VERMONT PUBLIC TELEVISION PROGRAM

HIGHLIGHTS FOR

FEBRUARY 21 TO 27

Feb. 21: Sunday at 4 p.m., a two-part special called “For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots,” begins. It marks Black History Month with a largely untold story. From the earliest days of the Revolutionary War to the conflict in Afghanistan, African- Americans have been part of the armed forces.

At 8 p.m., “Nature: Invasion of the Giant Pythons” travels to the Everglades to find predatory snakes turning the refuge into a killing ground for endangered native plants and animals.

At 9 p.m., “Masterpiece Classic” celebrates Jane Austen with an encore of “Persuasion,” a romantic tale about a woman who seems destined to spinsterhood because she had refused her suitor years before. Chance brings them together again.

Feb. 22: Monday at 7:30 p.m. on Vermont Public Television’s “Profile,” Fran Stoddard interviews Emily Bernard. The University of Vermont professor has written extensively on race relations. Her new book is “Michelle Obama: The First Lady in Photographs.” The program will repeat Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

At 10 p.m., “Great Museums: An Acquiring Mind” tells the story of the prolific 31-year tenure of Philippe de Montebello at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Feb. 23: Tuesday at 8 p.m., “Nova” explores why “megabeasts” like wooly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers died off during the last ice age. A controversial hypothesis suggests a massive impact from space.

At 9 p.m., the new season of Vermont Public Television’s “Emerging Science” concludes with a report on disease origins and transmission. Much of the current research is going on in Africa. University of Vermont professor Arne Bomblies models hydrology and entomology factors related to malaria. Jon Erickson and Michel Masozera of UVM’s Gund Institute introduce viewers to the HALI Project in Tanzania. They explain the concept of One Health, which encourages interaction among physicians, veterinarians, ecologists and others in the study and prevention of disease transmission among humans, domestic animals and wild animals. The program will also air Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.

Feb. 24: Wednesday at 8 p.m., Henry Louis Gates Jr. investigates the family stories and ancestry of renowned Americans in his new series, “Faces of America.” Among those featured in this last episode are Meryl Streep, Eva Longoria Parker and Yo-Yo Ma.

Feb. 25: Thursday at 8 p.m., this month’s episode of “VPT Public Square” looks at tax credits and food assistance. Host Kristin Carlson and panelists look at resources available to Vermonters, in particular, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and its connection to 3SquaresVT (formerly the Food Stamp program) and free school meals. Many Vermonters may be eligible for these under-utilized programs without realizing it.

At 9 p.m. “The This Old House Hour” crew starts with a new renovation project -- an 1870s duplex in Roxbury, Mass., with help from YouthBuild Boston.

At 10 p.m., in a Black History Month special, “An Evening With Smokey Robinson” looks at the life and career of a Motown legend.

Feb. 26: Friday at 10 p.m. “Independent Lens” presents “Behind the Rainbow,” another Black History Month special. It’s the previously untold account of the political struggles and realities along South Africa’s bumpy road to democracy.

Feb. 27: Saturday at 9 p.m., Jeremy Brett stars in “The Musgrave Ritual” on “Sherlock Holmes.” Holmes and Watson take a weekend in a country manor, where they encounter a 17th-century mystery.

At 10 p.m. on “Austin City Limits,” country superstar Kenny Chesney performs.

At 11 p.m. on “Soundstage,” icon Willie Nelson performs songs from his first-ever bluegrass release. At midnight on “Sierra Center Stage,” world music stars Strunz and Farah perform fiery Latin compositions.