

The connections between JK Rowling's mythical Fantastic Beasts creatures and real animals that have roamed Earth.

Red Tail Angels is a three-part documentary series on the formation, early years, contributions, and legacy of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Featuring interviews with historians, pilots, and many of the Tuskegee Airmen themselves.

A conversation between a boy and his great-grandfather, an Auschwitz survivor, is woven with historical footage and animation to tell a heartbreaking story of Jewish life in Eastern Europe, sharing lessons from the Holocaust with a new generation.

Inspired by David Blight's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.

Discover how a man born into slavery became one of the nation's most influential leaders.

The story of the American activist struggle against the influence of alcohol, climaxing in the failed early 20th century nationwide era when it was banned.

Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim follows Al Gore on the lecture circuit, as the former presidential candidate campaigns to raise public awareness of the dangers of global warming and calls for immediate action to curb its destructive effects on the environment.

A documentary exploring the roots of Mary Shelley's tale of the Frankenstein Monster.

Mary Shelley created a monster in 1818, and writers, actors and filmmakers haven't been able to get enough of it ever since. The history of the creature on and off the screen includes clips from Thomas Edison's 1910 filmization to Kenneth Branagh's 1994 treatment, plus interviews with Robert De Niro, Mel Brooks, Roger Corman and others. Hosted by Roger Moore; narrated by Eli Wallach.

Documentary on the 1838 Cherokee removal from the southeastern United States, dubbed the "Trail of Tears."

An exploration of our discovery of the laws of nature and coordinates in space and time.

A comprehensive survey of the American Civil War.

Stephen Ives' "The West" is a PBS 4-Video Series co-produced by Ken Burns: - "Death Runs Riot" 85 min. - "Fight No More Forever" 85 min. - "Ghost Dance" 58 min. - "The People" 82 min.