Ken Burns: The American Story

American director and producer of documentary films, Ken Burns, is known for this style of using archival footage and photographs to tell stories about events that have influenced our lives.  His style of storytelling has educated millions of people by providing a compelling way of relating America’s history.  For excellent background information about Burns and his work, visit Ken Burns America.

From his first documentary shown in 1981 about the Brooklyn Bridge to the present time, Burns’ work has appeared on PBS. All of his film titles are available for viewing through the Al Harris Library.  Many of the DVD sets are located on the display and are available for check out.  Additionally, all of Burns’ titles are available to stream through one of our video databases:  Kanopy, Films on Demand, and VAST: Academic Video Online.  Follow these links to the streaming databases.

In addition to the titles that are part of his collected works, a new three-part film titled CANCER: The Emperor of All Maladies airs Monday March 30 through Wednesday April 1.  The series relates the comprehensive story of cancer, from its first description in an ancient Egyptian scroll to the laboratories of modern research institutions of the present. This six-hour film interweaves a sweeping historical narrative with stories about contemporary patients, and an investigation into the latest scientific breakthroughs that may have brought us, at long last, within sight of lasting cures.

The title of this documentary series is based upon an award-winning book of the same name written by cancer physician and researcher, Siddhartha Mukherjee.  The Emperor of All Maladies and all of the books that are located on the display in the Al Harris Library are available for you to check out.  Take a look and see all of the learning opportunities that are available for you through the work of Ken Burns.

Soldiers and Settlers, Cowboys and Lawmen: African Americans and the American West

There are many people who feel that history is just a bunch of boring facts, but this is far from the truth. For example, the history of the American West is not just facts about the past, but rather stories about individuals who really existed.  Among the people who lived in the West were African Americans who worked in a variety of occupations as they attempted to survive.

Some African Americans entered the West as soldiers.  These troops became known as Buffalo Soldiers. Though black soldiers often faced prejudice, they served their country with pride.  Despite the barrier of racism, their courage was recognized by their commanding officers and even the U.S. Congress.  

Just as important as the Buffalo Soldiers were the African Americans who settled on the land.  Some of them were farmers while others owned businesses.  Their perseverance helped them prevail while facing prejudice and the harshness of the land.

African Americans sometimes worked as lawmen to bring fugitives to justice.  One of the most famous of these lawmen was Deputy United States Marshal Bass Reeves.  A former slave, his law career took him throughout Indian Territory to what later became the state of Oklahoma.

Perhaps the most famous icons of the American West were the cowboys.  Both African American men and women worked in this profession.  One cowboy named Bill Pickett worked for the 101 Ranch in the early twentieth century.  He was famous for his skill at steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging.  Rodeo cowboys still perform this skill today, though without Pickett's twist.

Like other people in the American West, African Americans laughed, cried, fought, worked, and died.  They made unique contributions and sacrifices that helped create a better country for themselves, their descendants, and all Americans.  Visit the Al Harris Library and see the book display about African Americans in the American West.  If you see a book you want to read, please check it out at the circulation desk.  Pick up a book and read and remember the lives of these individuals.