In what Rhode Island PBS calls a ‘larger than life’ cinematic event, the newest Rhode Island PBS Original from the production studios at 50 Park Lane in Providence tells the story of one of the world’s most famous icons. Rhode Island. Hello, neighbor! The Story of the Narragansett Brewing Company debuts at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, on air and online, as well as in person at the brewery’s current location on Tockwotton Road in Providence.
“We are very pleased to bring this story to life,” Rhode Island PBS President David W. Piccerelli told Reuters. “It’s a story that connects generations. From people who worked at the original brewery to millennials and Gen Zers who only know today’s craft beer, the film promises eye-openers for everyone. the world.
Founded by German immigrants in 1890, the Narragansett Brewing Company has grown from a humble craft brewer to New England’s largest and most advanced brewery, controlling 65% of the Rhode Island market and 25% of the of New England market in 1965. Despite strong sales and a marketing legend, however, it fell victim to modernization and in 1983 closed its doors for good as its product was manufactured out of state.
In the early 2000s, in a stunning turn of events, the brand was resurrected at the start of the craft beer renaissance and returned home to Rhode Island. Hello, neighbor! is a story of industry, perseverance, failure and triumph. It’s a second-chance story born of indomitable hope, vision and entrepreneurship.
John H. Smith, the film’s producer, noted, “The buildings are gone. The landscape has changed. Many Rhode Islanders may not remember the original location of the brewery, but they know the slogan. Our film tells the story of this iconic Rhode Island brand. The original brewery complex was located where Cranston Police Headquarters is now located, at the corner of Cranston and Garfield streets.
Narragansett Brewing Company President Mark Hellendrung joins Rhode Island PBS President David Piccerelli on May 25 to premiere the documentary on television beginning at 8 p.m. The public is invited to watch the first broadcast, stream it online at watch.ripbs.org/livestream, or get together with other beer lovers for an in-person “watch party” at the Narragansett Brewery. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the wake.
The documentary will be available to stream on demand after June 10.
For more information, visit ripbs.org/hinighbor.
