Pioneer PBS
PIONEER PBS Est. 1966 pioneer.org Granite Falls
IMPACT STORY
Pioneer PBS & Legacy Funding Share Histories We Should Never Forget
Pioneer PBS utilizes Legacy Funding to document for posterity histories that may otherwise be lost, from capturing World War II veterans’ voices to telling the little-known history of nearly 3,000 Italian and German POWs that were held and put to work throughout Minnesota during WWII. The survey also noted that 50% of respondents sought out more information after watching, 80% talked with others about something they learned, and 60% visited a museum, art exhibit, cultural festival, or historic landmark after watching. Two educators, parents, or caregivers used material we had created for PBS LearningMedia last year and two others indicated they have in the past. When asked how important original local content was to the respondents, 75% said it was either very or somewhat important. 100% of participants in Legacy programs we created said they saw an increase in followers on social media after being seen on the program. Over half a million people have tuned in to YouTube to watch Held in Minnesota: Untold WWII POW Stories in just four months — leaving 1,250 comments — many relating their own memories from POW camps across America. Many also point out how they didn’t know about this Minnesota history until this program.
Legacy funding has helped elevate Pioneer PBS’ role as a trusted and valued communicator for the small towns and farming communities of western Minnesota. Reaching 26 Minnesota counties, Pioneer PBS is the only broadcaster available for free with an antenna in many of these areas. We pride ourselves on lifting up the voices of this region, sharing unique regional histories, showcasing rural artists, tribal members, small business owners, and veterans. Providing the state and beyond with the stories that highlight what makes this region special.
Among Legacy survey respondents, 100% learned something new about the arts, culture, or history of Minnesota from watching our Legacy productions; 82% felt more connected to their community; and 73% learned about an experience or perspective that was different than their own.
Showcasing Rural Artists
Celebrating Unique Regional Histories
Sharing Veteran Voices
From pipe carvers to sculptors, dancers, musicians, potters, painters, unique car builders, authors and filmmakers, Postcards showcases the creative talents that spring from the small towns and rural areas served by Pioneer PBS.
Taking a drive with Landmarks’ Doug Ohman through the
From Upper Sioux Community member Drew Brockman’s experiences in Iraq to Carla Hernandez’s serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln during the same war. From sharing the little-known history of German and Italian POWs held and put to work in Minnesota during WWII to WWII Navy veteran Del Thielke’s story, to sharing the father/son story of Bud and Paul Nakasone. Pioneer PBS is committed to sharing veterans’ voices.
“The film shows an important episode of American-German history, which is little known – or no longer remembered – here in Germany. Thanks a lot for the great work!” – YouTube “Born and raised in MN. Never knew about the POW’s until now at age 68. Such a great history, and so wonderful to know we treated POW’s well.” – Event attendee
backwoods and byways of southwestern MN to explore regional histories. Highlighting the almost forgotten stories of Italian and German POWs held in camps in Minnesota during WWII, Pioneer PBS celebrates our region’s histories.
Prisoners of war mingling with the farm families they worked for in Minnesota
“I am that little girl in the photo. There were Italian POW’s that did some work on our farm in Bird Island. Mother took this photo, plus a few other photos. She said the POW’s were anxious to hold me because most have family back in Italy. Joe Sester owned the farm. Thanks for the wonderful documentary. I was only 2 at the time, so don’t remember much.” – Janice Sester
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