American Experience | Official Site

Henry Ford | Article

Remembering Ford

Employees share stories, ranging from the factory floor to the hiring office, that illuminate the Henry Ford years in Detroit, Michigan.

Reagan | Primary Source

One year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, President Ronald Reagan dedicated Breakthrough, a structure sculpted from eight sections of the Berlin Wall, as the centerpiece of the Westminster College Cold War Memorial.

Film

The Race Underground

Learn how Boston overcame a litany of challenges, the greed-driven interests of businessmen, and the great fears of its citizenry to create America’s first subway.

Film

Nazi Town, USA

Nazi Town, USA tells the unknown story of the German American Bund, a 1930s pro-Nazi group with chapters in suburbs and big cities across the country. Many believe the Bund represented a real threat of fascist subversion in the U.S.

Film

Jubilee Singers: Sacrifice and Glory

In the chaotic decade following the Civil War, a group of young ex-slaves in Nashville, Tennessee, set out on a mission to save their financially troubled school by giving concerts.

Film

Fly With Me (español)

La historia de las mujeres pioneras que cambiaron el mundo mientras lo recorrían volando. Aunque les criticaron su feminismo, las “azafatas”, como se les llamaba, estuvieron a la vanguardia de la lucha por garantizar la igualdad de género y transformar los lugares de trabajo.

The Poison Squad | Article

“Gloom and Horror Unrelieved”

He couldn’t find a publisher for his sensational expose of one of America’s most powerful industries. Then one young editor decided to take a chance. The rest is food-safety history.

Murder of a President | Article

The Garfield Children

James and Lucretia Garfield had seven children, five of whom survived into adulthood to make a lasting impact on their country.

Secrets of a Master Builder | Article

Andrew Carnegie, 1835-1919

Carnegie spent a large portion of his wealth setting up more than 2,500 public libraries and supporting universities and colleges, his main philanthropic priorities. By the time of his death in 1919, the handloom weaver's son had given away $350 million.

Film

MacArthur

No soldier in modern history has been more admired — or more reviled. Douglas MacArthur, liberator of the Philippines, shogun of occupied Japan, mastermind of the Inchon invasion, was an admired national hero when he was suddenly relieved of his command. A portrait of a complex, imposing and fascinating American general.

Film

Reagan

A passionate ideologue who preached a simple gospel of lower taxes, less government, and anti-communism, Ronald Reagan left the White House one of the most popular presidents of the 20th century — and one of the most controversial.

Eyes on the Prize | Article

Groups During the American Civil Rights Movement

Read descriptions of the different groups involved during the civil rights movement.

America 1900 | Article

Notable People: Military/Government Officials and Politicians

Read about some notable politicians and officials from this time period.

Film

Mr. Polaroid

Before the iPhone, the Polaroid camera let people instantly chronicle their lives. Along with instant photo mania, its company culture became the model for Silicon Valley. Mr. Polaroid is the story of Edwin Land, the man behind the camera.

Film

God in America

Inside the tumultuous 400-year history of the intersection of religion and public life in America — from AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and FRONTLINE. This six-hour series examines how religious dissidents helped shape the American concept of religious liberty and the controversial evolution of that ideal in the nation's courts and political arena.