History is full of amazing people who changed the world in ways big and small. “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum” on PBS KIDS brings their stories to life in a way that is fun, exciting and easy to understand for kids and adults alike. In each episode, Xavier, Yadina and Brad travel back in time to meet these famous figures and learn an important lesson along the way. Whether it’s discovering how to turn mistakes into happy accidents with Bob Ross or finding out that you can be more than just one thing with Hedy Lamarr, the show teaches kids that history isn’t just about the past; it’s full of lessons that still matter today. Let’s dive into some of the incredible people featured on the show and see what wisdom they have to share!
Julia Child
Julia Child was a famous chef, author and television personality who introduced French cooking to American audiences. She made gourmet cooking accessible and encouraged people to try new things, proving that anyone could master a new skill with patience and practice. Just like following a recipe, she teaches our young heroes to take things one step at a time, because even the most complicated dishes start with a single ingredient.
This isn’t the only lesson Julia Child can teach us! Learn more about her on PBS.org.
Louis Braille
Louis Braille went completely blind at age 5 and later invented the Braille writing system. Created when he was just 15, his groundbreaking method allowed blind and visually impaired people to read and write, opening up a world of knowledge and independence. Xavier, Yadina and Brad learn there are many ways to write and different abilities do not mean limited possibilities.
Sacagawea
Sacagawea is the Shoshone woman who played the crucial role of guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. She traveled thousands of miles from North Dakota to the Pacific Ocean, helping explore new frontiers and share Native American culture. Our characters learn from her that others are capable of great things.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Considered one of the greatest musical minds in history, Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer during the Baroque period. He is known for his remarkable contribution to classical music, including compositions like the “Brandenburg Concertos” and “The Well-Tempered Clavier.” The artist teaches that if you want to get better at something, you have to work hard and practice–every masterpiece starts with a single note.
Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr wasn’t just a Hollywood actress, but a brilliant inventor as well. Her most notable innovation, frequency-hopping technology, helped pave the way for modern advancements like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. She shares with our crew the lesson that you can be more than one thing, no one should ever be put into a box.
Mary Shelley
Gothic author Mary Shelley is best known for her story “Frankenstein,” one of the first science-fiction novels. Her creativity and imagination changed the world of literature forever. Her dark and inventive tale explores themes of science, humanity and responsibility. Shelley shows Xavier, Yadina and Brad that you must tell stories your own way.
Bob Ross
Bob Ross was a painter and television host, known for his PBS show “The Joy of Painting.” He encouraged people to paint and embrace creativity without fear. With his calming voice and positive outlook, he made art accessible to everyone, reminding viewers that perfection isn’t the goal, expression is. The trio is taught to turn a mistake into a happy accident.
Bob Ross reinforces this lesson in his show “The Joy of Painting.” Watch full episodes on PBS.org.
Kate Warne
Kate Warne was the first female detective in the United States, breaking barriers while working for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Using her sharp instincts and clever disguises, she even prevented an assassination attempt on Abraham Lincoln, saving the president’s life. Warne teaches Xavier, Yadina and Brad to use what they know to solve a problem.
Nellie Bly
Nellie Bly was a trailblazing journalist and adventurer, best known for her record-breaking journey “Around the World in 72 Days.” Bly also went undercover to expose the terrible conditions of an asylum, changing the way mental health patients are treated. She shows our young adventurers that when you really want to do something, be bold because courage and determination can change the world.
Fred Rogers
Fred Rogers was the beloved creator and host of the PBS KIDS show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” where he spent decades teaching kindness, empathy and self-worth to generations of children. Through gentle storytelling and meaningful conversations, he helped kids understand big emotions and important life lessons. He reminds Xavier, Yadina and Brad that you are special just the way you are.
Want to dive deeper into the world of Fred Rogers? Head over to PBS.org for more information.
