Monday, February 20

Jefferson’s Secret Bible

Smithsonian Channel, 8pm EST

Relatively few people know that along with authoring the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson also compiled his own text, drawn carefully from passages extracted out of the New Testament, that he titled "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth." The book, which focused on the ethical teachings of Jesus, was a private undertaking for Jefferson and never made public in his lifetime. Now, experts at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History are meticulously conserving this fragile volume, page by brittle page. Along the way, they discover subtle hidden clues to Jefferson himself. [From Smithsonian Channel] http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/show.do?show=140747

*Interested in more religion in American and its early roots? Watch the entire series God in America presented by American Experience and Frontline at http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/ , be sure to click on “God in the White House” for a rundown of all of the past president’s beliefs.

American Experience: Clinton

PBS, Check local listing

Premiering February 20th and 21st A biography of a president who rose from a broken childhood in Arkansas to become one of the most successful politicians in modern American history, and one of the most complex and conflicted characters to ever stride across the public stage. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/clinton/     *Watch Chapter 1 online now!

Tuesday, February 21

Mystery Files: Pope Joan

Smithsonian Channel, 8:30pm EST

In the 9th Century, Pope Joan wore the Holy robes for more than two years before her deception was dramatically revealed. At least that's what legend and hundreds of medieval records claim. The story of her papal rise and fall - when she gave birth in public on a street in Rome - has plagued the Catholic Church and confounded researchers for centuries. Did Pope Joan really exist, and if not, who created her and why? Historians and theologians analyze the archives and investigate the artifacts to answer this gender-bending mystery. [From Smithsonian Channel]

Wednesday, February 22

Smithsonian Spotlight: National Museum of African American History

Smithsonian Channel, 7pm EST

Discover the inspirations, efforts, and challenges involved in establishing an American museum dedicated to presenting and preserving the African American experience. It's still a work in progress, but the first exhibit is already assembled: an extraordinary collection of photographs of this country's most celebrated and influential African Americans. [From Smithsonian Channel]

*Program followed by Smithsonian Spotlight: Museum in the Making, giving the earliest glimpses into the Smithsonian’s newest museum, The National Museum of African American History and Culture, to open in 2015.

**In further celebration of Black History Month, check out PBS’ Moments and Milestones in Black History. Full episodes available online at http://www.pbs.org/special/black-history/

Friday, February 24 

Save Our History: Defining Documents

History Channel, 7am EST

Some of America's most priceless treasures are held at the National Archives in Washington--records of the country's history. The National Archives, National History Day, and USA Freedom Corps compiled 100 Milestone Documents to shed light on how the nation and society developed. In the latest installment of our Emmy-winning series, Josh Binswanger looks at stories behind a few of these documents and explores their impact today, and reveals the top 10 documents chosen by the public in an online poll. [From History Channel]

WWII in HD - Marathon

History Channel, 8am-8pm

Pioneers Turned Millionaires: John Jacob Astor

Smithsonian Channel, 8pm EST

Step into a world of adventure and danger as we explore the life of America's first multi-millionaire, John Jacob Astor. From his early years, hiding from his abusive father, to his perilous journey across the Atlantic, to a series of personal and professional tragedies, his life was anything but opulent. Yet, John Jacob Astor routinely turned his life of uncertainties into opportunities, amassing an unprecedented fortune along the way. Witness it all, via dramatic re-enactments and interviews with biographers, historians and descendants of the Astor family. [From Smithsonian Channel] http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/show.do?series=814#episode-guide