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US History | October 2026

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by Mark Lasswell • Published on
United States History graphic featuring an American flag and illustrated scenes spanning Indigenous life, early America, railroads, and modern cities.
Programming

Keep the celebration of America’s 250th birthday going with these absorbing history specials.  

American Experience

Painting of a man in a hat and bow tie in a bank, talking to another man with glasses. Several people are in the background.

American Experience #1807

Jesse James

Tuesday, 10/13/2026 @ 8:00 PM

The story of Jesse James remains one of America's most cherished tales...and one of its most fictitious. With a life steeped in violence and bloodshed, America's Robin Hood robbed the poor and rich alike, though his victims were almost always unarmed.

Woman in cowboy hat with medals on her shirt, holding a rifle, standing against a painted backdrop.

American Experience

Annie Oakley

Tuesday, 10/20/2026 @ 8:00 PM

Meet the Ohio sharpshooter who won fame and fortune in a man's world for never missing a shot. Born into poverty, the self-taught Oakley picked up a gun at age 15 not to become a superstar, but to save her family from destitution.

Single Episode Programs

Historic marker in front of the Maryland State House with columns and trees in the background.

A Nation Begins: The Maryland Statehouse at 250

Saturday, 10/3/2026 @ 9:00 PM

A NATION BEGINS: THE MARYLAND STATEHOUSE AT 250 uses Annapolis's iconic capitol--the oldest in continuous legislative use and the only one to have served as the nation's capitol--to explore Maryland's, and America's, ongoing pursuit of the Founders' promise. Framed by present-day scenes, the program traces the State House's storied past through its architecture, artifacts and artwork, revealing how revolutionaries, visionaries and everyday Marylanders shaped milestones in the national journey toward a more perfect union.

Illustration of the Underground Railroad in Metamora with historical figures, buildings, and people in period clothing.

The Underground Railroad in Metamora

Monday, 10/5/2026 @ 8:00 PM

The involvement of Metamora, Illinois and its surrounding community in the Underground Railroad is a significant, yet largely unknown, aspect of central Illinois history. Prior to assuming the presidency, Abraham Lincoln defended local “conductors” from Metamora. This issue ultimately pitted neighbors versus neighbors and the potential for financial gain from capturing Freedom Seekers made Metamora a dangerous place. This documentary aims to preserve the stories of Metamora’s crucial role during this contentious period in American history for future generations.

Black and white portrait of a stern-looking man in a 19th-century suit, seated against a plain backdrop.

In Pursuit of the Right Course: Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States

Monday, 10/19/2026 @ 8:00 PM

This feature documentary reappraises one of America's most misrepresented presidencies. Using primary sources--letters, congressional records, contemporary accounts and documents confined to scholarly study--it argues Andrew Johnson has been distorted by a historical consensus shaped more by political narrative than the documentary record.

Two men working on a model of the Statue of Liberty inside a workshop with blueprints and a candle on the table.

Secrets of the Dead #2306

Raising Lady Liberty

Wednesday, 10/21/2026 @ 9:00 PM

With unseen documents and new sources, witness the story of how two countries came together to produce one of history's greatest monuments.

Crowd gathered near the Washington Monument, surrounded by trees and tents, with overcast sky.

In Pursuit: Lessons of American Leadership

Tuesday, 10/27/2026 @ 9:00 PM

Based on More Perfect's groundbreaking IN PURSUIT project, Retro Report brings leadership lessons learned from presidents and first ladies vividly to life, weaving together new voices, archival material and documentary storytelling to honor America's 250th birthday.