Milwaukee PBS Specials

LIVE at THE LAKEFRONT is a free concert series that caters to families as well as the professional downtown crowd, while celebrating the diversity of Milwaukee’s rich musical tastes and traditions. The concert series plays host to some of the finest talent from a wide variety of genre's. LIVE @ THE LAKEFRONT is a production of the MATC Television and Digital Content Creation Program.

The Great Circus Parade was staged 30 times in Milwaukee between 1963 and 2009. It was known as Wisconsin's National Treasure. Milwaukee PBS proudly presents a new documentary: REMEMBERING THE GREAT CIRCUS PARADE, relive the excitement of this historic circus parade staged on the streets of Downtown Milwaukee. 🤡

The legend of Al Capone looms large over the state of Wisconsin, but how do we know if one of the most infamous men in American history actually visited the Badger State? New photographs and correspondence reveal not only personal friendships and a more playful side of Al Capone. AL CAPONE brings to light a new angle on the man who was once public enemy number one.

John McGivern serves up a steady stream of stories from his Milwaukee childhood that sounds and feels familiar to all. 

They recall an age of innocence bounded by handcrafted Christmas toys, trees purchased at the Odd-Lot-Tree-Lot, the Milwaukee Journal Calendar Gift, and life in the McGivern Household around the holidays.

STORIES OF INSPIRATION showcases the accounts of kindness, gratitude, human achievement and celebration that we have told throughout the year. These are stories of the people, places and culture of Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin that were all told from our local productions.

This documentary steps back in time to uncover the fascinating story of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home, a National Historic Landmark. It's origins trace back to President Abraham Lincoln’s last legislative act and an overlooked group of young women who were feminists before their time.

Host Mark Siegrist travels with nineteen World War II veterans from around Wisconsin who returned to Pearl Harbor in June of 2012. He captures their memories, stories, thoughts and feelings about the event that catapulted the United States into World War II. For many of the veterans, this is the first time talking about those experiences.

This special celebrates the 65th anniversary of Milwaukee PBS. It takes a look back at the controversial start of the station and looks at the many technological advancements in the television industry in the last 65 years. It also features some of Milwaukee PBS' iconic productions including GREAT TV AUCTION, MAKING OF MILWAUKEE and GREAT CIRCUS PARADE.

Experience the shared memories of Milwaukee natives who fondly recall the years following World War II and test your trivia knowledge of the city's colorful past. "Things That Aren't Here Anymore II, A Community Remembers" is the second program in a series where the past comes alive through old photographs, archival footage, and personal stories.

Step back in time as we reminisce about some of Milwaukee's past treasures. Through old photographs, footage and memories of actual patrons, we recall places that aren't here anymore. Do you remember going downtown to shop for that perfect dress? Can you still smell the aroma of your favorite restaurant, even though it's been gone for decades? Some memories never fade.

The story of Jones Island. Few places in any American city have packed so many layers of change into such a small area. Jones Island is practically an open book that tells, on a miniature scale, the story of our entire region, but it is also a richly human story. From the cultural struggles of the early Indians to the catastrophic flooding of Capt. Jones shipyard.

The Milwaukee Press Club recognized several of our productions and stories from the past year. We are proud to present these stories one more time, all together, in this special to fully acknowledge the work of our dedicated, talented staff.

A look at the nationwide teacher shortage, specifically the stressors impacting teachers that cause them to quit or retire early. The pandemic had a huge impact on teachers, but the crisis was building even before COVID-19. Milwaukee PBS' Mariano Avila interviews U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we thank teachers for their service and dedication.

Hear what Milwaukee’s two mayoral candidates have to say to voters just days before the April 5 Election. MILWAUKEE'S NEXT MAYOR, A CONVERSATION WITH THE CANDIDATES is produced in partnership with 89.7 WUWM Milwaukee’s NPR and CBS58 and WMLW. CBS58 News anchor Mike Strehlow moderates the conversation. WUWM’s Maayan Silver and Milwaukee PBS’ Everett Marshburn pose questions to the candidates.

For 120 years The Pfister Hotel has served as a hospitality gateway to Milwaukee. Journalist Mark Siegrist goes behind the scenes to capture the daily rhythm, tradition, and luxury service of this treasured landmark. Featuring a breathtaking video of the The Pfister’s architectural beauty, and explains how the hotel is embracing the arts and social media to maintain a strong sense of community.

For more than forty years Harry Kemp was the eyes of Milwaukee's African-American community, documenting people, places and events. If it happened and was important, Harry photographed it. Harry Kemp is remembered through his pictures and interviews with family, friends, and co-workers.

Take a look at the first Black Churches in Wisconsin, examine the changing role of the Church, and see what young people are doing to continue its legacies. Featured churches include St. Mark AME, Calvary Baptist Church, St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Racine.

Host Mark Siegrist travels with nineteen World War II veterans from around Wisconsin as they return to Pearl Harbor in June of 2012. He captures their memories, stories, thoughts and feelings about the event that catapulted the United States into World War II. For many of the veterans, this is the first time talking about those experiences.

Historian John Gurda explores how the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan spurred Milwaukee's growth. The settlers used rivers and Lake Michigan to transport grain, lumber, leather and beer. Learn how the lower Milwaukee River was eventually reduced to an open sewer by 1900, with Lake Michigan suffering similar indignities.

It's more than a game, it's a lesson for life. Played out on the fields between two iconic youth baseball programs in Milwaukee. The leagues, the Beckum-Stapleton Little League and the Felix Mantilla Little League, both draw inspiration from two hometown heroes. Wearing the uniform is considered a rite of passage for urban kids as they hone their skills in baseball and life itself.