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Video Details

Discovery Road

Website: http://www.mormonpioneerheritage.org/
Next Airing: Sat, Mar 30th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV

Availability information for this program

The road trip adventures continue with this ongoing series of programs about the people and places of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA). "Discovery Road" features a 1977 Mercury Cougar with a fancy red and white exterior and a plush red velvet interior! Hosted by series creator James Nelson this show travels along U.S. Highway 89, All-American Road State Route 12, and Scenic Byway State Route 24. As the car drives along these roads, viewers will "discover" the things that make the MPNHA worth driving to themselves. "The MPNHA wants to tell a story and Discovery Road is one of the best ways we can do that. It takes people on a heritage journey just like they used to do with Sunday afternoon car rides," said MPNHA Executive Director Monte Bona. Using music, storytellers and the characters in the communities along the way, Discovery Road will present Utah's history, scenery and culture in an entertaining and educational manner. The Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area (MPNHA) is a federally designated area of central and southern Utah running along the beautiful and historic U. S. Highway 89 — including the All-American Road Utah State Route 12, and Capitol Reef Scenic Byway Utah State Route 24, which both intersect with U.S. 89 and together form the MPNHA’s Boulder Loop. The area includes the counties of Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Garfield and Kane. The Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance is the local coordinating entity of the MPNHA and receives annual funding from the National Park Service. Its purpose is to preserve, tell and interpret the stories, history and heritage of the area, and to promote its culture and value.

Episodes:

  • Mormon Trail - The Forgotten Ones

    Discovery Road returns to the historic Mormon Trail to search for traces of family members who did not make it all the way to Zion. The story unfolds with treks to major stops on the trail for initial information. Then the stories begin to unfold about how loved ones were lost to illness or were unable to continue the journey. Despite the difficult and harrowing experiences on the trail pioneers continued westward. This show brings forward the lasting family memories coupled with examples of family success stories.

    Next Airing: Sat, Mar 30th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:24:17
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Mormon Trail: The Disabled Ones

    Discovery Road travels down the historic Mormon Trail to uncover one of the more inspiring chapters of Mormon Trail history ever. Historians share with our documentary team the little known stories about people on the trail who had challenges beyond the mountains, rivers, weather and long distances. Blindness, mental problems, club foot, amputees and many others are featured in the program. Descendants of these courageous pioneers discuss the amazing courage and struggles involved within the journey. Inspiration comes to the surface as the families reveal how subsequent generations honor and benefit from those disabled forefathers.

    Next Airing: Sat, Apr 6th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:27:48
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Filmmakers Shootout In Kane County

    The 2014 Kane County Filmmakers Shootout attracted filmmakers, film lovers and plenty of movie goers. Discovery Road was on hand as organizers handed out the film assignments and then unleashed the film makers to make their movies. In just over 48 hours their work was done and the judging was underway. An exciting fleet of movies was screened at the historic Crescent Moon Theater in Kanab to a standing room only crowd. The western movie history, world famous landscape and local talent were all included in the films. Discovery Road interviewed the filmmakers, movie officials and movie buffs. They followed the film crews as they worked and then watched as the movies were screened. This behind the scenes episode offers insight to a fun competition and shows how much is learned during the weeklong event.

    Next Airing: Sat, Apr 13th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:24:18
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Garfield County

    This episode of Discovery Road gives the viewer an exciting ride through the diverse landscape and stunning beauty that is found in Garfield County. History comes alive through stories about a blind telephone switchboard operator and a visit to a western collectible store where a woman entertains customers by quilting! A real discovery comes in Escalante, Utah where a man who repairs flat tires for foreign travelers tells us his story. There's also a fun visit to an old movie theater perched atop an ice cream store. The program concludes with a look back at historic Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon National Park. Historic photos and film accompany exciting interviews throughout this entertaining and educational show.

    Next Airing: Sat, Apr 20th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:23:58
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Scandinavian Show

    This episode of Discovery Road gives the viewer a seat on a tour bus as it traverses through the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. The show follows a group of tour guide operators as they experience Scandinavian Days and all that goes into that annual celebration. The story of one of the most unique building blocks you will ever see or hear about is told in the program. Oolite stone was quarried out the mountains in Sanpete County, Utah and used in buildings like the Kearns Mansion, The Keith Mansion, several Mormon temples, the Park Building at the University of Utah, the Washington Monument and the Hearst Mansion overlooking San Simeon Bay south of San Francisco. Discovery Road then pays a visit to a small town furniture store to see how pioneers made their chairs, sofas and tables. Pull up a comfortable chair you won't want to miss this episode of Discovery Road!

    Next Airing: Sat, Apr 27th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:20:55
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Wasatch Academy

    The incredible story of Wasatch Academy is rolled out during a Discovery Road visit to the Mt. Pleasant, Utah campus amid the 2014 Founders Day celebration. Discovery Road crew members tour the school grounds and meet old timers who attended the school half-a-century ago. In contrast the student profile of today shows 37 nations represented with foreign languages heard in every classroom. Discovery Road chats with these international students about their experience in America. In addition the compelling story of how a Presbyterian minister started the school in the heart of Mormon country and how he carried a pistol to the pulpit just in case there was trouble.

    Next Airing: Sat, May 4th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:25:21
    Usage rights: Expires 9/20/2024
  • Native Americans & Sacred Water

    A fascinating "Discovery Road" episode about Native American views of water from a variety of perspectives in and around the state of Utah. The program opens in southern Utah with a visit to the Kaibab-Piute Indian Reservation and Pipe Spring National Monument. The story of the natural springs gives insight to ancient history and modern views of the valuable water here. The Hot Springs just outside of Monroe, Utah have long been a source of intrigue, belief and dreams about humanity. Historians say it was used by prehistoric Indians as a sacred watering place. There is evidence all around the Hot Springs that ancient tribes did live there. Pictographs and the hot springs are discussed by local residents and others. From a distance you can see the distinct yellow and gold colored soil and rocks where the water still trickles from the earth. Through interviews, Goshute and Navajo voices plus archival and research materials "Discovery Road" will bring the Native American point of view front and center. Also in the episode Native American artists show their work and talk about how water fits into their art creations.

    Next Airing: Sat, May 11th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:26:45
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2028
  • The Dreams I Left Behind

    This episode of Discovery Road takes the viewer across the Atlantic Ocean where A Utah family finds the roots of their own in England. Going back several generations the family finds where relatives split in England and what divided them. In an energetic family reunion in downtown Salt Lake City hundreds gather to connect with their past. Producers use music and historic perspective to bring this family story forward. History, culture and heritage give the viewer a peek into one family story that is touching and proud. Interviews in England, artifacts from a century ago and historic photos tell the story of the Graham family.

    Next Airing: Sat, May 18th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:27:44
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2028
  • Don't Let Them Be Forgotten

    This episode of Discovery Road introduces viewers to the Blackham family as they unravel their own past in England. Leaving the cotton mill factories meant the Utah family had to find a new place to call home. In central Utah’s Sanpete Valley Discovery Road trains the camera lens on Blackham family reunions and gatherings. Going back several generations the family finds out how brutal work was in the cotton mill factories. The harsh history lesson gives this family story a powerful perspective. Interviews in England, artifacts from a century ago and historic photos tell the story of the Blackham family.

    Next Airing: Sat, May 25th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
    Length: 00:26:11
    Usage rights: Expires 2/13/2028
  • Hyrum Bebe (The Apostle & The Outlaw)

    This episode features a mysterious story about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and a segment on Mormon church apostle Orson Hyde. Hyde was among the early Mormon polygamists who sometimes had to hide from federal agents who came to town on the local railroad to look for them. Local folklore calls the train the "Polygamist Express" because train engineers would sometimes blow a steam-whistle signal to alert the "brethren" that feds were on board and that it was time to skedaddle.

    Length: 00:23:26
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Kane County / Kanab

    In this episode of Discovery Road the crew takes a seat in a 1963 Ford Fairlane for an adventure in Kane County, Utah. They find a compelling story on canvas and pedestal. They learn about the explorer Jacob Hamblin and discover a public auction of wild horses and burros. Another story featured in this episode is a profile of one of the few small town newspapers still in full operation in America. They top it all off with a blue ribbon slice of apple pie!

    Length: 00:23:34
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Manti

    In this episode "Discovery Road" explores how the Manti temple was built and what challenges had to be overcome before the doors were opened in 1888. Stories about hardship and accomplishment are blended with heartwarming personal histories born on the Manti Temple Hill. The episode will also surprise visitors with an introduction to the Rat Fink who is known worldwide by car lovers and fans of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. Discovery Road hosts James Nelson and Gina Persinger — along with the star of the show, "Love Me Tender," a '55 Pontiac — also find a herd of Llamas just off of U.S. 'Heritage' Highway 89 during taping.

    Length: 00:22:37
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Maude Adams

    Once upon a time in Salt Lake City a little baby was plucked from her cradle and promptly delivered to center stage! This was the beginning of the marvelous career of Maude Adams! Early in the twentieth century she was among the best stage performers in the world. She made a million dollars a year and played on the biggest stages in New York and around the country. Her legacy, however, remains mostly unknown. Discovery Road attempts to unravel the mystery of Maude Adams. They also enjoy breakfast in a Spring City café and hear a great music story at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah.

    Length: 00:21:53
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Mormon Trail: Black Experience

    Discovery Road travels along the historic Mormon Trail with a returned Mormon missionary in search of his roots. Marcus Ewell discovers his family history includes an ancestor who served in the Mormon Battalion and another who traveled the trail. The Discovery Road crew visits Martins Cove, Winter Quarters and many other places on their journey to the past. As the visit to yesterday plays out along the trail a mystery unfolds about who might have been with the Ewell family every step of the way. Family accounts of a nanny who survived slavery and embraced the Mormon faith born out during the program.

    Length: 00:26:50
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • Passing Along Utah's History

    A week-long trip starts in southern Utah and concludes in Salt Lake City with special focus on travel writers assigned to cover the event. The story of Wasatch Academy and its Presbyterian founder Duncan McMillan, who clashed with Brigham Young over education ideals, is profiled in the broadcast. The tour group also visits an ill-fated settlement called Clarion, Utah. Using music, story tellers and real people in the communities along the way, Utah's history is presented in an entertaining and educational manner.

    Length: 00:24:05
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030
  • The Acequias Show

    The Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area (SDCNHA) and Discovery Road are bringing forward the story of acequias in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. “The Acequias” introduces viewers to an intriguing profile of a Ditch Rider, who oversees the distribution of water to the farms and ranches.

    Length: 00:29:44
    Usage rights: Expires 1/18/2038
  • The Heritage Experience (Anha Tour)

    -IN THIS EPISODE OF DISCOVERY ROAD……a journey through the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area with a busload of special guests. These visitors to Utah are from other heritage areas around America. These history experts are part of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas (ANHA). The Alliance is the nationwide network of 49 national heritages and other partner organizations working to partner with the NPS in communities across the country to tell the story of America. Their visit to Utah is all about sharing the heritage experience.

    Length: 00:23:29
    Usage rights: Expires 1/1/2030

Availability: