Eastern Connecticut State University and Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) will host a free advance screening of an episode from the new PBS series “Native America” on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in Eastern’s Student Center Theatre. The four-part series will premiere on CPTV on Oct. 23.

The third episode of the series, “Cities of the Sky,” will be shown at the screening, followed by a Q&A session with series producer Gary Glassman and director Joe Sousa. “Cities of the Sky” explores the cosmological secrets behind America’s ancient cities, and features Eastern Anthropology Professor Sarah Baires. Baires will lead the Q&A discussion.

“Native America” was made with the active participation of Native American communities in some of the most spectacular locations in the hemisphere, and illuminates the splendor of a past whose story has remained untold for too long.

“We are excited to partner with Eastern Connecticut State University to offer this screening and discussion of ‘Native America,'” said Carol Sisco, vice president and station manager for programming and acquisitions at CPTV. “‘Native America’ not only spotlights the history of America’s first peoples, it also explores Native American cultures, communities and traditions still thriving today. We hope that many of our Connecticut neighbors can join us at Eastern for the special advance peek before the series’ CPTV premiere!”

“We are very proud of Dr. Baires for her thought-provoking research on Cahokia, the ancient Native American city in what is now southern Illinois,” said Eastern President Elsa Núñez. “It is commendable that Sarah is part of the PBS ‘Native America’ series, and we are delighted that we can host this special preview on our campus. Having the series’ producer and director on site for the event is a special honor.”

The screening is free and open to the public; advance registration is not required.

“Native America” will premiere on CPTV on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 9 p.m. Subsequent episodes will air Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 9 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.