Portsmouth
The culture, history and legends of Rhode Island’s towns are rich and unique. Neighbors and friends of Portsmouth bring a fresh perspective with stories that examine coaching (the horse and carriage kind), the Portsmouth High School Patriots Marching Band, highlights of Portsmouth’s 375th anniversary, the story of Julia Ward Howe, Hunt Yachts, polo, meandering stone walls and more.
“History of Portsmouth”
This segment explores how the town was settled and by whom and how it grew over the years.
“You Can Get Here From There”
This program focuses on transportation in Rhode Island throughout the centuries. Portsmouth is part of Aquidneck Island so the earliest way of getting there was by boat. Learn how ferries and steamships played a role in populating this community. Bridges to and from the island, built for ease, also faced challenges due to water and weather conditions. Finally, explore who built the trolley system and why.
“Julia Ward Howe”
A Portsmouth resident, Julia Ward Howe wrote a poem that was later set to music and became the famed “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
“Dive In”
This episode aptly describes how Portsmouth residents began and ended the year 2013. Hundreds braved the cold temperatures to plunge into — and ring in — the New Year.
“St. Barnabas Festival”
The highlights of the church festival are featured, including games for children and a cooking extravaganza of homemade recipes.
“Polo in Portsmouth”
A look at how the Newport Polo organization began in Portsmouth and how the popular event draws hundreds.
“Hunt Yachts”
The home of vessels made for legendary performance and authentic design is located in Portsmouth, the town with the longest coastline in Rhode Island. Hear the history of Hunt Yachts, named for the successful competitive sailor and revolutionary yacht designer Ray Hunt, and discover how long it takes to build one of these beauties.
“Portsmouth’s 375th”
This program highlights efforts by a group of locals, who decided it was important to celebrate every day of the town’s 375th year. Viewers will be entertained with snippets from each memorable event.
“If These Walls Could Talk”
A unique telling of the history and amazing events the walls of Portsmouth have witnessed for close to four centuries.
“Portsmouth High School Patriots Marching Band”
The band has more than 200 members and gets more attention than the winning football team. Hear from band members why they want to belong, and relive some of their favorite memories, including performing for President Barack Obama’s inauguration parade in Washington, D.C., in January 2013.
“Louis Escobar”
Local hero Louis Escobar is the man! Everyone in Portsmouth knows Louis and praises him for what he gives back to his community, from free fireworks every Fourth of July to creating Rhody Fresh Milk, which helped to put Portsmouth on the map.
“Behind the Scenes of ‘Portsmouth This Week’”
This weekly show aired on cable access by a group of friendly fellows informs and entertains the residents of Portsmouth.
“How To Build A Chip”
This episode showcases how an international company is thriving in Portsmouth. IMS builds chips that you find in almost every electronic device. The company has a big reputation but is small enough that folks who work there call it a family.
“Coaching”
The horse and carriage kind of coaching became a sporting activity and social affair during the Gilded Age when horse-drawn carriages fell out of favor as a mode of transportation. Today, gorgeous carriages — or coaches, as they are called — pulled by matching, highly-trained horses arrive once every three years from around the country to preen and compete. This segment captures the August 2015 festivities.
“A Taste of History In Every Glass”
Drink up. This segment explores the history of Greenvale Vineyards and how acres of land once purchased for livestock are now growing unique grapes used to make thousands of bottles of wine annually. Also, see how the owners transformed a dilapidated stable into a gorgeous wine tasting room while abiding by the rules of the historical society.
“Check This Out”
This show features the Portsmouth Free Library. Located in the middle of town, it is accessible and welcoming to all. Children gather for story hour while adults find a comfortable seat in the sun to dive into their favorite read.
“Portsmouth Community Theatre”
The debut of “Cornell and the Ghostly Witness” is featured in this segment. The production is based on the dark but true story of Portsmouth’s past.
“Taste of the Town”
Viewers’ senses are tempted in a story about area restaurants gathered together to show off their famous dishes for this annual event at the town library.
