NHPTV Connections America’s Stories On American Experience Blackout As July 13, 1977 dawned hot and humid, New Yorkers prepared themselves for another sweltering day. But high temperatures weren’t the only thing making them sweat: the crime-ridden city was on the verge of bankruptcy; unemployment was high; police and firefighters had been laid off; municipal services, including sanitation and after-school programs, had been cut; and a serial killer named Son of Sam was still on the loose, keeping everyone on edge. That evening, a severe thunderstorm hit, and lightning struck a power line in Westchester County. When that line went out, the demand increased on the surrounding lines. As Con Edison engineers struggled to control the cascading effects of the downed lines, their only choice was to start shedding load, disconnecting customers from the grid in order to prevent a catastrophic failure of the system. Despite their efforts, seven million city residents were plunged into darkness. This new documentary explores the city-wide blackout that led to both horrifying lawlessness and acts of selflessness.
Tuesday, July 14 • 9 PM on NHPTV PRIME
The Abolitionists Vividly bringing to life the epic struggles of the men and women who fought to end slavery, The Abolitionist tells the intertwined stories of Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Angelina Grimké, Harriet Beecher Stowe and John Brown. Fighting body and soul, they led the most important civil rights crusade in American history. What began as a pacifist movement became a fiery and furious struggle that forever changed the nation. Black and white, Northerners and Southerners, poor and wealthy, these passionate anti-slavery activists tore the nation apart in order to form a more perfect union. Discover how five abolitionist allies turned a despised fringe movement against chattel slavery into a force that literally changed the nation.
Tuesday, July 7 - 14 • 8 PM on NHPTV PRIME
July 2015 America’s Filmmaker Did you enjoy Ken Burns’s excellent film The Roosevelts last month and wonder what else he has in store for us? Here are some previews. This fall, in conjunction with the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, we’ll be airing the digitally remastered version of Ken’s The Civil War, perhaps his most widely known film. Hearing Ken talk about his creative process and films is always enjoyable and provocative. On July 11th, he’ll be at the Hopkins Center in Hanover to show a rough cut of an episode of his upcoming (2017) film The Vietnam War, followed by a Q&A. The documentary is a 10-part, 18-hour series that presents a groundbreaking 360-degree narrative of the war. Information and tickets for the event are at nhptv.org/events. Also in Ken’s pipeline: a film about country music (2018), Jackie Robinson (2016) and Ernest Hemingway (2019). And here’s some more good cheer! Tickets to our Passport Craft Beer & Food Pairing event went on sale in June. This NHPTV fundraising event sells out; get tickets at nhptv.org/passport. We appreciate your membership support. Enjoy your summer! Peter Frid NHPTV President & CEO
Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Contest ! Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 NHPTV-PBS Kids Writers Contest, who were recognized in June at an awards ceremony at the Currier Museum of Art. Read these talented kids’ stories at nhptv.org/kidswrite.
NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC TELEVISION • nhptv.org Questions or Comments? Call 800-639-8408 or email themailbox@nhptv.org
Program Top Picks First Peoples
Operation Wild Join veterinarian teams from around the world as they undertake groundbreaking operations to save animals’ lives. Find out how pioneering human medicine is transforming the ways vets look after animals in some of the most remote and dangerous places on earth. Each story is a dramatic example of ingenuity, invention and dedication as the vets care for elephants, mantas, pandas, orangutan and rhinos.
Wednesdays, July 1 - 15 • 8 PM on NHPTV PRIME
NOVA: Chasing Pluto On July 14, 2015, the New Horizons spacecraft, one of the most advanced ever built, is scheduled to fly by Pluto to take the very first detailed images of the dwarf planet. After nine years and 3 billion miles, we will finally get a close look at this strange, icy world, but only if the craft can survive the final, treacherous leg of its journey. New Horizons is poised to make dramatic new discoveries, not just about Pluto, but about the vast realm of icy bodies lurking beyond Neptune.
Wednesday, July 15 • 9 PM on NHPTV PRIME
Sex In The Wild
How do they do it? In this four-part series by anatomist Joy Reidenberg and veterinarian Mark Evans, they examine the reproductive behaviors and biology of four species — elephants, orangutans, kangaroos and dolphins — and how these animals find and woo the opposite sex. Explore how a diverse range of animals mate, give birth and raise their young in extreme environments.
Thursdays, July 9-30 • 10 PM on NHPTV PRIME
Discover the ancient humans living across Asia and Europe that Homo sapiens found when they arrived or, in the case of Australia, the abundance of flora and fauna they found instead. See how our ancestors mated with Neanderthals and other, earlier humans and the ways that this breeding helped us face down extinction. First Peoples presents the ancient and modern stories of the human race.
Wednesdays, July 1-8 • 9 PM on NHPTV PRIME
Raw To Ready
Explore the science, innovation and sheer genius it takes to transform the most basic ingredients into powerhouse machines. From aircraft to big rigs to earth movers, venture deep inside factories and witness the hard work and craftsmanship necessary to build these incredible machines. Uncover the hidden stories of human ingenuity that have transformed the earth’s most essential raw materials into monumental marvels of modern technology.
Thursdays, July 9-30 • 9 PM on NHPTV PRIME
Life On The Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth — home to a stunning array of animals, from microscopic plankton to 100-ton whales. The reef’s human residents work to find that critical balance between our needs and those of an ever-diminishing natural world. This three-part series presents a unique and fresh angle on Australia’s greatest natural icon, seen through the eyes of those who live, work and play in this wonderland.
Wednesdays, July 22-August 5 • 8 PM on NHPTV PRIME
For complete listings, previews and more go to nhptv.org
NHPTV Is On-Air • Online • In Your Community Sunday Night Primetime Last Tango In Halifax As Celia and Alan try to balance their ever-changing lives and those of their daughters, tensions tighten. There’s a surprising new member of the family, and Gillian worries she is not ready to settle down and be Robbie’s wife. Meanwhile the rest of the family is losing patience, and more secrets are divulged, as Celia and Alan find there are many intrusions on their marital bliss.
Sundays • 8 PM on NHPTV PRIME
Masterpiece: Poldark Captain Ross Poldark rides again in a swashbuckling new adaptation of the historical novels of Winston Graham. Aidan Turner stars as a Redcoat who returns to his home in Cornwall after the American Revolution to find everything has changed. Poldark’s battle with the local gentry heightens as he struggles to revive his father’s mines and reestablish himself in the community. The girl Demelza, whom Poldark took in, has a new role in his home. His cousin Francis, married to his former love, Elizabeth, strains family loyalty, and Verity longs for Captain Blamey.
Sundays • 9 PM on NHPTV PRIME
The FUN CLUB for Kids! NHPT V
nhptv.org/kidsclub
Celebrating Independence
A Capitol Fourth
Before the greatest display of fireworks in the country go off, there’s the music! Barry Manilow headlines the celebration with a special patriotic medley, and the star-spangled party features the most successful country music group of all time, Alabama; KC and the Sunshine Band; piano virtuoso Lang Lang; Irish tenor Ronan Tynan; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. And to celebrate Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday, Robert Davi will pay tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes. America’s favorite Independence Day celebration is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Saturday, July 4 • 8 PM on NHPTV PRIME
Liberty Or Death Patrick Henry’s impassioned plea at the second Virginia Convention of 1775, “Give me liberty or give me death,” defined the American Revolution. This docu-drama captures this seminal moment in American history.
Thursday, July 2 • 9 PM on NHPTV PRIME
Anthem Discover the story behind Francis Scott Key’s creation of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and explore the people and events that influenced Key to write what would become the national anthem of the United States of America. Thursday, July 2 • 10 PM on NHPTV PRIME
Great Perks For NHPTV Members!
NHPTV Events
These events support NHPTV’s programs. Filmmaker Ken Burns Presents A Screening of “Vietnam” July 11 - Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover Curious George at the Fisher Cats July 19 - Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, Manchester Daniel Tiger at the Fisher Cats August 23 - Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, Manchester Passport Craft Beer and Food Tour September 19 - Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth
DETAILS at nhptv.org/events CONNECTIONS is printed by NHPTV CONNECTIONS VOLUME 3, NO. 7
There are all kinds of fantastic deals across nhptvperksconnect.com the country available to you, courtesy of your NHPTV PerksConnect card! Our member card offers you savings every day and discounts with over 50,000 merchants in person and online. There are savings at stores and also at events! nhptvperksconnect.com As a New Hampshire Public Television member, you have access to money-saving discounts across New England and more than 50,000 locations nationwide. Visit nhptvperksconnect.com for full details. Questions about NHPTV PerksConnect? 1-866-671-33 22 Questions about your NHPTV Membership? membership@nhptv.org | 800-639-8408 Thank you for your suppor t!
New Hampshire’s only statewide locally owned and operated television network engages minds, connects communities, and celebrates New Hampshire with programs that entertain, educate and enrich. Beyond its award-winning local and national television programs, NHPTV is a leader in education and community outreach. nhptv.org 268 Mast Road • Durham, NH 03824 (603) 868-1100 • themailbox@nhptv.org
New Hampshire Public Television 268 Mast Road Durham, NH 03824
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. xx xx., NH xxxxx
Return service requested
July 2015
Poldark on Masterpiece • Sundays at 9 PM