Local historian to guest star on episodes of “History’s Greatest Mysteries”

Season 5 of the popular History Channel program “History’s Greatest Mysteries” began another exciting season on Jan. 29. According to their website, this one-hour documentary series examines the top theories surrounding the world’s most enigmatic unsolved mysteries. It is hosted and narrated by Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Laurence Fishburne.

Those of us in the Ark-La-Tex area will have the added bonus of recognizing one of its expert commentators, local author and historian Dr. Cheryl White. She will debut on Season 5, Episode 3, The Lost Fortune of the Knights Templar, on Feb. 12. She is also featured in two other episodes of the current season.

Dr. White, a professor of history at Louisiana State University in Shreveport in her 27th year, has a long-standing reputation for her love and knowledge of history locally and beyond. On Thursday mornings, she hosts a podcast, “The Shadow Files,” on Red River Radio. She is the author of several books, the newest coming out in late 2024. She has a long list of speaking engagements on subjects such as the Shroud of Turin and the Knights Templar. She also serves on the boards of the Historical Preservation of Oakland Cemetery and the Historic Preservation Commission, a mayoral appointment.

Dr. White isn’t sure how she appeared on the History Channel’s radar when they approached her about being a commentator, but she is honored. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to bring my own love of history to a larger audience,” she says.

The process for her to be on the show began in 2022 with a couple of screen tests, followed by a trip to Los Angeles in 2023 to film her first sessions. “The premise of the show covers topics where there is no clear consensus about the resolution,” she explains. “People can decide for themselves.”

Dr. White will continue producing her local podcasts, publishing books, teaching and hosting tours for Oakland Cemetery, but she is also excited about the possibilities this show provides. “There is no more interesting story than the human story; the more you look at what’s behind you, the more you expand your experience of being alive.”

“History’s Greatest Mysteries” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central time and can be streamed the next day.