OPT Documentaries

This locally-produced program by Ozarks Public Television is a documentary tribute to acclaimed scientist, inventor and educator George Washington Carver. Well known for his work with peanut products, Dr. Carver also contributed significant accomplishments and research into crop rotation and sustainable agriculture. He was truly a man of humble beginnings but wide influence. Along with presenting Dr. Carver’s remarkable life, viewers learn about the national monument in his honor located in Diamond, MO, the first national park to honor an African-American and individual who is not a U.S. President. Dr. Carver’s accomplishments are impressive and enduring. Extensive archival photos and film clips contributes to an enhanced understanding of Dr. Carver’s life. National authors and scholars, along with National Park Service rangers, provide rich and insightful commentary on Dr. Carver’s work and his relevance today. A highlight of the program is a former Tuskegee University student who was acquainted with Dr. Carver and who shares this special and unique perspective. The program also informs viewers about the beginnings and development of the National Park Service site in Dr. Carver’s honor, and provides an overview of what visitors will enjoy while visiting the historic site.

There've been several documentaries made about Missouri's Shannon County, but maybe none more popular and recognized than "Shannon County: Home", produced through the Center for Ozarks Studies at Missouri State University. This unique portrait pays tribute to the history and culture of Shannon County, Missouri, while showcasing the beauty of the Ozarks Mountain region.

"Shannon County: The Hearts of the Children" (companion film to "Shannon County: Home"), features incredible stories of the people living Shannon County, Missouri's rural Ozarks region. It is a wonderfully intimate and engaging portrayal of these area residents, and a beautiful showcase of the area that they call home.

O’Reilly General Hospital, a WWII-era army hospital in Springfield, MO., is remembered as “the hospital with a soul.” The facility became a model for military hospitals across the country as physicians and staff pioneered and performed often cutting edge medical techniques. More than 100,000 soldiers, dependents and prisoners of war were treated at O’Reilly throughout the war years; its beginnings and history in the Springfield, MO community a remarkable and inspiring story. The legacy of O’Reilly General Hospital did not end with WWII—it is present today. O’Reilly General Hospital: The Hospital with a Soul is a one hour locally produced documentary by Ozarks Public Television that pays tribute to this remarkable facility and the men and women known as our Greatest Generation. Highlights of our documentary include first-person memories from veterans, rich historical context from scholars, and extensive archival photos, newspaper clippings and films. Our program is made possible by the gracious participation of many community members and the generous financial support of our program funders.

Auto racing has evolved into one of our nation’s most highly competitive and enjoyed sports. Yet, in many ways, racing maintains and thrives on its cultural traditions and rural roots. It’s often generational, as families and friends build race cars, attend races together, compete with each other and foster a unique bond. Ozarks Public Television celebrates this inspiring auto racing culture and its Ozarks connections, highlights, and legacy in our locally-produced documentary that features personal interviews and extensive film and archival materials that provide a warmly human interest reflection on individuals, families and racing facilities in the Ozarks, and the impact the region contributes to this enduringly popular competition.

Ozarks Public Television celebrates Tent’s first 50 years and pays tribute to a now iconic theatre experience in our locally-produced documentary featuring personal interviews, archival photos and clippings, and historic video segments telling the story of MSU’s celebrated summer theatre program.

“All aboard!” the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway, the Frisco, for an informative, entertaining and nostalgic trip along a pioneering, legendary and beloved railroad company that shared an inseparable success and unforgettable history with Missouri and the Ozarks. Many railroads may claim the destiny, impact and popularity of the Frisco…few can claim the enduring legacy and bond that The Frisco continues to enjoy in its home state.

Experience a sense of awe and art appreciation in this locally produced documentary by Ozarks Pubic Television, highlighting the impressive public art at Missouri’s State Capitol. Today's center of state government is the third capitol building constructed in Jefferson City, the first two structures were destroyed by fire. In 1911 Missourians approved funding for the current capitol building and a design that would showcase cultural and state history. Available construction monies resulted in a one-of-a-kind and breathtaking collection of stained glass, murals, carvings and statuary that evocatively portrays Missouri’s legendary and beloved history.

A celebration of area individuals, highlights, events, and courses that contributed to the Ozarks' region golf history.

In our newest local history documentary, Ozarks Public Television presents the remarkable independent and also shared histories of Springfield Little Theatre and their home stage, the Landers Theatre. Together, they are recognized as “the crown jewel of the Ozarks.” Ozarks Public Television raises the curtain on the remarkable and inspiring story of Springfield Little Theatre. Join us in a front row seat for Setting the Stage: Springfield Little Theatre.

In 1950 Ozark Air Lines took to the air, originating from Springfield, MO, and flying into commercial aviation history and legend. It became one of America’s premiere air carries, setting records as it positively impacted industry practices and leaving a legacy that is still celebrated today. Ozark Air Lines was known and respected as the “go-getter” airline, its name proudly reflecting its geographic origins and the strong work ethic and can-do attitude of its employees and administration.

Strike up the band as Ozarks Public Television celebrates the highlight-filled story and history of Missouri State University’s marching bands in our newest OPT-produced local documentary, The Beat Goes On-MSU’s Pride Marching Band. The Missouri State University band began in 1908, just two years after the founding of the university. From these humble beginnings, 16 members set a beat that has evolved over the decades into both national and international success and respect including NFL football halftime shows, multiple and featured appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day, Tournament of Roses, and Orange Bowl Parades, and unforgettable Bear football halftime performances. Today’s show band features over 300 musicians, color guard and dance team performers, and many band alums continue to lead and influence marching band programs across the country. Their name, The Pride Marching Band, reflects their talent, reputation and growing legacy.

The creation, harnessing and distribution of electricity might be said to be one of mankind’s greatest and most impacting achievements. Our individual and collective everyday lives are amazingly dependent, enriched and successful because of this manufactured resource. It’s a convenience and catalyst we frequently take for granted…giving little thought or awareness to its history, manufacture and impact. It’s affordable and fundamental to contemporary American life, providing light for convenience, comfort and security…powering a limitless list of appliances, machinery, and now digital devices. It’s no exaggerated or dramatic statement to say that figuratively and literally we’re “in the dark” without electricity. The electrification of the Ozarks united us. Employed and empowered us. And forever changed us.

Stay Tuned: The Beginnings of Springfield, MO Television The First 25 Years