“The Gulf Islands: Mississippi’s Wilderness Shore”
premieres Sept. 27 on MPB before Ken Burns’ “National Parks”
Share Your National Park Visits with MPB for History Collection
JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) debuts “The Gulf Islands: Mississippi’s Wilderness Shore” Sunday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. Following, at 7 p.m., MPB begins airing Ken Burns’ new documentary series “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”
“The Gulf Islands: Mississippi’s Wilderness Shore” is an MPB production showcasing the natural beauty of The Gulf Islands National Seashore Park, specifically the barrier islands in Mississippi – Cat Island, East and West Ship Islands, Horn Island and Petit Bois Island – and the Davis Bayou area in Ocean Springs.
With more than 80 percent of its territory submerged and teeming with marine life, the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park stretches 160 miles from Cat Island, Miss., to the Okaloosa area near Fort Walton, Florida. “The Gulf Islands” presents the islands’ history, natural significance, how the islands protect Mississippi’s coast from hurricanes and the efforts underway to further protect and restore them.
When asked about the importance of the film, Robbie Fisher, one of the executive producers of “The
Gulf Islands,” said, “The Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the most pristine and unique national parks in the nation. It is a mystical place; a wilderness where people can go and see immaculate waters and beaches, escape civilization and learn about natural history. This story needs telling so more people can not only enjoy the Seashore, but so we can celebrate and ensure its continued protection.”
“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” is a 12-hour, six-part documentary series directed and produced by Burns and co-produced by longtime colleague Dayton Duncan.
Filmed over the course of more than six years in some of nature’s most spectacular locales— from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska, “The National Parks” is a story of people from every conceivable background who were willing to devote themselves to saving some portions of the land they loved, and in doing so, reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy.
The park experience is one that has been shared by millions over the years. To share your memories, photos or videos of the parks, go to www.mpbonline.org. These stories will be given later to the National Park Foundation where they will be archived for generations to come.
MPB will rebroadcast the “The Gulf Islands: Mississippi’s Wilderness Shore” on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
At 7 p.m. on Oct. 7, before “The Gulf Islands” airs, MPB will broadcast “Exploring History: Corinth, Mississippi and Shiloh National Military Park.” “Exploring History” tells the story of the Corinth Interpretive Center, Contraband Camp and Shiloh Battlefield, which are a part of the Shiloh National Military Park located in Mississippi and Tennessee.
More information about these documentaries is available at www.mpbonline.org.
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Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides relevant instructional and public programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages through quality programs, resources and services that educate, entertain and enlighten. Children’s programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national and regional awards, including Emmys and Parents’ Choice Awards, for i