History

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, produced, and programmed at GBH, is public media’s premier platform for diverse documentaries and storytelling, helping audiences understand the issues, conflicts, movements, and cultures around the globe. WORLD, carried by over 200 member stations in markets representing 77% of U.S. television households, is devoted to telling stories from historically excluded voices and humanizing complex issues. Award-winning series include America ReFramed, Doc World, Local, USA, Stories from the Stage, and other topical, timely special reports and productions.

Reckoning + Repair is a GBH-wide initiative that investigates the historical record and the discussions in Boston and across the nation about reparations. The aim, across varied platforms and programs, is to help listeners, viewers, and readers understand the nuance, debate, ambiguity, and possible action resulting from the legacy of slavery in the United States.

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

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. 

GBH is committed to inclusion and representation in media and celebrates the rich and diverse cultures and invaluable contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native people by curating this special collection of films and programs. GBH’s Land Acknowledgment and Commitment to Actions commits the organization to support Native and Indigenous peoples’ voices, history, and stories with dignity; bring visibility to Native and Indigenous issues and concerns by including Native and Indigenous voices in the work we do; and challenge colonialist narratives that have shaped the way history has been taught.

Resilience, ingenuity, creativity. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, 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 AANHPI communities' extraordinary impact on our national identity.

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.

All year-round, GBH is 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.

GBH celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month with engaging content and educational resources that highlight the LGBTQ+ community. All year long, we honor the people who work to forge a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable society. GBH is deeply grateful to LGBTQ+ individuals who strengthen our country by sharing their stories. Explore our streaming films, broadcast schedule, educational resources, and learn about Prism, our LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.