Joshua Tree National Park will offer a public preview of Ken Burns’ latest documentary film, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 26 in the Blak Box Theater. The 45-minute preview is free to the public. Tickets can be reserved by calling the theater at 760-366-3777. The Blak Box is located at the Hi Desert Cutural Center, 61231 Highway 62, in the community of Joshua Tree.

Produced by Ken Burns and Florentine Films, and made available to the National Park Service for community events, the preview is a compilation of stories describing the contributions of a number of remarkable, if lesser known, individuals who played significant roles in the history of our national parks. Americans from many cultural backgrounds, including African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Native Americans, were involved with the growth and development of the National Park System. The national park idea originated in the United States, and its development and evolution as an American concept benefitted from ideas and achievements of people reflecting all segments of American society.

The film will be preceded by an introduction from Joshua Tree Park Superintendent Curt Sauer. Following the film, park rangers will be on hand to take questions from the audience. Refreshments will be available at the theater before and after the program.

For further information about this special presentation, the public can call Park Education Specialist Lorna Lange at 760-367-3011, or the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms at 760-367-5500.

Information about The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, which will be broadcast by PBS in six parts beginning September 27, is available on the PBS web site: http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/. Check local listings for specific show times.