New Hampshire's North Country Gem Berlin Shines Bright

DURHAM, NH (February 14, 2024) - Once a booming papermaking hub, the northern New Hampshire city of Berlin has undergone a remarkable transformation. From its vibrant immigrant past to its current identity as a resilient community, Berlin's story is one of determination, cultural diversity and a love for its natural surroundings. Join host Rebecca Rule as she explores Berlin’s story in OUR HOMETOWN: BERLIN premiering on Thursday, February 22 at 8:30 p.m. on New Hampshire PBS.

For over 150 years, paper mills fueled Berlin's economy and shaped its character. Immigrants from diverse backgrounds built the city, working in the mills, logging the forests and contributing to a thriving community. In this episode of OUR HOMETOWN: BERLIN you’ll find an assortment of stories that shape “The City that Trees Built.”

The demolition of the mills in 2008 marked the end of an era, but not the spirit of Berlin. Viewers will discover that the community rallied, embracing the opportunity for reinvention. Storyteller Joan Merrill shares her love of The Northern Forest Heritage Park, a testament to Berlin’s logging past, which comes alive with celebration, thanks in part to the Androscoggin River’s scenic backdrop.

More OUR HOMETOWN stories focus on Berlin's deep love for sports, from Hockey Town USA’s first all-female team to skiing and ski jumping. Music, too, plays a vital role in Berlin, echoing the traditions of the logging camps and enriching the lives of generations. Local musician Shawn Marquis shares his story on how music runs deep in his large, talented family.

“I’m in awe of how Berlin's entrepreneurial spirit is thriving,” said Rebecca Rule. New businesses are flourishing, attracted by the city's supportive community and beautiful natural setting. “You can see the forward thinking of this city by the number of diverse stories we uncovered,” said Rule.

The half-hour special features nine stories; the remaining stories will be produced as short videos to view online. People are encouraged to go to the OUR HOMETOWN BERLIN website to watch the stories and share them with their families, friends, and neighbors.

OUR HOMETOWN: BERLIN premieres on Thursday, February 22 at 8:30 p.m. on New Hampshire PBS with multiple airdates on NHPBS and NHPBS EXPLORE, online at nhpbs.org/hometown/berlin and on the PBS App.

The OUR HOMETOWN series premiered in 2015 with a focus on Peterborough, followed by shows about Colebrook, Stratham, Wolfeboro and Milford, Littleton, Conway, Ashland, Nottingham and Nashua. The series explores the vibrant culture, commerce, history and people of New Hampshire's towns and cities.

OUR HOMETOWN BERLIN is provided by Road Scholar, Eversource, White Mountain Paper Company and Badger, Peabody & Smith Realty.

Pressroom Contact

Carla Gordon Russell
Director of Communications
crussell@nhpbs.org
(603) 868-4339