Maryland Public Television (MPT) celebrates the Chesapeake Bay region once again in April with its 19th annual MPT Chesapeake Bay Week, a slate of more than 30 documentary programs highlighting the beauty, importance, and fragility of the nation’s largest estuary.
During the week of April 16-22, MPT will offer more than 22 hours of content focusing on the Chesapeake Bay’s history, heritage, and resources as well as efforts to protect its diverse ecosystem. This year’s lineup includes 11 programs that viewers will see on MPT for the first time.
Cornerstone MPT productions premiering this year are Water’s Edge: Black Watermen of the Chesapeake on Monday, April 17 at 8 p.m.; Discovering the Dove on Tuesday, April 18 at 8 p.m.; Kent County’s Storied Landscape: Place – Past and Present on Tuesday, April 18 at 8:30 p.m.; and Eatin’ Blue Catfish: Chesapeake Style on Thursday, April 20 at 8 p.m.
Chesapeake Bay Week content will be available to view on MPT-HD and through the station’s livestream at mpt.org/livestream, MPT’s online video player, and the PBS App.
Water’s Edge: Black Watermen of the Chesapeake explores stories of bravery and resilience in an industry packed with African American pioneers. Meet trailblazers including a steamboat captain who revolutionized recreation for Black Marylanders in the early 20th century, a pair of renowned sailmakers from Chestertown, and present-day innovators shifting their businesses to meet a changing market.
In Discovering the Dove, join a team of shipbuilders as they attempt to recreate a 17th century shipping vessel through clues in passenger diaries, period artwork, and sunken ships. Watch as the new Maryland Dove takes shape in St. Michaels and accompany the crew for her maiden voyage across the Chesapeake Bay to Historic St. Mary’s City during this MPT-produced documentary.
In Kent County’s Storied Landscape: Place – Past and Present, walk the coastline where Native Americans lived, uncover evidence of a centuries-old oyster roast, find out what a new map of the region has revealed, and join the search for African American heritage in this exploration of Kent County’s unique cultural landscape.
In Eatin’ Blue Catfish: Chesapeake Style, visit the kitchens of Maryland-area chefs as they test delicious ways to prepare and serve the savory predator, a tasty but unwelcome guest that threatens to upset the biological balance of the Chesapeake Bay.
For video previews of each of these programs and more, visit mpt.org/bayweek.