Iowa PBS presents Governors of Iowa
Robert D Ray at his desk

Leaders of Iowa have guided the state through legislative battles, cultural turmoil and international concerns. Go behind-the-scenes of pivotal moments in Iowa history with intimate profiles of Governors Harold Hughes and Robert D. Ray. Governors of Iowa will present two hour-long documentaries coming this October on statewide Iowa PBS and all of the network’s streaming platforms, including iowapbs.org, YouTube and the PBS Video App.

Governor Hughes was guided by his past as a truck driver, his personal battles with alcoholism and his deep religious faith. From that, he changed the trajectory of Iowa’s future during the tumultuous 1960s. Governors of Iowa: Harold Hughes premieres Monday, October 10 at 9 p.m.

Following the Hughes documentary, Governors of Iowa: Robert D. Ray will premiere Monday, October 17 at 9 p.m. Governor Ray is known for an even-handed approach to governing Iowa. His lasting legacy of welcoming refugees during the late 1970s forever changed the state's cultural fabric.

“Governors Harold Hughes and Robert D. Ray defy modern political definition. Their combined legacy was to bring Iowa politically and culturally into the 20th century,” said Iowa PBS Director of Programming & Production Andrew Batt. “These documentaries are an opportunity for all Iowans to reflect on our collective history and the value of public service.”

For those who can’t wait to experience the films, Iowa PBS is hosting two premiere screening events featuring panel discussions with experts on the respective governors. On Monday, September 26 at 7 p.m. at Drake University’s Sheslow Auditorium, Iowa PBS will host a premiere screening of Governors of Iowa: Robert D. Ray. Iowa PBS will premiere Governors of Iowa: Harold Hughes at the Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City on Tuesday, October 4 at 6 p.m. Find more details and register for the event at iowapbs.org/events.

In addition to its statewide broadcast, Iowa PBS .1 is available to livestream on iowapbs.org/watch, pbs.org/livestream, the PBS Video App and YouTube TV. Iowa PBS programs, behind-the-scenes extras and more can be enjoyed on iowapbs.org, Facebook and YouTube. Viewers can also stream their favorite shows on demand using the PBS Video App, available on iOS, Android and many streaming devices.