Emmy-Winning PBS Show Spotlights Princeton Literary Nonprofit's Work

PRINCETON, NJ - People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos, a Princeton-based nonprofit, will be featured on the Emmy Award-winning PBS series "State of the Arts" on June 24 at 8:30 p.m.

The segment, produced by multiple Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Nate Reininga, follows the organization's programs at Princeton Community Housing's Elm Court, the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development in Trenton, and The Father Center in Trenton. It also includes conversations at the organization's Princeton office and explores more than five decades of work bringing the humanities to communities with limited access to arts and cultural opportunities.

"This State of the Arts segment is really a tribute to the extraordinary participants, coordinators, and community partners who make this work possible," said Executive Director Debra Lampert-Rudman. "Our participants bring wisdom, honesty, humor, and a wealth of life experience to every discussion, while our dedicated and talented coordinators create welcoming environments where meaningful conversations can flourish."

Founded in 1972 by former Princeton resident Sarah Hirschman, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos uses a trademarked methodology of oral reading and guided discussion to bring literature to those who may not have experienced it. Programs are offered in English and Spanish for older adults, individuals in recovery, newly arrived immigrants, residents of affordable housing communities, people experiencing homelessness, and incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and beyond. Participants do not need to read in advance or have prior literary experience, as stories are read aloud.

The feature marks the second time the organization has been profiled by "State of the Arts," having appeared on the program a decade ago. In 2025, the organization received a Stanley N. Katz Prize for Excellence in Public Humanities Honorable Mention from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

Viewers can watch the premiere June 24 at 8:30 p.m. Viewing options are available at njpbs.org/how-to-watch.

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