JACKSON, Miss. — “Exploring History: Corinth, Mississippi and Shiloh National Military Park” will air this Wednesday, October 7 at 7 p.m. on Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) television. Earlier the same day at 6:35 a.m. and 7:35 a.m. on MPB Think Radio, a related news feature story, “First Impressions, Lasting Memories,” will air.
“Exploring History” is a 30-minute documentary telling the story of the Corinth Interpretive Center, Corinth Contraband Camp and Shiloh Battlefield, which are a part of the Shiloh National Military Park located in Mississippi and Tennessee. It is produced by WLJT-DT of Martin, Tenn.
“First Impressions, Lasting Memories” is a four- minute news feature by MPB reporter Ron Brown which will air during “Morning Edition” on MPB Think Radio.
Both the television and the radio broadcasts not only detail the history of Corinth and Shiloh but also recount the experiences of 40 members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson-Madison County, Tenn., and North Mississippi during their summer-day visit sponsored by the Corinth Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, Shiloh National Military Park, WLJT-DT and MPB.
“The kids didn’t know for sure at the beginning of the tour if they were going to have fun. They certainly didn’t know they were going to learn, but by the end of the day there were smiles all around,” commented Brown.
Darrell Conner, WLJT-DT Director of Production and one of the executive producers of “Exploring History,” added, “Working on this documentary has allowed me to re-experience the abundant history of the area in a whole new way, much like the kids of the Boys and Girls Clubs experienced it.”
This collaborative outreach opportunity for north Mississippi and west Tennessee children to discover a national park practically in their own backyards was initiated to coincide with Ken Burns’ “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”
Rodney Freed, communications professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin and the film’s other executive producer, shared, “Our hope is that through this project others will have the opportunity to see an important part of American history right here in our area and want to visit.”
For more information regarding the Corinth and Shiloh experience and to share your memories, photos or videos of Shiloh National Military Park and/or other national parks, go to www.mpbonline.org. These stories will be given later to the National Park Foundation where they will be archived for generations to come.
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C-U-T-L-I-N-E:
Shiloh National Military Park Education Program Coordinator Ashley Berry, leader of the Boys and Girls Clubs’ tour, explains the symbolism behind the features of the fountain outside the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center. Listen to MPB Think Radio and MPB TV on October 7 as Corinth and the Shiloh Park are showcased.
Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides relevant instructional and public programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages through quality programs, resources and services that educate, entertain and enlighten. Children’s programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national and regional awards, including Emmys and Parents’ Choice Awards, for its productions.