Press Releases

From the WCNY Vault features classic WCNY-produced programs

by Rouhollah Goudarzi

November 2, 2017

WCNY, Central New York’s flagship public broadcaster, is opening its vault monthly with classic WCNY-produced programs. Each classic will be broadcast on TV, and then available anytime, anywhere with WCNY Passport, a WCNY member benefit featuring exclusive PBS and WCNY content.

WCNY Passport starts at just $5 per month and gives viewers access to more than 1,500 programs via devices including Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, a computer, tablet, or smartphone anytime, anywhere.

To sign-up for WCNY Passport visit wcny.org/passport, and to see monthly Vault features, visit wcny.org/vault.

From the WCNY Vault Lineup

Released:

September Launch Month

A Trip Down the Cherry Valley Turnpike

Explore villages and hamlets along U.S. Route 20 in Central New York.

The Barn

Explore unique Upstate New York barns from architectural, historical, and artistic perspectives..

Central New York Picture Palaces

Journey through the memories architecture and lore of the great theaters across Central

New York where action, comedy, mystery, romance and adventure lived.

Central New York in the 40s

Takes a nostalgic look at Central New York, and what is defined as a turning point in America’s history.

October

William Henry Seward: Lincoln’s Right Hand

Best known for his involvement in the 1867 purchase of Alaska (“Seward’s folly”) and as Abraham Lincoln’s most trusted advisor, William Henry Seward left a legacy that encompasses more than expansionist dreams. With historic photography, archival footage and on-location segments, the documentary provides historical insight into a founding father of the Republican Party and also one of America’s most enigmatic though often overlooked politicians.

November

Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Riding the Rails: A History of Railroads in CNY

Explore the history and significance of railways in Utica, Syracuse and other areas of the Empire State. Hear from Onondaga Historical curator Dennis Connors, and National Railway Historical Society member Al Kallfelz in this documentary hosted by Bill Baker.

December

Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Central New York Christmas

This documentary captures the frosted imagery and treasured traditions of the holiday across the region.

January

Jan. 22 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Bluegrass Ramble Special

Central New York Bluegrass legend Bill Knowlton, host of WCNY’s “Bill Knowlton Bluegrass Ramble” radio program for nearly 50 years, opens the stage to some of the region’s leading Bluegrass and Folk music groups of the day.

February

Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Arctic Air: A Greenlandic Journey with the 109th

‘Arctic Air: A Greenlandic Journey’ with the 109th captures the commitment of scientists and military flight crews in a frozen land of incredible beauty but where danger always lurks. See the camps where international teams of scientists seek to unlock mysteries of the past buried deep within the polar ice cap to help provide answers to some of today’s most important questions about climate change and global warning.

March

March 12 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Central NY’s Own: Broadcast Legends

From the early days of WFBL, Syracuse’s first radio station in the 1920’s, to broadcast legends like Marty Glickman and Dick Clark, WCNY recounts some of the great voices and faces of broadcast media’s first three generations. Meet legends like Bob Carolin, the original “Night Mayor” and Mike Joseph with Hot Hits, as well as WCNY legends Bill Baker, Bill Knowlton, Leo Rayhill and Don Doloff.

April

Stars, Diamonds and the Chiefs

As venerable MacArthur stadium hosted its last ballgame in 1996 and Syracuse’s new baseball stadium rose in its parking lot, WCNY celebrated Central New York’s rich minor league baseball legacy.

May

May 14 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Dream Destinations: New York’s Contemporary Canals

This canal-side journey showcases the historic, cultural, natural and recreational assets that abound. WCNY took cameras on the road to four canals: the Oswego, the Champlain, the Cayuga-Seneca, and the Erie Canal. Marvel at the architecture of an aqueduct still standing in Camillus, watch boats plying the waterways in Phoenix and boaters navigating the locks and passing under lift bridges.

June

June 11 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Great Amusement Parks of Central New York

The ratcheting sounds of roller coasters and the calliopes of the historic carousels are captured in this award-winning tour of the region’s most cherished fun parks. Historic photos and 21st century footage capture the parks in all of their grandeur.

July

July 16 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

The Performers: Taking Center Stage in New York Agriculture

Exploring modern agriculture across New York, this 2007 documentary hosted by Liz Ayers criss crosses the state’s most fertile fields and cutting edge farms to learn how New York growers stay competitive in a global economy. The program visits with 12 farm families who build tradition with innovation from Long Island to Lake Erie to the Adirondacks.

August

Aug. 6 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

An American Saint: Marianne Cope (centennial of her death 8/9/1918)

This one-hour documentary follows the story of Sister Marianne Cope, a German immigrant raised in Utica whose life journey led her from Central New York to Hawaii and ultimately to sainthood.