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World War II Web Site Enhances Broadcasts, Is Educational and Archiving Resource

April 22, 2004

For More Information:

Moira Harrington, publicist, (608) 265-3853

Mik Derks, 'Pacific' producer, (608) 265-5009

David Hestad, 'Home Front' producer, (608) 262-6825

The companion Web site to the Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) World War II series is an educational and archiving resource that enhances two May statewide broadcasts.

The award-winning site, wisconsinstories.org, is part of a project undertaken by WPT and the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), in association with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, and will be updated with material from two brand-new, upcoming television broadcasts.

Wisconsin WWII Stories 'Home Front' premieres at 8 p.m. Monday, May 3, and tells the stories of those who remained behind while boyfriends, husbands and brothers took to the front lines.

Wisconsin World War II Stories 'Pacific' premieres at 8 p.m. Monday, May 4, and chronicles 17 Wisconsin veterans' stories in the Pacific Theater.

WMVS-TV in Milwaukee airs the programs at the same times as WPT. The programs encore on Memorial Day weekend, Sunday May 30, along with the other two offerings in the series. The 60-minute programs in the Wisconsin World War II Stories series air sequentially, beginning at 3 p.m. The order of air is: 'Struggle,' 'Europe,' 'Home Front' and 'Pacific.'

The Web site will archive extended transcripts from the program participants and provide streaming video from the two broadcast offerings. It also provides tips on preserving war memorabilia and how to complete an oral history project.

Interaction with others is key to the online experience. At wisconsinstories.org, anyone can contribute their own recollections of World War II battles or struggles on the home front. Even if a visitor is not contributing, the stories are worth reading for their inspirational value.

The site recently won a best Web site award in a statewide competition conducted by the Milwaukee Press Club.

In 2004, WPT celebrates 50 years of service to Wisconsin individuals and families. WHA-TV, Madison, signed on the air on May 3, 1954.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/DT, Madison; WPNE-TV/DT, Green Bay; WHRM-TV/DT, Wausau; WLEF-TV/DT, Park Falls; WHLA-TV/DT, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV/DT, Menomonie-Eau Claire.