NHPBS Connections - May 2024

MAY 6 - JUNE 7

In the cold, dark mornings of early January, Auction Assistant Barbara Mariacher starts her day picking up the phone and reaching out to businesses all over New Hampshire, New England and even as far as Idaho. Fast forward five months, and over 1,000 donations have flooded the NHPBS studios in Durham, thanks to generous supporters. The excitement builds as the 51st NHPBS Spring Auction kicks off on May 6th and goes until the very last bid is made on June 7th.

“I love talking with our longtime donors. A lot of times, we catch up on what has happened in our lives over the past year,” said Mariacher. “They’re excited to share their new products or pieces they’ve been working on, and more often than not, they’re willing to donate to the NHPBS Auction.”

This year, bidders can peruse the NHPBS Spring Auction website at nhpbs.org/auction and bid on exciting items like an adult e-bike, over 20 New Hampshire Made totes bursting with goodies from all over the Granite State, a highly coveted hockey stick signed by Boston hockey legends and an exquisite diamond ring — just to name a few.

“We also have outdoor experiences to bid on,” said Mariacher. “I was excited when we received donations from the Winnipesaukee Golf Course to play 18 holes of golf and also for the sailing expedition aboard the Schooner Olad that sets sail from Camden, Maine. That looks like it’s an adventure of a lifetime.”

“The auction is a spring tradition for many of our donors and also for our bidders,” said Auction Manager Diane LaRochelle. “We have many longtime donors who make it a point to give back year after year.”

And this year is no different. Bidders have a myriad of local restaurants to choose from as well as a week’s stay at the Mittersill Alpine Resort in Franconia or dinner for two on top of a lighthouse in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

“And we have numerous first-time donors who are making an impact this year, including at least one celebrity,” said LaRochelle. Fashion-minded bidders will have a chance to bid on a Miu Miu dress that was worn on several occasions by comedian and New Hampshire native Sarah Silverman. Miu Miu is the sister label to Prada and was founded in 1992 by fashion designer Miuccia Prada.

“I bought it to wear at the Emmys when I was nominated for my show I Love You, America,” said Silverman. “Then I wore it to some other things, including the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party.”

“The dress has always come through for me. I posted several of the different times I’ve worn the dress on the Internet and said it was time to give it to a charity auction,” said Silverman. “NHPBS commented, ‘Are we the charity?’ and that’s when I realized, ‘Yes. Yes, you are!’”

“I’m very happy to support New Hampshire PBS with this lil’ sartorial sacrifice. (I’m pretty sure this makes me a hero?),” said Silverman. “Sure, this dress has seen better days, but hey, she’s got character! Bid high, and together we can help keep NHPBS bringing the quality content I grew up on!”

The chance to snag local treasures and oneof-a-kind pieces starts on May 6th at nhpbs.org/auction “We can’t thank all of the donors and winning bidders enough,” said LaRochelle. “When you put your best bid first, you are generously supporting the local programs and educational services on New Hampshire PBS.”

Diane LaRochelle & Barbara Mariacher NHPBS Auction Team

NHPBS PRIMETIME PICKS

MaryLand on Masterpiece

SUN May 5 |9 PM NHPBS

Sisters Becca and Rosaline find themselves thrown together by the sudden death of their mother, Mary. They come to find out that she was living an entirely secret life on the Isle of Man, far from her home with her husband, Becca and Rosaline’s father.

Great Performances: Hamlet

FRI May 10|9 PM NHPBS

From The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, experience this Shakespearean classic directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon and featuring Tony Award nominee Ato Blankson-Wood in the title role.

Independent Lens –Space: The Longest Goodbye

MON May 6 | 10 PM NHPBS

NASA’s goal to send astronauts to Mars would require a three-year absence from Earth. Meet the psychologists whose job it is to keep astronauts mentally stable in outer space as they are caught between their dream of reaching new frontiers and the basic human need to stay connected to home.

American Experience: The Riot Report

TUE May 21 |9 PM NHPBS

Revisit 1967, when inner cities across America erupted in violence. LBJ appointed the Kerner Commission to investigate, and the Commission’s final report would offer a shockingly unvarnished assessment of race relations that still resonates today.

Nature: Grizzly 399 Queen of the Tetons

WED May 8 | 8 PM NHPBS

The most famous bear in the Tetons attempts to raise four cubs. As she makes increasingly unexpected and consequential choices to protect her family, Grizzly 399 stands as a symbol of the clash between humans and the wild.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

SAT May 25 | 9 PM NHPBS

The much-loved members of The Cornley Drama Society once again battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes with hilarious and disastrous results. But will they ever make it to Neverland?

OUR PRIMARY CHANNEL, NHPBS, IS NOW STREAMED LIVE AT NHPBS.ORG/LIVESTREAM

THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT

SUN May 26 | 8 PM NHPBS

America’s national night of remembrance returns live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for a special 35th anniversary broadcast taking us back to the real meaning of Memorial Day through personal stories and tributes interwoven with musical performances.

A FINAL LANDING ON IWO JIMA

FRI May 24 |9 PM NHPBS

EXPLORE

Explore the Japanese island at the heart of a brutal World War II battle. Follow two men as they visit the historic war site. One is a 100-year-old veteran of the 4th Marine Division who returns to Iwo Jima for the final time. The other is the son of a Marine who has spent decades searching for details of his father’s time on the island.

CELEBRATING WITH FAMILY INGREDIENTS

FRI May 17 |9 PM NH CREATE

Venture to the islands of Hawai’i and beyond with Chef Ed Kenney as he explores the foods that bring family and friends together on FAMILY INGREDIENTS

Watch more Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage programs online.

GANDHI’S AWAKENING & GANDHI’S GIFT

MON May 6 |2 PM NH WORLD

Witness Gandhi, at the end of his life, as he is on the brink of attaining his lifelong goal of freedom from the British but with his heart breaking by the partition of India and terrible communal violence that is killing an estimated million or more. Having led masses in nonviolent marches, Gandhi now walks alone for unity and peace.

THROUGH OUR EYES

FRI May 3 |12:30 PM NHPBS

THROUGH OUR EYES is an intimate and inspiring journey into the lives of American families from the perspective of children as they navigate formidable yet all-too-common challenges along with parents and siblings.

TICKETS: NHPBS.ORG/EVENTS

WILLIE NELSON: LIVE IN BUDOKAN

WED May 1 | 11 PM NHPBS

CHARLEY CROCKETT: LIVE FROM THE RYMAN THU May 2 | 9 PM NHPBS

JAMES TAYLOR: ONE MAN BAND FRI May 3 | 10 PM NHPBS

AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD: DARKSIDE 50

WED May 8 | 11 PM NHPBS

JOE BONAMASSA & ORCHESTRA

WED May 22 | 11 PM NHPBS

MAY 2024 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Now Hear This: The Composer Is Yoo Yorkshire Vet, The Agatha Christie's Marple Doc Martin

Secrets of the Royal Palaces Call The Midwife MaryLand On Masterpiece

PBS NewsHour* Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow

PBS NewsHour* Finding Your Roots Buried Secrets The Express Way with Dule Hill

PBS NewsHour* Martin Clunes: Islands of the Pacific

PBS NewsHour* Great Performances Hamlet

Secrets of the Royal Palaces Lucy Worsley Investigates Madness of King George MaryLand On Masterpiece

PBS NewsHour* Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow

PBS NewsHour* Nature Saving The Animals of Ukraine Nova Secrets In Your Data

PBS NewsHour* Martin Clunes: Islands of the Pacific

PBS NewsHour* Great Performances

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Please Note: Programs on NHPBS begin before 6:30 PM when marked *. Programs end at 10:30 PM unless marked **

This program schedule is subject to change. Go to nhpbs.org/schedule for the most up-to-date listing of programs.

Father Brown*

PBS NewsHour Death In Paradise Hope Street

PBS NewsHour Father Brown Agatha Christie's: Poirot

PBS NewsHour Finding Your Roots Fathers and Sons

The Lawrence Welk Show* Finding Your Roots Fathers and Sons Willie Nelson: Live at Budokan The Highwaymen Live at Nassau Coliseum**

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PBS NewsHour Death In Paradise Hope Street

PBS NewsHour Father Brown Agatha Christie's: Poirot

PBS NewsHour Finding Your Roots Buried Secrets The Story of China with Michael Wood**

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Murders Father Brown

PBS NewsHour Lucy Worsley Investigates Princes in the Tower MaryLand On Masterpiece

Please Note: Programs on NHPBS Explore begin before 6:30 PM when marked *. Programs end at 10:30 PM unless marked ** This program schedule is subject to change. Go to nhpbs.org/schedule for the most up-to-date listing of programs.