WILL-TV Documentaries
WILL-TV documentaries have won numerous awards and honors over many years. Here is a complete list.
Sample the links below to learn about documentaries produced by WILL-TV. To order tapes call 800-528-7980 or write to WILL-TV, 300 North Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801-2316.
10 Sisters: A True Story
In March 1942, the 10 sisters of the Waggoner family walked with their mother and father into the Coles County courthouse, and slowly realized that it was the last time their family would ever be together. The sobbing sisters were literally pulled apart, and driven to different homes after a court proceeding made them wards of the state.
The sisters have spent the last 65 years regaining the closeness they once shared. WILL-TV’s new documentary by Tim Hartin pairs the tragic story of their childhood loss with the triumphant story of their work to become a family again.
More information on Ten Sisters: A True Story
Gold Star Mothers: Pilgrimage of Remembrance
For 6,000 women whose sons or husbands were lost in World War I and buried in foreign graves, a pilgrimage to see their loved one’s final resting place brought a measure of comfort. WILL-TV’s Gold Star Mothers: Pilgrimage of Remembrance examines these government-funded trips during the 1930s, a period when mothers reigned supreme in the eyes of the nation. The one-hour program intertwines the history of the pilgrimages and war with the social history of motherhood.
More information on Gold Star Mothers
The Song and the Slogan
Celebrating the life and work of poet Carl Sandburg, this performance documentary features a musical adaptation of the poet’s Prairie performed in a natural prairie setting. Opera star Jerry Hadley, who performs the work along with an ensemble of musicians, commissioned composer Daniel Steven Crafts to write the new chamber work with voice. Produced by Tim Hartin.
More information on The Song and the Slogan
Vietnam: Soldiers’ Stories
Illinois and Indiana Vietnam veterans reflect on their war experiences 25 years after the end of the war, talking about how those experiences shaped who they are today. The one-hour documentary features powerful stories woven with combat footage. Produced by Tim Hartin.
More information on Vietnam: Soldiers’ Stories
Mr. Shimkus Goes to Washington
A one hour documentary that traces the impact of political life on a freshman congressman and his family from Illinois’ historic 20th Congressional District. Distributed by PBS. Produced by Tim Hartin.
Walter Burley Griffin: In His Own Right
A one-hour, Emmy award winning documentary that profiles the life and work of Walter Burley Griffin, an American architect who designed buildings and imagined cities. Distributed by PBS+. Produced by Alison Davis.
Tarahumara: Pillars of the World
A one hour documentary that examines an indigenous culture under stress from the modern forces of change. Filmed on location in Mexico’s Copper Canyon region. Distributed by CEN. Produced by Jack Kelly.
Against The Wind
This award-winning documentary tells the compelling story of Jean Driscoll’s attempt to become the first athlete to win seven consecutive Boston Marathons. Following Driscoll as she battles her way back from injury, the program examines her mental and physical preparation, and the creation of the racing chair that contributed to her victory. Distributed by CEN. Produced by Alison Davis.
More information on Against The Wind
The Holocaust: The View from the Heartland
A one hour documentary examining American knowledge of the events which led to the Holocaust; the extent of coverage in local newspapers, and the public reaction and response. Distributed by CEN. Produced by Jack Kelly.
Vanished Rome
A one hour documentary about an archaeological excavation of a 3rd century “domus” on the Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy. Distributed through the American Program Service. Produced by Jack Kelly.
A Year to Get Ready
This half-hour documentary chronicles the Mahomet-Seymour Marching Bulldogs’ hard work and preparation for their appearance in the Rose Bowl Parade. Told in a series of vignettes that illustrate the dedication and struggle, the programs captures these talented kids. Distributed by CEN. Produced by Tim Hartin.
Tornadoes with Ed Kieser
Ever wonder how tornadoes are formed or why the Midwest is a target for them? AM-580 meteorologist Ed Kieser traces the history and impact of tornadoes on central Illinois in this hour-long documentary. Produced by Jack Kelly (Not available for sale. Eligible libraries and schools may receive a free copy. Call Kate Dobrovolny at 217-333-1070 for more information.)
After Jackie: Black Baseball in the 1950s
This one-hour documentary looks at the life of black baseball players who barnstormed America in the 1950s as members of the Negro Baseball League. Distributed by CEN. Produced by Alison Davis & Rob Schober.
Upon A Quiet Landscape
This sensitive documentary explores the life and work of amateur photograph Frank Sadorus who captured rural life at the turn of the century on film. Sadorus, who was committed to the state mental institution by his family, was a self-taught photographer yet his pictures provide a stunning realism. Produced by Jeff Cunningham.
Bridge of 10,000 Miles
In 1964, Shozo Sato brought traditional Japanese art forms of tea ceremony, flower arranging, black ink painting and Kabuki theater to America as a visiting professor in both Theater and Art and Design at the University of Illinois. The remarkable career and philosophy of Shozo Sato is the subject of this half-hour documentary. It is the story of a man determined to bridge cultural gaps through art. Distributed by CEN. Produced by Leslie Epperson.
Fortunes of War
For nearly 75 years, the Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL played a vital role in the life of central Illinois, and in the history of America’s Air Force. This one-hour documentary examines the history and impact of the base closing in 1990. Produced by Steve Parker.
