Arkansas PBS programming celebrates heritage in October

Sept. 29, 2025

‘From the Archives’ series showcases state’s history, culture

CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS brings back original local productions in October, featuring programs that celebrate Arkansas’s heritage in our “From the Archives” series every Thursday at 7 p.m. These stories and more can be watched anytime on demand at watch.myarkansaspbs.org.

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 2, the schedule will include:

  • “City of Visitors: The Story of Hot Springs” – Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.
    Hot Springs has undergone decades of struggle over its moral and civic identity. Told through the eyes of local historians, journalists and those who grew up in Hot Springs, “City of Visitors: The Story of Hot Springs” provides a snapshot of the transformations that took place across the southern United States after World War II.
  • “Steel Rails of Arkansas” – Oct. 9, at 7 p.m.
    Arkansas has more than 2,700 miles of railroad track operated by 20 different railroads, making rail transportation a significant part of the state’s history, heritage, and economy. “Steel Rails in Arkansas” explores the railroads of Arkansas, featuring trains in action, restored railroad depots, train shows, and miniature train layouts.
  • “Clean Lines, Open Spaces” – Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
    The film focuses on the construction boom in the United States after World War II. Sometimes considered cold and unattractive, mid-century modern designs were a by-product of post-war optimism and reflected a nation’s dedication to building a new future. This new architecture utilized modern materials, including reinforced concrete, glass, and steel, and was characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and unornamented facades.
  • “Once Upon a Time in Arkansas” – Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.
    Arkansas’s culture blends sharecroppers’ stories, myths of the Wild West and tall tales from the deepest hollers. What power does storytelling hold, and what does it mean for our state? Dive into a unique catalog of Arkansans’ folklore – and see how it shaped the way we view ourselves and the South.
  • “Hauntings of Arkansas: A Special Edition of Exploring Arkansas” – Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. 
    Some of Arkansas’s most notorious and scariest places are featured in this special edition of “Exploring Arkansas.” Visit “haunted” places – the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, the Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs, the Allen House in Monticello, the King Opera House in Van Buren, the Peel Mansion in Bentonville and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock. 

The full schedule is available at myarpbs.org/schedule.

For nearly 60 years, Arkansas PBS has celebrated Arkansas, its people and its history through telling local stories. More inspiring Arkansas stories are available anytime at myarpbs.org/ondemand.

About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Lee Mountain), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Yancy) and KETS (Gaither).
 

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