Watch Family Pictures USA

Family Pictures USA is a television show starring Thomas Allen Harris that explores American history and culture through the eyes of families across the nation. The show premiered on PBS Living in 2019 and has since been lauded for its unique and inclusive approach to storytelling.

In each episode, Harris travels to a different city or region to meet with local families and learn about their personal histories. Using family photographs as a starting point, Harris leads viewers on a journey through time and space, revealing the interconnectedness of family stories and the larger narrative of American life.

What sets Family Pictures USA apart is its focus on diversity and inclusivity. Harris purposely seeks out families from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, highlighting the ways in which our individual stories are shaped by larger forces of race, class, and identity. He also encourages families to share their stories in their own words, rather than imposing a predetermined narrative from outside.

For example, in one episode, Harris travels to Detroit, Michigan, to explore the city's rich musical history. Along the way, he meets with a diverse group of families, including an African-American family with roots in the city's legendary Motown era, a Hispanic family with ties to the city's burgeoning Latinx music scene, and a Jewish family whose patriarch was a prominent concert promoter. Through their stories and photographs, Harris is able to paint a vivid picture of Detroit's cultural landscape and the many ways in which music has shaped its identity over time.

Another episode takes Harris to North Carolina, where he meets with families from the southern African American community known as the Gullah Geechee. Through their stories, he uncovers a hidden history of slavery and resistance that is often overlooked in traditional narratives of the Civil War and Reconstruction. By bringing these stories to light, Family Pictures USA challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions about American history and the roles that different communities have played in shaping it.

Overall, Family Pictures USA is a powerful and engaging show that offers a fresh perspective on American history and culture. Through its emphasis on personal stories and diverse voices, it reminds us that our individual identities and experiences are deeply interconnected with the larger forces that shape our lives. Whether you're a history buff or simply a fan of engaging television, you won't want to miss this compelling series.

Family Pictures USA is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between August 12, 2019 and on PBS Living