Three hundred years ago, a group of Swiss and German immigrants arrived at the point where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet—and North Carolina's second oldest town was born. Now travel across three centuries and 5,000 miles as UNC-TV presents the original production Bern and New Bern: 300 Years Later. Join a group of New Bernians as they journey to Bern, Switzerland, to discover their city's origins and examine the connections that are still intact—even today.
In Bern & New Bern: 300 Years Later, premiering Thursday, February 4, at 9:30 PM, reporter Rob Holliday ventures through the streets of beautiful Bern, visits a Swiss cheese making region and climbs 10,000 feet in the stunning Swiss Alps to learn about links between eastern North Carolina and the proverbial old country.
Founded in 1191, Switzerland’s Bern was already more than 500 years old when Baron Christopher de Graffenried left the Swiss capital to establish North Carolina's New Bern as a colonial outpost. Bern & New Bern: 300 Years Later highlights the ties between the two Berns, showcases anniversary events and takes a closer look at the de Graffenried family, whose mark continues on the "old" Bern. The program also includes a look at the Swiss contribution to New Bern's 300th anniversary celebration—a special six month-long exhibition at the Bern history museum.
Holliday brings a fresh view of Switzerland's capital city, seasoned with his insider's knowledge of New Bern where he spent three years as a local television reporter. During his trip, he filed lively and informative blog posts detailing his insights into historic connections and the city's warm, welcoming people. His online observations from Switzerland and Germany, found on UNC-TV's Public Affairs blog, complement the UNC-TV special, providing a robust look at New Bern’s historic tercentenary as seen from its namesake city. Visit www.unctv.org/bern to see Holliday’s posts and pictures. You’ll also find video clips and more information about this special, as well as the 300th anniversary celebrations in Bern and New Bern.
“Having worked in New Bern for several years, I knew the city celebrated and valued its Swiss roots,” Holliday said. “But it wasn't until I got off the bus in Bern, Switzerland, that I realized how much the Swiss value the relationship. The excitement over the cities' shared history is definitely mutual.”
Experience three hundred years of exciting history here in North Carolina and back in the old country with Bern & New Bern: 300 Years Later, premiering Thursday, February 4, at 9:30 PM. Bern & New Bern: 300 Years Later is a production of UNC-TV, in association with New Bern’s 300th Anniversary Celebration, and funded in part by North Carolina’s Eastern Region.
UNC-TV, North Carolina's statewide public television network, provides life-changing television services for viewers of all ages. In addition to flagship channel UNC-TV, broadcasting in high-definition, other services include UNC-EX The Explorer Channel, as well as UNC-KD, a channel just for kids, and UNC-MX, a cable-only channel featuring a mix of programming for adults, from public affairs shows to how-to and more. Visit www.unctv.org for more information about programs and services offered by UNC-TV.
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NOTE: Access high-res images from Bern regarding New Bern’s 300th anniversary at http://www.newbern.ch/deutsch/medien/downloads (password: media300). |
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