The stories of a unique region, told from a different point-of-view

[February 15, 2018; Arlington, VA] – A new documentary film produced by WETA, the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital, captures the distinctive landscapes and sights of Greater Washington as rarely seen by the public.  Featuring scenic aerial footage and insightful historical material, Discovering Washington: Through the Lens premieres Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 8pm on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD.

“Washington, D.C. and its surroundings are steeped in extraordinary history,” WETA president and CEO Sharon Percy Rockefeller said, “As we continue to create productions that explore our local history, WETA is proud to showcase the stories and picturesque scenery of the national capital area that we call home.”

Discovering Washington: Through the Lens celebrates the landmarks of Greater Washington from a different perspective, exploring the area by land, water, and notably, air. The program takes a bird’s eye view of the region’s wonders – from the iconic monuments of the National Mall and the stately splendors of Mount Vernon and the White House, to the majesty of the Potomac River and the breathtaking natural beauty of Great Falls. Discover the stories of Washington and the surrounding areas that continue to resonate with both residents and visitors alike. Narrated by Classical WETA on-air host Nicole Lacroix, Discovering Washington: Through the Lens is the culmination of nearly a year of painstaking research, careful planning, and intensive production.

WETA has created select pledge thank you gifts that will be available for Discovering Washington: Through the Lens, which include an exclusive program DVD and soundtrack CD; and an exclusive Washington Monument artisan glass piece made in partnership with prominent regional manufacturer Blenko Glass Company.

Following on the heels of previous documentaries Discovering Alexandria: The Early Years; Martyrs, Mayhem & Martial Law: Life in Civil War Alexandria; and Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century, this latest film joins the WETA portfolio of local productions created exclusively for television viewers in Greater Washington.  

A production of WETA TV 26, Discovering Washington: Through the Lens features research and archival material courtesy of the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and The Washingtoniana Collection at the D.C. Public Library.

Visit weta.org for additional information. Press materials and photography can be found at weta.org/press.

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About WETA
WETA Television and Classical WETA 90.9 FM are public broadcasting stations serving the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia with high-quality programming. Classical WETA 90.9 FM brings classical music, concerts and specials to Greater Washington. As the leading PBS station in the nation’s capital, WETA Television broadcasts on four channels: WETA TV 26, WETA HD, WETA UK and WETA Kids. WETA Television celebrates the people and history of this region through programs such as WETA Around Town, WETA Extras and WETA Arts. For national PBS audiences, WETA produces PBS NewsHour and Washington Week; documentaries by filmmaker Ken Burns and scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; and performance specials from the U.S. Capitol and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Embracing the educational mission of public broadcasting, WETA creates leading public service websites such as www.ReadingRockets.org, www.LDOnline.org, www.ColorinColorado.org, www.AdLit.org and www.Brainline.org; and develops community outreach programs to engage people of all ages in the joy of lifelong learning. The WETA studios and administrative offices are located in Arlington, Virginia. Sharon Percy Rockefeller is president and CEO. More information on WETA and its programs and services is available at www.weta.org. On social media, visit www.facebook.com/wetatvfm on Facebook or follow @WETAtvfm on Twitter.

 

Press Contact
Olivia Wong, WETA Director of Public Relations, 703.998.2086, owong@weta.org

Additional Documents

  • DiscoveringWashington_ThroughtheLens_rel.pdf