PBS: 'History Detectives'

"History Detectives" returned for its third season on PBS in June, and a one-hour episode airs on PBS on Monday, Sept. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (TV Schedule). Combining the latest forensic technology with old-fashioned detective work, the series lifts the lid on intriguing artifacts and objects, family legends and local folklore in cities and small towns across America.

"History Detectives" is again hosted by Wes Cowan, independent appraiser and auctioneer; Elyse Luray, an independent appraiser and expert in art history; Gwendolyn Wright, professor of architecture, planning and preservation and professor of history, Columbia University; and Tukufu Zuberi, professor of sociology and the director of the Center for Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Host Elyse Luray was online Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the 11-part weekly PBS series "History Detectives."

Luray, a New York University certified appraiser and New York State licensed auctioneer, holds a bachelor's degree in art history from Tulane University and was the vice president and auctioneer at Christie's for more than 10-years. During her tenure at the auction house, Luray was responsible for achieving many record prices, including $690,000 for Judy Garland's ruby slippers.

Each one-hour episode of this series comprises three explorations that uncover everything from interesting trivia to revelations about illustrations that might have helped persuade America to fight the Nazis in World War II.

In this special episode of "History Detectives," three young people, junior super sleuths, join the expert hosts for three exciting mysteries. Monday's episode includes:

Coney Island Lion -- A young, aspiring filmmaker who spent her childhood at Coney Island joins "History Detectives" to explore the colorful history of one of the earliest amusement parks in the country.

Legacy of a Doll -- A Maryland woman owns a beautiful, antique and rare "Greiner" doll. Her grandson joins "History Detectives" to help her uncover the true story behind the doll and its legacy as they explore the complex and intriguing story behind legendary Confederate general Robert E. Lee's relationship with slavery.

Ballet Shoes -- A 12-year-old ballet dancer in Long Island, New York, recently learned from her grandmother that her deceased grandfather once made ballet shoes for many of the top dancers in the 1920s and 30s, including the legendary Ziegfeld star Marilyn Miller. A junior contributor joins the "History Detectives" to find out if there is truth to the grandmother's tale.

The transcript follows.

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Richmond, Va.: I LOVED the piece that aired last night about the ballet shoe ... and it always amazes me with the extent you will go to find an answer to one of the issues being researched. How long does it typically take to research and produce a segment to your show? With the travel time needed for some of the research, I am guessing it is not as easy as it appears to find the answers to some of the questions asked.

Elyse Luray: thanks for watching. The research for one story takes about 4 weeks but sometimes the research may take months due to locations and dead-ends. We tape a show in 5 to 6 days.

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Anthony, Ala.: How was it working with a junior history detective? Did it change the way you investigated the story?

Elyse Luray: I loved working with Mariel. She was very smart and had great energy. It was also great to see the support of the community of Port Washington, NY. I met Mariel's mother at a lecture I gave at the local library.

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N.Y., N.Y.: You studied at Tulane in New Orleans, how do you feel about the devastation wrought to such an amazing area?

Elyse Luray: There are no words to answer your question. I only hope and pray that the people and the city can rebuild their lives. I hope to travel there soon to help.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: Has being a History Detective changed your life?

Elyse Luray: Knowledge is so important to me and I have learned so much in the past 3 years but the best things about being a History Detective are the people. I love learning their history and seeing how in always is weaved into a bigger picture of American history.

Also, I love Wes, Tukufu, Qwen, our producers Chris and Tony and the staff. We are very lucky to work together.

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Shaftsbury, Vt.: How do you feel about the digitization of archival records? How does your research benefit from online resources?

Love the show and Web site!

Elyse Luray: Digitization is very helpful to research. It saves time and money for everyone. The New York Public Library has a very strong commitment to this and they feel they will save millions of dollars, while at the same time help millions of people. Their President recently told me that people, who have used their online services, now come to library more prepared and focused. At the same time, I feel that online services can only take you so far. Libraries and historical societies will always be needed.

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Portage, Ind.: History Detectives is a great show. Are all of the archives and other documents you use available for use by anyone or does one need special credentials to gain access to them?

Elyse Luray: the great thing about our show is all the documents and research we do is open to the public! Good luck sleuthing!

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New York: Dear Elyse -

This is going to sound patronizing - but you have great poise and confidence on the show. Much of it must be natural-born... for the rest, do you credit your experience at Christie's? Personal drive? Mentors?

Also - what challenges do you face every day in trying to "do serious work" while some people may dismiss you on the basis of your appearance (female, youthful, attractive...)?

Elyse Luray: No worries. Tulane and Christies were both great learning places for me. Also antique shows, reading and personal sleuthing always help.

I hope that my youth (if you want to call me young at 37!) helps other young adults want to continue to learn. My goal is to help children learn that American history can be fun!

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Chariton, Iowa: I really enjoyed your program last night, it was the first time I had viewed it.

2 questions: As a high school teacher, are there lesson plans and activities to use with your program?

Was Coney Island a specific park or were Dreamland and Steeplechase Park part of Coney Island?

Elyse Luray: yes, there are and we have had a huge response from children and teachers. If you check our Web site at pbs.org/historydetectives you will see a section for the classroom and the answer to your Coney Island question.

thanks for watching and I hope you kids enjoy the show!

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Martinsville, Va.: The segments shown on "History Detectives" always have a satisfying resolution. So I wonder, what happens when you or your colleagues come up with a dead end? Do you have some way of working out ahead of time how a case will turn out, before you commit a camera crew? Have there been any segments that were begun in production which didn't make it to air?

Elyse Luray: Usually the ones that do not make it to air, are items that do not have a story to tell. All of us vet the items before we start investigating. If the object is not period then there is no use of starting to research it.

We have come us with some dead ends and at the end we have to tell the person the truth!

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Augusta, Maine: Elyse,

In last night's episode (9/5/05) about the "Ballet Shoes," Tukufu ends the episode with an interview with a relative of Broadway Star -- Marilyn Miller. I felt a chill run up my spine when the camera shot the "Welcome to Slidell, LA" sign and scenes of new Orleans at the beginning of the segment. Any word on the well being of the lady interviewed? I am worried we were viewing things in the episode that may no longer exist due to Katrina.

PS: Love the HD's! Brilliant idea of including the kids as "junior detectives" -- what a great way to get kids interested in History.

Elyse Luray: No word yet, but our thoughts and prayers are with her as well as everyone from there.

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Frederick, Md.: Hi, I've been watching the show since its first season. Having been a history major as an undergraduate, I have enjoyed watching it. I was interested in the episode where you were researching the poisoned pen. I had no idea that Ft. Detrick had a role!

Elyse Luray: yes and it was lots of fun! thanks for watching

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Chariton, Iowa: The New York Public Library looks incredible. All of a sudden I see yet another reason to visit New York!

Are there comparable libraries in the Midwest?

Elyse Luray: I don't mean to sound like a New Yorker, but here it goes:

The New York Public Library is one of the best public buildings and institutions in the world. The building is amazing, their archives are incredible and their collections of books, manuscripts, prints, photos, etc, (from all over the world) are better then most museums. Its a must when you come to New York!

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Beijing China: Bravo!

Elyse Luray: WOW!

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Middletown, NJ: Do you have a good relationship with the other history detectives? I notice you and Tukufu tend to do stories together sometimes.

Elyse Luray: Yes and I love them all. I am very lucky to work with Wes, Tukufu and Qwen.

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Gibsonia, Pa.: What an excellent and insightful show! Elyse, how in the world did you land such a terrific job at Christie's at such a young age? I see that you were with them for over 10 years, so you must have started out there when you were fresh out of college. My sympathy and prayers go out to your alma mater (Tulane) after the hurricane tragedy.

Thanks.

Elyse Luray: Thanks. Yes, I started right out of college. I also worked in New Orleans during school at local galleries. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I can not wait for the city to rebuild and for the people of New Orleans to have a home again.

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Liverpool (near Syracuse) NY; WCNY-TV (PBS): I look forward to your program every season. Any chance it can be expanded to year around shows (rather than 11, say 25 or 52 shows per year). These shows (also saw Ms. Luray on Antiques Roadshow Program last year) give me an understanding of history and appreciation (or shock) at how valuable some items are. Thanks. Paul S.

Elyse Luray: we would love to and we hope PBS lets us do more shows. thanks for watching!

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Fairfax, Va.: Love the show! One nit pick, in the Coney Island Lion story last night, why didn't the team look first at a photo of the entrance to Steeplechase Park to see if there were lions that matched the paws, and then work backward to see if the paws you had were the right age and establish chain of possession. It seemed like ending the story with the photo of the entrance, of which I am sure there are thousands, was anti-climactic.

Elyse Luray: sometimes you over look the simple things. I find myself often thinking "Why didn't I think of that earlier?" Anyway, I think the junior detective learned a lot and enjoyed the research process.

thanks for watching.

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Chariton, Iowa: Have you used Presidential Museums and Libraries in your show?

Elyse Luray: yes, we use everything although I do not think we have visited any Presidential Museums and libraries on the show. Sometimes we call them to help us answer questions or direct us to an expert. These calls do not make it on the show.

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Washington, D.C.: This may be something you have not come across at all, but was there any indication if Robert E. Lee was a faithful husband or if he strayed? I have a friend where it has been passed down from the generations that they are illegitimate descendants of Mr. Lee. Of course, that could have been a totally bogus story passed from the beginning. I presume it would be hard if not impossible to ever prove such a thing, although I was wondering if anyone at least knew if General Lee had a reputation one way or another towards fidelity.

Elyse Luray: Sorry, I can not answer that but their is great genealogy section on our site that might help your friend. He should ask himself some simple questions first: Did his family member work for Lee, live in the same state, can he match dates, etc. Good luck!

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Avon Park, Fla.: I enjoy your show. Has your work on it changed your attitudes toward history and how we commonly view certain time periods?

Elyse Luray: thanks. The show has made me realize how important our history is and how important it is for people to remember history. I love when we are able to take a person's item and tie it to an important event in American history. Also, the show has made me realize how we need to continue to teach our children about our country. These days there are many shows on television and I hope our show teach our children about American history in a fun and entertaining way.

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Chariton, Iowa: As the viewer from Maine, we discussed the hurricane as we watched ... think of all the artifacts of history that were destroyed in that storm and flood. What a shame.

Elyse Luray: yes, I know. Lets hope that people who left early were able to load their cars and trucks with some artifacts. I am also hoping that maybe somethings were stored in other areas that are safe. At this point, all we can do is pray and hope!

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The cold and lonely archives basement: Just wanted to say ... Kudos to your interns and production assistants. I doubt the public recognizes how many weeks of research goes into the host having primary sources on hand.

Elyse Luray: yes,as I have said before, we have very lucky to have a great team. thanks for watching

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N.Y.: Dear Elyse,

What I really love about the program is that it doesn't whitewash over the not-so-pretty parts in our history...for instance, it is so difficult for us to truly comprehend slavery, all these years later...and yet by reading through documentation, visiting the sites, and talking to people, it really really comes alive. Wow. It's terrific for us viewers to be taken along on such a journey, but I imagine it must be a heck of an experience to actually follow the leads and get as close to the past as you can...?

Elyse Luray: Thanks. Working on History Detectives is a great experience and I have learned so much. One of the great things is meeting all the experts that we use. These people have dedicated their lives to working on historical research and it is a treat to get to interview them. Also, I love seeing the archives and the "real" papers, etc.

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Morristown, N.J.: Am I correct that your show plans to air an episode about the mysterious stone steps (I believe there are something like 200-300 steps) that are carved into a mountain here in Morris County? I've heard that no one knows how they came to be -- whether native americans formed them or whether Washington's troops built them as a lookout for British troops.

P.S. Love the use of Elvis Costello's "Watching the Detectives" as your show's theme song.

Elyse Luray: Not sure about that one. Maybe you could submit it to us to investigate at pbs.org/historydetectives

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Elyse Luray: Thanks for watching the show and please continue to support PBS!

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