PBS Western Reserve presents a collection of stories that are singularly focused on the region that we all call home. Here you can explore the people, places, history and events that make Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania so special.
History
46 Days: The Confessions of Ned Kellogg
This production investigates controversial murder cases of two Kent, Ohio, women more than 70 years ago. Premiered in 2016.
Act of Duty
Northeast Ohio men and women share their stories of battle and how it shaped their lives. Premiered in 2000.
Akron Women: Another Look at History
Celebrating the significant contributions of Akron women to the city's history. Premiered in 2005.
An Answer from Akron
In the 1960s, young African Americans answered the need for affordable housing in Akron. Premiered in 2020.
Ash and Smoke: The Holocaust in Salonika
On the eve of the Holocaust, 56,500 Jewish citizens lived in Salonika, Greece. By December 1944, only three remained. Premiered in 2012.
The Battle for the Right to Vote
This production tells the story of the women’s suffrage movement, weaving in stories of Northeast Ohio leaders and pioneers. Premiered in 2017.
Beyond the Powder: The Legacy of the First Women’s Air Race
Learn the history of the Powder Puff Derby, first held in 1929 and now called the Air Race Classic. Premiered in 2015.
Black College Football Hall of Fame: Journey to Canton
A new hall of fame celebrates the rich legacy of football at historically Black colleges. Premiered in 2021.
Blimp! Sports, Broadcasting and the Goodyear Airship
This production tells the story of the Goodyear blimp from the perspective of sports & broadcasting. Premiered in 2017.
Clyde Singer: An American Artist
This documentary celebrates the centennial birthday year of Ohio artist Clyde Singer. Premiered in 2008.
Country Crush
It's wacky. It's weird. It's the combine demolition derby at the Columbiana County Fair. Premiered in 2010.
Dirty Little Secrets: Foundations From the Past
Geological findings of CSU, UA researchers. Premiered in 2001.
Doris O’Donnell’s Cleveland
Cleveland print reporter Doris O’Donnell beat the pavement and reported the daylights out of a city on the make and on the move. Aired 2007-2009.
Final Edition: Journalism According to Jack and Jim Knight
The two Akron brothers and prominent national figures owned and ran the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper in the 1900s. Premiered in 2009.
Finding Lost Voices: The Archivist’s Role
A University of Akron archivist talks about researching the local World War I production, LOST VOICES OF THE GREAT WAR: SUMMIT COUNTY IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR. Premiered in 2018.
Floating on Air
Lighter-than-air enthusiasts share the fond memories and fascinating history of Akron’s unofficial mascot of the skies. Premiered in 2001.
Flying Turns: Resurrecting a Legend
Follow the resurrection of a wooden bobsled-type roller coaster at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pa. Premiered in 2016.
The Forgotten Dead
This local production sheds light on the history of marginalized Summit County residents. Premiered in 2020.
Generations: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Discover the story of Ohio's only national park. Generations tells the story of the park's natural wonders and the people whose lives have crossed its paths. Premiered in 2009.
Hammer on Steel
The history and heart of steel drum music and its journey from tropical Trinidad to The University of Akron’s music school. Premiered in 2011.
Heart of a Nation: America’s First Ladies
Using the National First Ladies' Library in Canton as its primary resource, the program recalls important moments in first lady history. Premiered in 2000.
A Higher Law: The Oberlin-Wellington Rescue of 1858
Discover an amazing story of courageous abolitionism in Ohio and how it impacted the nation.
If You're Not Dead, Play!
This production documents the second wave of Akron garage bands that continued in the tradition of the Akron sound that began with bands like Devo. Premiered in 2005.
Inventive. Industrious. Inspired. A History of Akron
A look at the people, the businesses and the communities that have made Akron unique. Premiered in 2000.
Invisible Struggles: Stories of Northern Segregation
This documentary offers personal reflections about the racial segregation experiences of Warren, Ohio residents in the 1950s and 1960s. Premiered in 2007.
It’s Everything, and Then It’s Gone
Take a look back at the Akron "garage band" movement of the 1970s and 80s that launched the national careers of several rock bands, including Devo. Premiered in 2003.
Ken Nordine: Video for the Ear
KEN NORDINE: VIDEO FOR THE EAR profiles renowned voice-over and recording artist Ken Nordine. Premiered in 2019.
Lasting Impressions: The Wendell August Forge Story
Discover the history of the famous Wendell August Forge and meet the men and women who pound out their living in aluminum. Premiered in 2000.
Lines Broken: The Story of Marion Motley
Gifted football star Marion Motley was also one of pro football’s first Black players. Premiered in 2021.
Lost Voices of the Great War: Summit County in WWI
Story of Summit County, Ohio residents’ experiences at home and overseas during WWI. Premiered in 2018.
Marauder Men: In Their Own Words
A three-part series about the history and restoration of the World War II aircraft B-26 Marauder.
May 4th Voices
MAY 4TH VOICES is a play that brings together first-person narratives about the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State University. Premiered in 2013.
Memoirs of World War II
Through World War II veterans’ personal accounts of real life during the war, this short-film series honors their sacrifices. Premiered in 2019.
Monumental Devotion: The McKinley National Memorial
Discover personal stories related to the McKinley National Memorial in Canton, Ohio. Premiered in 2022.
A More Perfect Union
A MORE PERFECT UNION discusses congressional bipartisanship using Ralph Regula’s career as an example. Premiered in 2018.
The Ohio and Erie Canal
Explore the Ohio and Erie Canal’s changing legacy to the region and nation. Photo provided by Ian Adams. Premiered in 2022.
Radio Daze: Cleveland’s FM Air Wars
Follow the dramatic rise of Cleveland’s FM rock scene, from its early days to its rise to a billion-dollar entertainment industry. Premiered in 2008.
Ralph Regula: The Gentleman from Ohio
Learn about former Congressman Ralph Regula, who served Ohio’s 16th district for 36 years. Premiered in 2017.
Rebels on Lake Erie
The adventurous exploits of Virginia native John Yates Beall during the Civil War are recounted. Premiered in 2012.
Red Tail Reborn
Rare interviews tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and their efforts to overcome racism. Premiered in 2007.
Reinventing Akron: Stories of a Generation
An exceptional group of Akron men and women, born before the second World War and who reshaped the community over the last 50 years, are profiled. Premiered in 2001.
Ringling, Akron & the ‘Blue Heaven’ Circuit
Discover the role that Akron played in the rebuilding of the Ringling Brothers circus after a horrific 1944 fire. Premiered in 2023.
Road Kid to Writer–The Tracks of Jim Tully
ROAD KID TO WRITER is a biography of Jim Tully—vagabond, boxer and hard-boiled writer. Premiered in 2015.
Séances and Slot Machines: The Story of Brady Lake Park
Trace the history of popular Brady Lake Park, located near Kent, Ohio. Premiered in 2014.
A Simple Life
A SIMPLE LIFE visits the people and the places that populate Holmes County, Ohio, the center of the world's largest Amish population. Premiered in 2002.
The “Sojer Boys” of Portage County
THE “SOJER BOYS” OF PORTAGE COUNTY follows seven young men through the Civil War. Premiered in 2013.
Stark Contrast: A History of Stark County
STARK CONTRAST takes a look at the past, present and future of Stark County. Premiered in 2009.
Stark County Courthouse: 200 Years of History, Community and Justice
Celebrate the rich history of the beautiful Stark County Courthouse in downtown Canton. Premiered in 2021.
Training for Freedom
In 1964, college students and Black activists joined forces in Ohio to fight as one. Premiered in 2022.
Transcending Time—The Story of Potter and Mellen
This documentary features the history of Potter and Mellen, Inc., a landmark metalworking and custom jewelry studio in Cleveland. Premiered in 2005.
A Tree Grows in Washington: The John F. Seiberling Story
Explore Congressman Seiberling's life, character and success in wildlife preservation. Premiered in 2013.
Turn Blue: The Short Life of Ghoulardi
Ernie Anderson was the creator of the unique Cleveland TV character, Ghoulardi. Premiered in 2009.
Under Fire, Under Siege: Strikebreakers in Kent, Ohio
This local production tells of a violent incident that happened during a 1936 strike at Black & Decker Co. in Kent. Premiered in 2021.
Who Shot Rock & Roll: Akron Art Museum
PBS Western Reserve visits a cutting-edge Akron Art Museum exhibit. Premiered in 2010.
The Women Who Helped Win a War
Rosie the Riveters in Akron, Ohio, reminisce about Corsairs, rivet guns, pants and more. Premiered in 2018.
Zoar Levee: To Preserve and Protect
The fate of a historic Ohio village depends on a federal decision regarding a levee. Premiered in 2012.
