WNED PBS’s New Digital Series Examines History Untold
WNED PBS has launched a new digital series that features a time traveling middle school history teacher Cory McCants, who travels back in time to learn more about the people and places (the untold stories) that have helped to shape history. McCants uses his “time portal” in Western New York to see how regional events have helped to change the face of the country.
Each episode will feature a :90 “Archive Adventure” that students and families can do at home. The videos, and associated educational resources, will be uploaded to PBS LearningMedia.
The Compact History series not only discusses key players that lived in this region, and how they impacted the world, it also teaches young people the power that each of us wields, and that we can all affect significant change if we challenge ourselves to do so.
Compact History provides viewers with a sense of place, so that they can feel proud of WNY because of the people who have made their marks throughout history.
The free platform for educators allows for download and use and has a national reach of 1.8 million educators and over 30 million students.
Series segments include:
- The influence of the Haudenosaunee confederacy on the U.S. Constitution
- The Underground Railroad activity that brought Harriet Tubman across Niagara Falls and transformed St. Catharines, Ontario
- How Westward Expansion sparked a fight over fossils known as “the Bone Wars”
- How immigration impacted steel production in Buffalo and shaped Lackawanna
“By discussing diverse and obscure histories and the through-line that keeps them relevant, students will come away from ‘Compact History’ recognizing their place in living history,” said BTPM’s Vice President of Original Content Creation Lynne Bader. “They will also see the power of individuals, including themselves, to make their mark on the world.”
Episodes will be available on PBS LearningMedia, wned.org, and the Buffalo Toronto Public Media YouTube channel. Three are available to watch now!
Funding for this series was provided in part by the New York State Education Department.