© 2026 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

An Introduction to the Words and Life of Henry David Thoreau

Season 1 Episode 1 | 8m 20s

Henry David Thoreau was a lecturer, philosopher, pencil-maker, surveyor; a teacher, scientist, and an abolitionist. But, above all, he was a prolific writer who spent was obsessed with answering deep questions like how to live a good life and what it means to be a human being on this planet.

Episodes presented in 4K UHD on supported devices. Major funding for HENRY DAVID THOREAU was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members: The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment and Mark A. Tracy. Major funding was also provided by Jeff Skoll, the Mansueto Foundation, Tyson Foods, Inc., and The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. Additional funding was provided by the Tyson Family Foundation Inc, The Neil and Anna Rasmussen Foundation, Roxanne Quimby Foundation Inc, Jim and Mona Mylen through The HeartSpace Fund, and Elizabeth Kenny.
Extras
Get a sneak peek at a brand new season of NATURE on PBS.
Meet gifted artisans who pour passion and skill into timeless products made with love.
POV
Trailer for Remake by director Ross McElwee.
POV
Trailer for Arrest the Midwife by director Elaine Epstein.
Celebrate the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.
POV
Trailer for How to Build a Library by directors Maia Lekow and Christopher King.
Jodi imagines she is drawing bugs and clouds in the sky with her crayons!
Jodi wants to touch Miss Elaina's hair but she learns that she has to ask first!
Everyone learns that before you touch someone, you should ask them if it's okay!
Prince Wednesday learns to ask before he pushes Daniel on the swings.
Latest Episodes
After Walden, Thoreau takes on new roles and adventures as an illness catches up with him.
After young Thoreau fails at a career in writing, he retreats to a cabin in the woods.
Thoreau lives at Walden Pond where he writes, while exploring nature — and himself.