MOLINE, ILLINOIS (August 4, 2026) — WQPT PBS is partnering with former Quad Cities resident Jared Howe to launch a new original local history series, Snapshots Presents: Forgotten Quad Cities. The thirty-minute series explores the people, places, and events that helped shape the Quad Cities and its unique history.
"The series came about after watching some of Jared's short form films on social media," said WQPT General Manager Dawn Schmitt.
"I reached out to Jared and WQPT's former producer, Lora Adams, to see if they would be interested in partnering on a thirty-minute series about the people, places, and history of the Quad Cities. It's exactly the kind of local storytelling that connects our community with its rich heritage."
As public media continues to adapt with no federal funding, WQPT is expanding partnerships with local producers to maximize resources while continuing to provide the trusted, educational, and essential programming viewers rely on, both over the air and through streaming.
"I have a passion for telling stories, and this opportunity to work with WQPT has been a fantastic experience," said Jared Howe.
"Working together has allowed me to bring these important local stories to a wider audience, and I hope viewers discover something new about the place they call home."
Upcoming episodes of Snapshots Presents: Forgotten Quad Cities will feature stories about legendary jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke, notorious crime boss John Looney, the historic Rock Island Line, and other fascinating people and places from the region's past.
The series premieres Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 8PM.at The Last Picture house as part of Alternating Currents. New episodes will premiere bi weekly on Tuesday at 7:30PM on 24.1 and wqpt.org. Please check your local listings.
About WQPT PBS
WQPT connects our region's communities through public media. As the region's only locally-owned and independently-managed television station, WQPT operates with a public service mission rather than commercial interests. Through trusted programming, educational services, and community engagement, WQPT has supported lifelong learning for more than 43 years. To fulfill its mission, WQPT relies on local support from individual donors, corporate, underwriting sponsors, and foundation grants.
