Having grown up in the 90’s, of course I feel I grew up with the best of animated television — especially when it comes to educational shows. For some reason when I sit down with my niece to watch today’s generation of educational television…I want to fall asleep, to put it nicely. But, it seems I am not alone on this, and someone is doing something amazing about it!

Enter: Lost Treasure Hunt

I hope I’m not the only one but I just got super excited! From the very beginning you get a cross between Indiana Jones, Carmen San Diego, Kim Possible, The Librarian, National Treasure and who knows what else! And while that probably sounds really referential, I don’t think it will be as blunt as all that. From the video you get a good sense of what Lost Treasure Hunt is trying to do. But just in case you are sketch on the overall mission of the show:

The Mission

If you think it’s time to reverse the negative trends in history education. . .

If you think it’s time for an educational show that will speak to all ages including tweens. . .

If you think it’s time for a program that parents will want to watch with their kids. . .

The Columbus pilot can show that it’s time for a television program that ties into the great topics of our shared heritage. And with many great treasure hunts yet to come –from the Revolutionary War, to Alexander the Great, to Joan of Arc, and the Transcontinental Railroad– Lost Treasure Hunt can take us there.

Originally the creators were asked to water down the history-rich elements of the plot so that it would be easier for younger viewers to understand. But they put their foot down and held their ground: the plot is a multilayered story, which will appeal to Dr. Who and Sherlock fans.

If you are just as eager as I am to watch this show, then you might be able to help. The pilot for the show is near completion and is set to debut on Columbus Day, October 13, but needs a little Kickstarter help to finish it off and get the show on PBS’ Annual Meeting in May. The show did get some help for production from the National Endowment for the Humanities, but that funding won’t cover mastering and distribution to get it to PBS for their fall schedule unveiling, hence the need for additional funding.

Just in case you are still slightly apprehensive, you should also know that there are some incredible people on the production, not to mention they’ve also acquired the exceptional help of fantastic scholars:

Creative Team

Richard Bazley – Director (Disney, Warner Bros)

Roque Ballesteros – Co-director (Ghostbot)

Matt Davis – Story (DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation)

David Rosenberg – Script (Nickelodeon, Rugrats, Wild Thornberrys)

Alan Lau – Animation Director (Ghostbot)

Corrine Wong – Animation Executive Producer (Ghostbot)

David Yeary – Ghostbot Corporate Development

Chance Thomas – Composer (Lord of the Rings Online, Might & Magic, The ChubbChubbs!)

Educational and History Advisory Committee: Patrick N. Allitt, Shaaron Cosner, Marshall C. Eakin, Deborah D. Gallagher, Ed. S., Karen Hill-Scott, Ed. S., Laurel Horton, and Teofilo F. Ruiz

If you would like to pitch in, and yes every bit helps, check out their Kickstarter page filled with all the info you may need regarding the project. They are only looking for a total of $10,000 and $5,000 have already been covered but the clock is ticking as they need to reach their monetary goal Sunday May 11th!