Hoffa & More Iconic Cold Cases Set for PBS's HISTORY DETECTIVES SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS

History Detectives SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS, a new take on a PBS favorite, delves into the past this summer to explore some of America's most intriguing mysteries. Four episodes introduce the fresh perspective of a new detective and focus on a single story per hour. HDSI, the reformatted eleventh season of HISTORY DETECTIVES, debuts Tuesday, July 1-22, 2014, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET on PBS. Also debuting on July 1 is TIME SCANNERS at 8:00 p.m.

In each episode of History Detectives SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS, veteran detectives Tukufu Zuberi and Wes Cowan join forces with new host Kaiama Glover to probe a single iconic mystery from America's past. What was behind the tragic sinking of the SS Sultana, one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history, at the end of the American Civil War? Can the detectives solve the mystery of one of the country's first recorded serial killings, the Austin Servant Girl Murders of the 1880s? What led to the mysterious vanishing of big band leader Glenn Miller during World War II? Who killed Jimmy Hoffa -- and why?

The HDSI team brings modern forensic Science and cutting-edge tools to these historical conundrums. As they discover new evidence, sift through clues and crisscross the country in search of answers, they uncover fresh leads and information to tell captivating stories from a new angle.

"We're giving the History Detectives a broader mission this season," says Bill Gardner, Vice President of Programming and Development for PBS. "They're using modern technology to solve some of the toughest cold cases in U.S. history, and what they uncover is pretty surprising."

The hosts of History Detectives SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS are:
· Wesley Cowan, independent appraiser and auctioneer;
· Tukufu Zuberi, professor of sociology and the director of the Center for Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania; and
· Kaiama Glover, professor of literature of the French-speaking Caribbean and sub-Saharan West African cinema at Barnard College, Columbia University.

Program descriptions:

History Detectives Special Investigations - Civil War Sabotage?
Investigate the sinking of SS Sultana, one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history.

History Detectives Special Investigations - Texas Servant Girl Murders
Follow the inquiry into a string of grisly unsolved murders in Austin, Texas, in 1885.

History Detectives Special Investigations - The Disappearance of Glenn Miller
Gather new information about what is perhaps the biggest mystery and cold case of World War II.

History Detectives Special Investigations - Who Killed Jimmy Hoffa?
Explore Teamsters president Hoffa's final days, with a window on the post-war era labor movement.

At 8:00 p.m. new three-part series TIME SCANNERS reveals physical and forensic mysteries of the ancient world's most iconic structures. Through cutting-edge technology that can "read" buildings, ruins and landscapes, this series allows viewers to reach out and touch the past. Hosted by Dallas Campbell ("Bang Goes the Theory"), a team of laser-scanning researchers from the University of Arkansas led by Steve Burrows, unlocks the secrets of the world's greatest engineering achievements. TIME SCANNERS airs Tuesdays, July 1-15, 2014, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET

View past episodes of History Detectives on our website at pbs.org/historydetectives. "Like" History Detectives at https://www.facebook.com/historydetectives. History Detectives SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS is a co-production of Lion Television and Oregon Public Broadcasting for PBS.

About Lion Television
Lion Television creates hundreds of hours of programming every year from its production bases in the U.K. and U.S. Lion currently has more than 200 hours in production, specializing in entertainment, daytime, ambitious Science and history shows.

About OPB
OPB is the largest cultural and education institution in Oregon and southern Washington, delivering excellence in public broadcasting to 1.5 million people each week through television, radio and the Internet. Widely recognized as a national leader in the public broadcasting arena, OPB is a major contributor to the program schedule that serves the entire country. OPB is one of the most-used and most-supported public broadcasting services in the country and is generously supported by its members.

About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing Curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter,Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices.