From the time Burr Tillstrom and his Kuklapolitan Players first appeared in 1940 until government restrictions changed the entire landscape of local television, Chicago was at the forefront of Children’s programming. Led by WGN-TV, the staffs of local stations were flush with talented and creative people that are still remembered today. The shows were innovative and used every resource to its greatest possible extent; but most of all they were fun. Local Children’s TV historian Jim Engel talks about this “Golden Era” of kids’ TV in Chicago.

CHICAGO TELEVISION

For decades, the Chicago market was the leading producer of innovative, entertaining and memorable programming. Its airwaves have been home to a wealth of talented performers and iconic programs that have made the city one of the country’s greatest television towns. Join the Chicago History Museum as they relive and celebrate the tradition of excellence that produced so many fond memories for millions of Chicagoans. In collaboration with the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

For more information and tickets, go to the Chicago History Museum’s website.