Nine PBS celebrates 70 years with plenty of celebratory events throughout September

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - One of St. Louis longest running broadcast television stations is celebrating an amazing achievement.

Nine PBS has been a longtime staple for many residents in the St. Louis-region. The station has been the home of many shows like "This Old House", "Antiques Roadshow", "Arthur", "Sesame Street" and so much more.

"These shows really matter, they are educational, they have helped generations of children learn to read, generations of new Americans learn English," said Amy Shaw, President and CEO of Nine PBS on The Chris and Amy Show . "They have helped kids learn how to be good friends, good siblings. It's a remarkable institution and we are so proud to be one of the oldest public television stations in the country."

In September, the station will celebrate 70 years of operations, with plenty of events to celebrate the achievement, beginning this weekend.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the station and the St. Louis Public Library team up with a "Storytime in the Commons: Be My Neighbor Day" event where kids of all ages will hear stories read aloud while the book’s pages are shared on the big video screen for all to see. Kids will also get a chance to get a photo with Alma and Daniel Tiger from PBS Kids favorites "Alma’s Way" and "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood." The event will take place from 9:30-11 a.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, from 1-4 p.m., families are invited to attend "Family Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum". Families will get a chance to participate in art projects and activities, join a special guided tour of the Art Museum’s collection, and watch a special episode of PBS KIDS favorite Alma’s Way in the museum’s auditorium.

The celebrations won't stop after this weekend, as Nine PBS will also have a "Nine PBS Birthday Block Party" on Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Public Media Commons from 1 -4 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy food, music, kids’ activities, visits from PBS KIDS characters, and an opportunity to meet “Maria” from Sesame Street, PBS icon Sonia Manzano. The event is free to attend.