A surge of history on TV reflects race to define collective memory

By Miles Parks,

Daniel Ofman, Sarah Robbins

Published December 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM EST

A retelling of James Garfield's assassination and other recent TV programs about history show an interest in saying 'who we were, who we are and who we're going to be,' explains presidential historian Alexis Coe, senior fellow at New America.

Miles Parks

Miles Parks is a reporter on NPR's Washington Desk. He covers voting and elections, and also reports on breaking news.

See stories by Miles Parks

Daniel Ofman

Sarah Robbins

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