Storytelling - PBS Wisconsin

Wisconsin Lighthouses explores the history of lighthouses in the state, their idyllic settings, unique architecture, the people who tended to these lifesaving buildings, and the light they still shine on a bygone era.

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Artwork created for the Illuminating Cana Island project by Caldecott award-winning illustrator/author of Hello Lighthouse, Sophie Blackall.

PBS Wisconsin Wisconsin's interactive producers and designers developed the film's interactive complement, Wisconsin Lighthouses: Illuminating Cana Island. This 3D feature on our website allows digital “visitors” to explore the Cana Island Lighthouse both inside and out.

We welcomed more than 250 community members for a free preview screening of the documentary in Manitowoc. Following the film, guests enjoyed a panel discussion with experts to learn more about the innovative ways people in Wisconsin are telling our state’s rich lighthouse history. Guests of the screening were the first to experience the film’s interactive.

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WISCONSIN HOMETOWN STORIES

Telling Wisconsin’s history one town at a time

Part of a decades-long, innovative collaboration between PBS Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Wisconsin Hometown Stories is one of our most-watched local productions. In fall 2024, we previewed Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Beloit with more than 350 community members before the statewide premiere broadcast. Learn more about supporting designated gifts for Wisconsin programming.

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More than 350 Beloiters gathered for the highly anticipated community premiere of Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Beloit at the Eclipse Center. (Source: PBS Wisconsin)

Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Beloit

Known as the “Gateway to Wisconsin,” the city of Beloit began as a center of trade for the Ho-Chunk Nation and continued to grow with New England agriculture and industry. Explore the history of Beloit: a city filled with opportunity for culturally diverse communities and revitalized by its residents’ pride and investments in a thriving civic life.

Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Youth Media

PBS Wisconsin Education and Beloit Memorial High School's Latino Studies class collaborated to amplify young voices through historical inquiry and storytelling. They co-produced four short documentaries connecting national issues to local experiences. The shorts were screened during the Beloit International Film Festival.

Beloit’s history is so important to me because my family came to this city as part of the migration of Blacks from the South. When I began researching my family history, I found very little documentation on the lives of Blacks in Beloit. So, when I had the opportunity to support this great project, I was on board.

Cheryl CaldwellThe Jim & Cheryl Caldwell Foundation co-founder and Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Beloit funder

WISCONSIN LIFE

Celebrate what makes Wisconsin unique through the diverse stories of its people.

PBS Wisconsin’s award-winning Wisconsin Life series returned for its 11th season. Hosted by Angela Fitzgerald, the series celebrates what makes Wisconsin unique through the diverse stories of its people and places. Our producers travel the state in search of stories that are humorous, surprising, emotional, and thought- provoking.

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Angela Fitzgerald, host of Wisconsin LIfe. (Source: PBS Wisconsin)

Wisconsin Life

Celebrate Wisconsin's people and places with host Angela Fitzgerald. Learn something new, meet someone unexpected. Wisconsin Life is a collaboration from PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio. Watch, learn, listen at wisconsinlife.org.

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Magnificent Mini Horse

In 2024, a Wisconsin Life segment, “Jack the Magnificent,” about a beloved miniature horse from Eau Claire and his owner, Rose Johnson, won a prestigious national Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association.

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I really appreciate the program I just saw. It was very educational. I learned a lot, in particular about Wisconsin. Thank you for Wisconsin Life! Angela Fitzgerald does an excellent job.

Sally CohenPBS Wisconsin viewer