ONE WOMAN'S MISSION TO CAPTURE AMERICA AND SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD
AN LPB ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE
CAPTURING AMERICA: THE CAROL HIGHSMITH STORY
Monday 7:00pm
For more than 40 years, Carol Highsmith has greeted every single day with one mission: to document every nook and cranny of the United States through her photography.
Join us as we follow Highsmith in the original LPB documentary, CAPTURING AMERICA: THE CAROL HIGHSMITH STORY. A self-described nomad, Carol captures and documents life in America in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, visiting all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. From its majestic mountains and quirky roadside attractions to its most unforgettable characters, both known and unknown, we follow Carol through six states - including Louisiana - as she wraps up her life’s work and completes her study of America.
It’s a task of almost unimaginable vastness. When it’s finished, Carol’s collection will amount to a projected 100,000 images, all destined for the Library of Congress where they live copyright and royalty free for all of America to enjoy. As we celebrate America’s 250th, this priceless archive is Carol’s gift to a country she has loved since her memory began.
With unfathomable energy and determination, what is revealed is a woman who found purpose after pain and a love for people and place that will fill you with pride and hope.
Capturing America: The Carol Highsmith Story was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting with additional funding provided by George Landegger and Diane Wallach.
MEET CAROL & THE FILMMAKERS
You're invited to an exclusive free screening event featuring a special showing of Capturing America: The Carol Highsmith Story. Join LPB at Louisiana's Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge this Wednesday, July 1 at 5:00pm for the free showing. After the screening, Carol will sit down and answer questions along with her husband and travel partner Ted Landphair, independent filmmaker Kristen Akers, and Director of Photography Paul Jacobsen.
Signed copies of Carol’s photography book, Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else!, authored by Jay Dardenne, will be available during the reception.
Guests will also be treated to a very special musical performance by New Orleans Jazz artist, John Boutté, who is featured in the film!
The event is free, but we ask that you RSVP as space is limited. Visit lpb.org/capturingamerica to sign up.
Major support for the screening event is provided by St. James Place, with additional support from AARP Louisiana and DEMCO.
ENCORE BROADCASTS: Thursday @ 9:00pm / Saturday @ 9:00pm / Sunday @ 1:00pm
ONE AMAZING COUNTRY; TWO FANTASTIC CELEBRATIONS
A CAPITOL FOURTH: 250TH WEEKEND CELEBRATION
Friday 7:00pm & 9:00pm | Sunday 2:30pm
Wait! It's a Capitol Fourth on the Third? Yes this PBS tradition is moving to the day before Independence Day to make way for a special program from Colonial Williamsburg. What isn't changing is the patriotic tradition of flair and fireworks this wonderful program is known for.
This beloved 46-year holiday tradition is America's annual birthday party at the U.S. Capitol, with all-star performances headlined by country hitmaker Trace Adkins. Adkins will make the exclusive television debut of his brand-new song "American Made," an uplifiting anthem honoring the patriotism, ideals, and contributions of generations of Americans.
All this along with the National Symphony Orchestra and a spectacular live fireworks show over George Washington's Mount Vernon.
AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER
Saturday 7:00pm & 10:00pm | Sunday 4:00pm
Celebrate the nation's Semiquincentennial with a star-filled tribute set in the revolutionary capital of Colonia Williamsburg's Historic Area. Blending live performance, music, historic interpretation, and large-scale visual spectacle to create an inspiring national event that connects the nation’s founding to the present day, the special is designed as a celebration and a unifying national moment. Special performances from Michael Feinstein, Ryan Speedo Green, Kelli O'Hara, Adrienne Warren, and Judy Collins.
Watch for inspiring images created by 400 synchronized drones and a spectacular fireworks finale accompanied by classics from the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band.
EXPLORE THE ROOTS OF REVOLUTION
NOVA - ATHENS: BIRTH OF DEMOCRACY
Wednesday 7:00pm
Follow archaeological investigations into the dramatic origins of democracy in Greece 2,500 years ago.
NOVA - REVOLUTIONARY WAR WEAPONS
Wednesday 8:00pm
Discover the key military technologies that helped propel the colonies to victory, from the Brown Bess musket to the world’s first military submarine.
DECLARATIONS: BLACK AMERICANS AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Tuesday 10:30pm
When the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, the Founders – many of whom were slaveholders – declared: “all men are created equal.” As their aspirational words and ideals of freedom were signed into existence and spread throughout the colonies, Black people recognized that these ideas included them. DECLARATIONS: BLACK AMERICANS AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR examines how they fought for these tenets of democracy for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Directed by Louisiana's Dillard University alumnus Stacey Holman, the film follows the stories of four Black Americans, including James Lafayette, an enslaved man who served the Continental Army as a double agent under the Marquis de Lafayette.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about the New Orleans Free Black Militia's efforts in support of Spanish Louisiana Governor Bernardo de Gàlvez in this short segment from Louisiana: The State We're In.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Marathon Event Saturday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Experience the epic story of America’s fight for independence. This sweeping series follows thirteen colonies as they unite in rebellion, endure a long and costly war, and establish a new nation whose democratic ideals would influence generations around the world.
ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY IN CONVERSATION
Host your own community screening and conversation surrounding the PBS documentary, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. The Engagement Resource Center offers FREE toolkits with discussion guides, activities, and digital assets for any group—from libraries and classrooms to faith and civic organizations. Access free tools & start planning today!
EXPLORING LOUISIANA'S REVOLUTIONARY ROOTS
LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE'RE IN
Friday 8:30pm
This week on Louisiana: The State We're In, we focus on Independence Day and the America 250 celebrations.
While much of the history focuses on the 13 original colonies, Louisiana played a key part in the fight for freedom.
LPB's Johnny Atkinson visits the Creole Heritage Center at Northwestern State University to learn how the Creole community helped secure vital supply routes in support of American groups.
We also sit down with LPB Education Specialist Katy Stark to explore a series of learning tools for teachers. "Louisiana's Hidden History: Spanish Louisiana in the American Revolution" explores the role Spanish Governor Bernardo de Galvez played in securing the mouth of the Mississippi River in support of America.
EXAMINING THE SAUDI/US ALLIANCE & EXPLORING ITS RAMIFICATIONS
FRONTLINE: THE CROWN PRINCE & THE PRESIDENT
Tuesday 9:00pm
Examining the alliance between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald Trump. With insights from former U.S. officials and diplomats, members of the Saudi government, Trump administration insiders, Saudi dissidents, human rights and foreign policy experts, and journalists who have covered financial ties between the Trump family and Saudi Arabia.
WHAT TO WATCH & WHEN
This Week on LPB
In the final episode of this sweeping series set in the largest intact savannah on the planet, explore the devastating role fire plays in the remote Kimberley region and study tradition wildfire-management methods following First Nations land-management methods.
THE KIMBERLEY: AUSTRALIA'S WILD WEST | WEDNESDAY 9:00PM
MONDAY
7pm - CAPTURING AMERICA: THE CAROL HIGHSMITH STORY LPB SPECIAL FOCUS One woman's mission to capture the beauty of America and share it with the world. An LPB original documentary.
8:30pm - RICK STEVES ART OF EUROPE: BEAUTY THROUGH THE AGES Rick explores Gothic cathedrals and decades of art from Rodin to Chagall.
9pm - BOOKISH Book and his team race to unmask the film-set killer before someone else is left on the cutting room floor - permanently.
10pm - THE PUZZLE LADY NEW The Puzzle Lady closes in on Bakerbury's Graveyard killer. Stream the series now with LPB PASSPORT.
TUESDAY
7pm - FINDING YOUR ROOTS Comedians Carol Burnett and Niecy Nash.
8pm - LUCY WORSLEY INVESTIGATES: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The British historian explores the revolution from the British perspective.
9pm - FRONTLINE The Crown Prince & The President NEW Examining the alliance between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald Trump.
10:30pm - DECLARATIONS: BLACK AMERICANS AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR NEW The heroic stories of the enslaved and freed Black Americans who fought to define democracy and their liberty through the Revolutionary War.
WEDNESDAY
7pm - NOVA Athens: Birth of Democracy Follow archaeological investigations into the dramatic origins of democracy in Greece 2,500 years ago.
8pm - NOVA Revolutionary War Weapons Historians unpack the real story of technology, innovation, and luck that determined the outcome of key battles.
9pm - THE KIMBERLEY: AUSTRALIA'S WILD WEST NEW A 3-part series exploring the tropical wilderness in Australia's northwest region.
10pm - ENSLAVED: THE LOST HISTORY OF THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE NEW This 6-part series chronicles 400 years of human trafficking from Africa to the New World and the efforts of the group Diving With a Purpose, who are working to locate six slave ships that went down along with their human cargo.
THURSDAY
7pm - SISTER BONIFACE MYSTERIES NEW A wholesome weekend away is interrupted by naked hedonists in the pool and a murder!
7:45pm - LA VEILLÉE LPB SPECIAL FOCUS A weekly look at the happenings, culture, and people of French-speaking Louisiana.
8pm - MIDSOMER MURDERS A pet detective is found dead inside the kennel of a dog he was searching for.
8:45pm -BEHIND THE GLORY LPB SPECIAL FOCUS The stories behind the sports headlines. Hosted by Lyn Rollins.
9pm - CAPTURING AMERICA: THE CAROL HIGHSMITH STORY LPB SPECIAL FOCUS One woman's mission to capture the beauty of America and share it with the world. An LPB original documentary.
FRIDAY
7pm - CAPITOL FOURTH: 250TH WEEKEND CELEBRATION NEW Happy Birthday America. The PBS tradition just a day earlier than usual!
8:30pm - LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE'RE IN LPB SPECIAL FOCUS In-depth new coverage on important issues in the state along with Louisiana art, culture, and events.
9pm - CAPITOL FOURTH: 250TH WEEKEND CELEBRATION NEW Happy Birthday America. The PBS tradition just a day earlier than usual!
10:30pm - LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL FAME: 2026 CELEBRATION From Natchitoches - a new class of inductees is honored. Features stories and sit-down interviews.
SATURDAY - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!
7:00am - 7:00pm THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION MARATHON
7pm - AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER NEW Paying tribute to America's Semi-quincentennial from Colonial Williamsburg.
9pm - CAPTURING AMERICA: THE CAROL HIGHSMITH STORY LPB SPECIAL FOCUS One woman's mission to capture the beauty of America and share it with the world. An LPB original documentary.
10pm - AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER NEW Paying tribute to America's Semi-quincentennial from Colonial Williamsburg.
SUNDAY
7pm - PATIENCE NEW A young autistic girl witnesses her father's murder at the railway museum but is unable to tell anyone what happened. Patience connects with her and coaxes some information from her which leads to a breakthrough in the case. Stream the entire season with LPB PASSPORT.
8pm - GRANTCHESTER ON MASTERPIECE NEW Alphy's trip to reconcile with his mother takes a shocking turn when a passenger is murdered and he becomes the prime suspect. Binge the series with LPB PASSPORT.
9pm - DOWNTON ABBEY SEASON 2 ON MASTERPIECE Pick up the upstairs/downstairs story at Downton Abbey as the series finds us two years into WWI. Binge the series with LPB PASSPORT.
10pm - LPB PRESENTS CINÉMA FRANÇAIS L'armee Des Ombres ( Army in the Shadows) French Resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied France. In French with English subtitles.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JACOB - LPB'S AMERICA'S AWESOME KID!
Family, friends, peers, elected officials, and community leaders gathered at St. Martin STEAM Academy in St. Martinville to honor Jacob at a special celebration hosted by LPB's Education team. He received an Official Statement of Recognition from Governor Jeff Landry, presented by Jolie Williamson, Executive Director of the Louisiana Children’s Cabinet, a House Resolution from Representative Chad Boyer, and a $500 scholarship from La Belle Ville!
Chosen after a nationwide search by PBS and locally by LPB, Jacob impressed producers with his leadership and diverse interests. His America's Awesome Kids episode showcases Zydeco music, trail riding, Louisiana traditions, and his anti-bullying campaign.
Watch Jacob's story now on YouTube: www.lpb.org/awesomekids-short
Special thanks to Ragin' Cajun for the delicious jambalaya!
BIG THANKS TO OUR LPB SUMMER CAMPERS!
OUR CAMPERS HAD A BLAST!
LPB Education wrapped up another exciting Summer Camp!
Camp 2026: Ready Jet Go! Space Adventure Camp is in the books. Our space scouts put their engineering skills to the test in a variety of activities including building rocket ships, space bears, and film cannister "rockets."
It's all about making science fun for all! Check out the LPB Education Facebook page to see photos from throughout the week. Give the page a follow and begin seeing links to content that is both educational and entertaining!
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