NETA Launches Public Media Making History at 250 to Celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial

In collaboration with public media stations nationwide 

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, public media stations are uniting to launch Public Media Making History at 250, a national storytelling initiative that honors the American journey through the voices of local communities.

This collaborative project brings together public media stations from across the country to spotlight the people, places, and moments that continue to shape the nation’s identity—past, present, and future. Through a rich tapestry of original documentaries, digital series, archival programs, and educational resources, the initiative invites audiences to explore untold local histories and rediscover national narratives.

Public Media Making History at 250 is organized around five compelling themes, drawn from the Making History at 250 Field Guide, developed by the American Association for State and Local History:

• Doing History – Uncovering the past through archives, oral histories, and new perspectives.
• American Experiment – Exploring democracy, civic engagement, and the evolution of American institutions.
• We the People – Celebrating citizenship, identity, and the diverse voices that define America.
• Power of Place – Examining how geography, environment, and communities shape history.
• Unfinished Revolutions – Highlighting movements for social, political, and economic change.

Audiences can engage with the project through an interactive timeline and map, and watch featured content via their local PBS station and the PBS app.

“Public Media Making History at 250 is more than a commemoration—it’s a living archive of the American experience,” said Eric Hyyppa, president of NETA. “By amplifying local voices and connecting them to national narratives, we’re creating a shared space for reflection, learning, and inspiration.”

The initiative is presented by NETA and supported by public media organizations committed to sharing stories of everyday and exceptional Americans that have shaped our nation throughout our history.  

For more information, visit publicmedia250.org.