Horticulturist Sydney Schwiebert gives Scott “Doc” Varn and Sophia Michelen some pointers at Magnolia Plantation (Charleston).
Premieres on PBS Stations Beginning February 24
Scott “Doc” Varn and Sophia Michelen on a hiking trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Hot Springs, NC.
Explore America’s Hidden Treasures and National Wonders Through the Lens of a 19th Century Travelogue
For more than a decade, Scott (“Doc”) Varn, who makes his home in western North Carolina, has dedicated his talent and his non-profit organization, Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA), to promoting conservation and preservation efforts in WNC and around the country.
As PAPA’s Executive Director, Varn recruits local artists to create current renditions of locales first captured in the 1870s publication Picturesque America.
Now, Picturesque America is coming to PBS. This year, PBS is piloting America, the Land We Live In for a possible new series that will air on local affiliates during its Spring Pledge Drive.
Check your local listings for viewing times. The pledge drive runs from late February through early March. The pilot will also be available through PBS Passport, the network’s streaming service, beginning 2/23/24.
Scott “Doc” Varn and Sophia Michelen at a Charleston sweetgrass basket roadside stand with sweetgrass weavers.
Join “Doc” and co-host/photojournalist Sophia Michelin, along with many local personalities, on their quest to find the exact sites that inspired the original artwork of the 1870s.
This PBS show traces the rediscovery of the beautiful places that had been featured in the original, 150-year-old publication, Picturesque America.
Scott “Doc” Varn and Tia Clark cooking crabs in Charleston.
In its official press release, PBS explains:
“With no GPS coordinates to guide them, Doc and Sophia begin their treasure hunt in the majestic mountains of North Carolina, where they seek out guidance from locals, historians and river guides to find locations along the French Broad River — from rocky outcroppings and sweeping vistas to a mysterious old farm and a needle in a haystack ‘mountain island.’ Here, they venture off the beaten path on rugged adventures that take them whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and fly fishing.
The journey continues in South Carolina, just a few hours away but worlds apart, where Doc and Sophia search for treasures among Charleston’s preserved architecture and polished gardens. They experience Lowcountry traditions and hunt for one of the most impressive, giant live oak trees east of the Mississippi. Along the way, they visit a world famous artist’s studio, meet basket weavers who share their inherited craft, and explore the coastal waterways with a Gullah Geechee fisherwoman. With a new twist around every corner, Doc and Sophia’s treasure hunt across America uncovers the “then and now” of each 150-year-old location while also discovering the culture, history, and beauty in each place.”
The series’ goal is to raise awareness of these places and, by so doing, ensure that they are protected for future generations to enjoy.
“It is our hope that this show will draw attention to PAPA’s critical, nationwide conservation work and draw more artists and organizations from around the country to participate,” Varn said.
PAPA has active chapters in NC, NY, PA, SC and TN. This summer, PAPA is sponsoring an impressive “Preservation Through Art” exhibition in Charleston, SC. It will feature local artists while supporting the local conservation groups that are working to protect the areas depicted in the artworks.
Sarah Jones Decker, Scott “Doc” Varn, and Sophia Michelen rafting on the French Broad River in Hot Springs, NC.