Stories by Daniel Hautzinger

Celebrate Black History Month with some monumental surveys of history that cover everything from Chicago's African American community to the most American of music to Africa's civilizations. Plus, two documentaries about indomitable black women.

Although Frederick Douglass did not know his official birth date, he celebrated it on February 14. Late in his life, he spent a year in Chicago serving as the most prominent advocate for African Americans in a World's Fair that largely excluded them.

Looking for a treat for Valentine's Day? Try this elegant and understated chocolate ganache tart from Martha Stewart. Today is Fat Tuesday, after all, so it's time to indulge.

When an assassination attempt leads to constant military protection, Victoria decides to escape the stifling confines of Buckingham for the Scottish Highlands. She and Albert search for freedom from royal obligations and get lost in the process.

Won Kow was opened in 1928, only a couple of decades after Chicago's Chinatown moved from the Loop to the Southwest Side. It was a favorite of Al Capone, according to legend, and served as a barely changing anchor of the neighborhood.

Chicago epitomized the contradictions of late nineteenth century America, with its explosive growth and exorbitant wealth contrasting with abject squalor and a burgeoning labor movement. The two poles infamously came to a head several times in Chicago.

The Irish Potato Famine is at its peak, but, because it mostly affects Catholics, both Victoria's government and the Irish Protestants are dismissive and blame the Catholics for their own problems. Cleary and an Irish clergyman help push Victoria towards contributing aid.

While some parts of Victoria are speculation or based on rumors, there are many genuine historical lessons. Learn about some of the fascinating figures – the first computer programmer, a black Shakespearean – customs, and events drawn straight from real life.

It's thanks to Carter G. Woodson (whose name graces a prominent Chicago library) that we have Black History Month, and he was foundational in studies of African American history. He fought to reform education and spread knowledge of black American's proud past.

Mindy Brugman was a doctoral student studying glaciers on Mt. St. Helens when it erupted in 1980 and avoided the blast because of a scientist's warning. Now, nearly four decades later, she wants to express proper gratitude, on Ann Curry's show We'll Meet Again.

Eager to preserve the uneasy truce between Britain and France, Victoria sets off to visit the French king Louis Philippe and enjoy the sensuous glories of the French court. Albert is having an identity crisis and is a fun-spoiling grouch as usual.

In the new documentary American Creed, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy investigate American ideals, while citizen activists such as Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon attempt to realize their own conception of those ideals.

Whether you want to binge-watch some of your favorite period dramas, skip ahead of the broadcast schedule for Victoria, or catch up on great episodes or programs that you missed, we're recommending some of our most popular shows to stream.

Take a look at not-to-be-missed programs airing between now and the end of April, from a timely show discussing the #MeToo movement, to a documentary about a beloved Science Guy, to Benedict Cumberbatch's return to Masterpiece.

Two films that aired on PBS were nominated today for an Academy Award in the Documentary category: Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, and Last Men in Aleppo. Revisit our various interviews with the directors about their films.