The three-part Ken Burns documentary, *Hemingway,* will air on Arkansas TV beginning Monday, August 31, at 8 p.m. The six-hour series continues with episodes on Monday, September 7, and Monday, September 14, also at 8 p.m. Episodes can be streamed live at arkansastv.gov/live.
The documentary, directed by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, and Sarah Botstein, examines the life, work, and influence of author Ernest Hemingway, while delving into lesser-known aspects of his personal struggles and the biases present in his writing. Narrated by Peter Coyote, the series also features actor Jeff Daniels as the voice of Hemingway. Meryl Streep, Keri Russell, Mary-Louise Parker, and Patricia Clarkson voice his four wives.
Arkansas plays an important role in Hemingway’s story. His second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, was from a prominent family in Piggott, Arkansas. The couple spent significant time in northeast Arkansas during their 13-year marriage. Hemingway even wrote part of his classic novel, *A Farewell to Arms,* while staying at the Pfeiffer family home in Piggott. The first episode touches on this connection, including the couple’s move to Piggott shortly before the birth of their son, Patrick Hemingway.
Today, the Pfeiffer family property is a cultural landmark in Arkansas. The restored Pfeiffer house and Hemingway Barn-Studio are operated by Arkansas State University as part of its network of heritage sites. The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center is located at 1021 W. Cherry St. in Piggott and is open weekdays for tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour.
In conjunction with the documentary’s premiere, Arkansas TV has created a digital series exploring Hemingway’s connections to the state. The series features insights from historians, museum staff, and visits to the Piggott museum.
Arkansas TV is the state’s sole public television network, broadcasting to viewers statewide. Twin Lakes area residents can access the documentary over the air through KEMV in Mountain View.