Premieres Thursday, May 17 at 8 p.m. on Connecticut Public Television
HARTFORD, Conn. (May 15, 2018) Connecticut Public Television will present the premiere of a new original documentary, The Toolbox of America, on Thursday, May 17 at 8 p.m. The Toolbox of America features the rise of Stanley Black & Decker and its impact on New Britain, Connecticut community over the last 175 years.
By the early 20th century, New Britain Connecticut, once known as “The Great Swamp” and boasting a population of less than 3,000 people, had become the nexus of manufacturing in America and home to companies like The Stanley Works (now known as Stanley Black & Decker), founded in 1843 by Fredrick Stanley.
The Toolbox of America explores this local manufacturing revolution, with specific focus on the Stanley family and its inextricable connection to America’s – and Connecticut’s – manufacturing dominance. Interviews with experts and industry insiders highlight New Britian’s role in the history of manufacturing as well as how Stanley Black & Decker became a global leader that continues to support the world’s builders, makers, and innovators.
“The story of New Britain in many ways reflects the story of America,” said producer Bailey Pryor. “Through the entrepreneurial spirit of people like the Stanleys, this small city became the building block of America. Over the years, the tools made here helped construct the tallest buildings, build the space shuttle, and keep the engine of progress moving globally.”
About Connecticut Public Television
Connecticut Public Television is an affiliate of PBS and a media service of Connecticut Public. A locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, Connecticut Public offers original documentaries, public affairs, and educational programming. Connecticut Public Television also includes an affiliate channel: CPTV Spirit, created for the “doers,” “makers,” and “adventurers” who crave more action, edgier journalism and documentaries, and more active ways to feed their curiosity. For more information, visit cptv.org.