IowaPublicTelevision
These Artists are Proof that Art is a Universal Language | Iowa Life
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- These Artists are Proof that Art is a Universal Language | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- The Freedom of Expression Project is a cohort of 13 Central Iowa artists of all abilities who create works for a biennial public art display. See them prepare for their end-of-the-year exhibition and fashion show, and learn about why creating art is important to them.
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- Powder Horn | Artifact Iowa
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Crafted from horn, leather and gourds, powder horns carried the black powder that fueled America’s fight for independence.
This powder horn was donated to the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1919 by the Polk family of Des Moines, a prominent central Iowa family.
Artifact Iowa tells Iowa’s story through real objects from Iowa’s past. Each episode will center on a single artifact to unpack the larger human story behind it - revealing moments of innovation, resilience, creativity and change that define our state’s history. www.iowapbs.org/artifactiowa
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- Littlefield Drum | Artifact Iowa
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Before the field telephones and radios of World War I, drums were used to convey orders and direct troop movements. One such drum has been preserved at the State Historical Museum of Iowa for nearly 100 years.
Donated by a great-grandson of Moses Littlefield, the Moses Littlefield drum was used during the War of 1812 and later to train Civil War soldiers in Iowa.
Artifact Iowa tells Iowa’s story through real objects from Iowa’s past. Each episode will center on a single artifact to unpack the larger human story behind it - revealing moments of innovation, resilience, creativity and change that define our state’s history. www.iowapbs.org/artifactiowa
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- How Does a Seed Grown in Decorah Get To Your Own Garden? | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Follow a seed's journey at Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah -- from when it's planted in the ground to when it arrives in a packet on your doorstep.
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- Iowa Press Debates: U.S. Senate Democratic Primary
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS hosted Iowa Press Debates: U.S. Senate Democratic Primary on Tuesday, May 5 at the Iowa PBS studios in Johnston, Iowa.
Hosted by Iowa Press moderator Kay Henderson, candidates Rep. Josh Turek (D - Council Bluffs) and Sen. Zach Wahls (D - Coralville) answer questions from reporters and discuss their platforms, concerns and future plans. Henderson moderates the debate with Erin Murphy, Des Moines bureau chief for The Gazette and Stephen Gruber-Miller, Capitol bureau chief for The Des Moines Register.
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- Take a Virtual Visit of Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm in Decorah, Iowa is home to seed banks, lush display gardens, public hiking trails, apple orchards and a trout stream.
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- This Iowa Nonprofit is the Largest Nongovernmental Seed Bank in the Country | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Every seed has a story. Learn about the 50-year history of Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the nonprofit operates.
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- 2026 Terrace Hill Piano Competition
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- For years, the Terrace Hill Endowment for the Musical Arts has sponsored an annual piano competition to showcase Iowa’s young musical talent. This program features highlights from the winners of the 2026 competition.
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- Barton Heritage Quilt | Artifact Iowa
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Quilted by the members of St. Petri Lutheran Church in Story City, Iowa, the Barton Heritage Quilt was designed by Mary Pemble Barton to commemorate the 1976 bicentennial of the American Revolution—a milestone in the nation’s history.
In 1987, Mary Pemble Barton donated the quilt to the State Historical Society of Iowa, ensuring its preservation and continued appreciation for generations to come.
Artifact Iowa tells Iowa’s story through real objects from Iowa’s past. Each episode will center on a single artifact to unpack the larger human story behind it - revealing moments of innovation, resilience, creativity and change that define our state’s history. www.iowapbs.org/artifactiowa
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- Handcart Sculpture | Artifact Iowa
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Between 1856 and 1860, about 3,000 Mormon pioneers crossed Iowa on foot, pulling handcarts loaded with their belongings. In 1926, Norwegian artist Torleif S. Knaphus commemorated their remarkable journey.
Donated to the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1988, this sculpture is one of about 20 smaller versions of Knaphus’s original work. The full-sized piece stands in Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Artifact Iowa tells Iowa’s story through real objects from Iowa’s past. Each episode will center on a single artifact to unpack the larger human story behind it - revealing moments of innovation, resilience, creativity and change that define our state’s history. www.iowapbs.org/artifactiowa
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- What Are the Great Pyramids of Avery? Iowa’s Hidden Mystery Explained I Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- Tucked away in a rural Monroe County cemetery, the Great Pyramids of Avery have sparked curiosity for decades. Built by Axel Peterson - a coal miner and self-proclaimed “philosopher of Avery” - these unusual structures reflect a life shaped by big ideas, eccentric thinking, and a legacy that still stands today.
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- Iowa Press Debates: Republican Gubernatorial Primary
- Date posted
- 11 days ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS hosted Iowa Press Debates: Republican Gubernatorial Primary on Tuesday, April 28 at Iowa PBS studios in Johnston, Iowa.
Hosted by Iowa Press moderator Kay Henderson, candidates Rep. Eddie Andrews (R - Johnston), Brad Sherman (R - Williamsburg) and Adam Steen (R - Runnells) answer questions from reporters and discuss their platforms, concerns and future plans. Henderson moderates the debate with Erin Murphy, Des Moines bureau chief for The Gazette and Brianne Pfannenstiel, chief politics reporter for The Des Moines Register.
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- Mourning Embroidery | Artifact Iowa
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- George Washington’s 1799 death stirred national grief, inspiring mourning embroidery to honor heroes and loved ones alike.
Donated to the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1971, this artifact tells a story not only of grief and loss, but also of a family who came to settle here in our state.
Artifact Iowa tells Iowa’s story through real objects from Iowa’s past. Each episode will center on a single artifact to unpack the larger human story behind it - revealing moments of innovation, resilience, creativity and change that define our state’s history. www.iowapbs.org/artifactiowa
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- General Dodge Hat | Artifact Iowa
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- General Grenville Dodge’s hat—pierced by a bullet—became one of the Civil War’s most unexpectedly famous accessories.
The origins of the hat and how it came to be in Iowa is a little bit of a mystery. Acquisition records indicate that the hat was given to the State Historical Society by General Dodge himself before his death in 1916.
Artifact Iowa tells Iowa’s story through real objects from Iowa’s past. Each episode will center on a single artifact to unpack the larger human story behind it - revealing moments of innovation, resilience, creativity and change that define our state’s history. www.iowapbs.org/artifactiowa
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- Em’s Coffee Company: An Iowa Coffee Shop Brewing Community and Opportunity | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 17 days ago
- Description
- In Independence, Em’s Coffee Company brews more than just coffee. What began as a way to create meaningful employment for its owner, Emilea, has grown into a welcoming gathering place — offering customers a sense of belonging with every cup.
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- Finding Phenomena in Nature | Iowa Science Phenomena
- Date posted
- 18 days ago
- Description
- What starts as curiosity about how fireflies glow can turn into a deeper appreciation for the small, often overlooked moments. Phenomena can be explored in Iowa’s prairies, woodlands, and backyards. Featuring highlights from an Iowa Science Phenomena Blitz, this video demonstrates how observing and letting curiosity lead can inspire learners of all ages.
Iowa Science Phenomena is a website and service dedicated to supporting classrooms through a curated collection of user-generated, Iowa-focused science phenomena. Explore the collection and learn how you can contribute: iowaphenomena.org
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- Road Trip Iowa | Season 3 Promo
- Date posted
- 19 days ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS’s Road Trip Iowa returns for an all new adventure across the state, showcasing historic sites, unique attractions and natural beauty along the way when season 3 premieres Monday, May 11. After exploring Iowa’s scenic byways in the first two seasons, the series now hits the highways—uncovering even more communities and must-see destinations across Iowa.
Featuring eight new episodes, viewers will venture to the Grotto of the Redemption, the National Farm Toy Museum, Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor and other destinations around the state. Highways featured include Highway 18, Highway 20, Highway 34, Highway 27, Highway 60, Highway 141 and Highway 163.
“With season three we transitioned from the scenic byways to highways of our choosing, so we have even more towns and locations to choose from,” said Iowa PBS Senior Producer and Director Tyler Brinegar. “We're excited to share the itineraries we’ve put together and I think we’re fe...
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- The Legacy of Iowa DNR Biologist Ron Howing in Wetland Preservation | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 24 days ago
- Description
- Ron Howing, who worked in Iowa conservation for over 50 years, is credited with restoring wetlands across northern Iowa and reestablishing the giant Canada goose back to the state.
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- xBrooklyn Rocking Iowa | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Looking for a new adventure after years in New York City, Tobi Parks specifically chose Des Moines to be her home. Since her arrival, Tobi quickly made an impact on the local arts scene with her music venue @xBkLive.
Featuring live performances from
@gregwheelerpolyvevo6056
@AdamBruceMusic
@AbbieSawyer
@JasonWalsmith
Story produced by @ResponsiblyWild
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- The Legacy of 4-H
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The Legacy of 4-H explores the origins of the nation’s largest youth organization, tracing its roots to the early 1900s. The documentary celebrates Jessie Field Shambaugh, known as the “Mother of 4-H,” and her lasting influence on youth education. Through history and reflection, the film shows how 4-H has empowered generations with skills, leadership, and a commitment to community.
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- Episode 307 | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Ragtime and eagle watching meet in Muscatine’s Eagles and Ivories festival; engines roar at the Battle at the Barn; Strawberry Point celebrates its giant strawberry; and a Cedar Rapids ballet folklórico troupe keeps Mexican dance traditions alive.
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- 2026 Girls State Basketball Tournament Rollout
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The end of tournament sights, sounds and spectacle of the 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Basketball Championships on Iowa PBS set to music.
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- 2026 Boys State Basketball Tournament Rollout
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The end of tournament sights, sounds and spectacle of the 2026 IHSAA Boys State Basketball Championships on Iowa PBS set to music.
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- See the Beauty of Ballet Folklorico | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Ballet folklorico is a traditional Mexican style of dance that dates back hundreds of years. Step into a practice and performance with Cedar Rapids-based ballet folklorico troupe Fuerzas Culturales, and learn more about the unique art of Mexican folk dance.
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- Studio 3 LIVE: Best of Season 3
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Join host Mickey Davis for an exciting season 3 recap, featuring standout performances from Chicago Farmer, Kevin Burt, Jackie Venson, Dickie, Katie and The Honky Tonks, Andrew Hoyt, XOLEX, TAE & The Neighborly, Your Smith, The Rubens, Socks in the Frying Pan, and Michael Londra. Discover diverse music styles and unforgettable moments in this season highlight.
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- Why Did This Small Iowa Town Build the World's Largest Strawberry? | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Strawberry Point is home to a giant strawberry that towers over its city hall. Learn about the history behind the town and the story behind the large fruit.
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- Mia Peterson: Take the Challenge, Take the Risk
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Mia Peterson, a woman with Down syndrome, spent her life breaking barriers as a self-advocate, writer and public speaker. Her motto: take the challenge, take the risk. Her work empowered advocates and self advocates to let people with Down syndrome speak for themselves.
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- The Meskwaki Nation's Story of Survival, Land and Sovereignty in Iowa
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- After generations of conflict, expansion and forced removal, the Meskwaki Nation used their own funds to purchase land along the Iowa River in 1857, preserving their identity and presence in Iowa.
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- Battle at the Barn - Indoor Racing at the Iowa State Fairgrounds | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Battle at the Barn is a unique indoor racing event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where coke syrup is applied to the concrete floor to create a sticky surface for drivers and high speeds.
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- The Story Behind Artifact Iowa | Producer Interview
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Artifact Iowa proves you don’t need a history book to be hooked. Hear from Iowa PBS producer Deb to learn more about this educational project and why these artifacts still have a lot to say!
Check out what there is to discover at iowapbs.org/artifactiowa.
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- Socks in the Frying Pan | Studio 3 LIVE
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Socks in the Frying Pan, from County Clare, Ireland, delivers captivating traditional Irish music with vocals, accordion, guitar and fiddle. This talented trio combines masterful musicianship, rich harmonies and heartfelt passion for Irish heritage, creating a lively performance filled with quick wit and engaging banter.
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- Episode 306 | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Meet a family of refugees living in DeWitt, step inside the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden, join a crowd in Lansing as they bid farewell to the Black Hawk Bridge, and see the artistic metal creations of welder Tanner King.
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- Class 2A — Unity Christian Knights vs. Kuemper Catholic Knights
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IHSAA Boys State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The Unity Christian Knights take on the Kuemper Catholic Knights for the 2A title.
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- Class 1A — Marquette Catholic Defenders vs. St. Edmond Gaels
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IHSAA Boys State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The Marquette Catholic Defenders take on the St. Edmond Gaels for the 1A title.
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- Class 4A — Johnston Dragons vs. Cedar Falls Tigers
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IHSAA Boys State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The Johnston Dragons take on the Cedar Falls Tigers for the 4A title.
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- Iowa's Ragtime Mecca on the Mississippi | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- For more than three decades, one weekend in January transforms Muscatine into a ragtime piano hotspot with the Eagles and Ivories festival. When concert goers aren't taking in the music, they're invited to spot the eagles on the river.
Produced by @ResponsiblyWild
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- Class 3A — ADM Tigers vs. Ballard Bombers
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IHSAA Boys State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The ADM Tigers take on the Ballard Bombers for the 3A title.
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- The Legacy of 4-H | Documentary Promo
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Legacy of 4-H explores the origins of the nation’s largest youth organization, tracing its roots to the early 1900s. The documentary celebrates Jessie Field Shambaugh, known as the “Mother of 4-H,” and her lasting influence on youth education. Through history and reflection, the film shows how 4-H has empowered generations with skills, leadership, and a commitment to community.
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- How One Dubuque Family’s Christmas Traditions Captured America’s Heart | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The El Khatib family captured the hearts of millions of Americans last December after their detailed Christmas break itinerary and menu went viral on social media. Meet the Dubuque family and learn what the holiday season means to them.
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- All Aboard at Watson Station: Reliving Iowa’s Railroad Past | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Take a ride back in time to the old railroad days at Watson Station in Missouri Valley’s City Park.
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- Class 1A — Newell-Fonda Mustangs vs. Bishop Garrigan Golden Bears
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The Newell-Fonda Mustangs take on the Bishop Garrigan Golden Bears for the 1A title.
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- Class 2A — Rock Valley Rockets vs. Hinton Blackhawks
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The Rock Valley Rockets take on the Hinton Blackhawks for the 2A title.
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- Class 4A — Carlisle Wildcats vs. Dallas Center-Grimes Mustangs
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The Carlisle Wildcats take on the Dallas Center-Grimes Mustangs for the 4A title.
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- Iowa PBS Sports Pregame Show (4A, 2A & 1A) | 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Basketball Championships
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Iowa PBS Sports Pregame Show takes a look at the 4A, 2A and 1A championship match-ups and highlights the pre-game pageantry.
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- Iowa PBS Sports Pregame Show (5A, 3A) | 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Basketball Championships
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Iowa PBS Sports Pregame Show takes a look at the 5A and 3A championship match-ups and highlights the pre-game pageantry.
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- Class 3A — Maquoketa Cardinals vs. Mount Vernon Mustangs
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The Maquoketa Cardinals take on the Mount Vernon Mustangs for the 3A title.
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- Class 5A — Waukee Northwest Wolves vs. Johnston Dragons
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iowa PBS presents the 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Basketball Championships live from the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The Waukee Northwest Wolves take on the Johnston Dragons for the 5A title.
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- Iowa Welder Tanner King Turns Farm Roots Into Striking Public Art | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- In west central Iowa, welder Tanner King carries on a family trade rooted in fixing farm equipment. But beyond the busy planting and harvest seasons, his artistry takes shape - transforming sheets of steel and copper into striking sculptures and public pieces that become lasting landmarks and points of pride for the communities they call home.
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- Horses Helping Heroes: How Equine Therapy Supports Iowa Veterans | Iowa Life
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Equine-assisted therapy can help military veterans and service members find a path toward healing. In Jester Park, participants gain self-confidence, improve relationship skills and learn emotional regulation.
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- Tractor Wars II
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- From 1929 through 1959, the tractor industry changed focus. Rather than pioneering the idea of bringing power farming to agriculture, companies started working toward making mechanized farming part of everyday life in rural America. Tractor makers fought for market supremacy as each company improved on the basic design.
The major manufacturers, International Harvester, Ford and John Deere, battled through the economic downturn of the Great Depression in the 1930s only to retool to support the war effort during World War II. By the time the 1950s rolled around, the leaders of all of the major tractor manufacturers were looking at how their designs fit into the equation of power and affordability.
Watch the next installment of Iowa PBS’s Tractor Wars series, Tractor Wars II.
We want to give a special thanks to J & L Videos who provided the Allis-Chalmers footage for this program.
