The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate bridge is an engineering marvel that symbolizes America’s can-do spirit. Can America continue to execute bold and ambitious infrastructure projects in the 21st century?
Episodes
-
The Golden Gate Bridge
S1 E8 - 55m 11s
The Golden Gate bridge is an engineering marvel that symbolizes America’s can-do spirit. Can America continue to execute bold and ambitious infrastructure projects in the 21st century?
-
Stone Mountain
S1 E7 - 55m 38s
As Confederate statues are torn down across the country and the nation wrestles with its past, there are heated arguments about the fate of the Monument at Stone Mountain, Georgia, the Confederate Mount Rushmore.
-
The American Bald Eagle
S1 E6 - 55m 8s
The story of how the American Bald Eagle soared to its vaunted perch in American iconography, a symbol not only of patriotism but also of environmental activism and Native American traditions.
-
The Statue of Liberty
S1 E5 - 55m 11s
This episode explores the evolving meaning of The Statue of Liberty as symbol for a “nation of immigrants,” and how it embodies our values and our conflicts, from abolition and women’s suffrage to the treatment of refugees
-
The Cowboy
S1 E4 - 55m 24s
The cowboy is the quintessential American — fiercely independent, brave and laconic. This episode examines the myths and realities of this archetype, which remains as potent as ever in the 21st century.
-
The Gadsden Flag
S1 E3 - 55m 11s
The “Don’t Tread on Me” flag is such a potent symbol of independence that it has been co-opted by a wide variety of Americans over its long history.
-
The Hollywood Sign
S1 E2 - 55m 35s
The Hollywood Sign episode examines the history of the Los Angeles landmark, which was erected in 1923 originally as a real estate advertisement, and went on to become an international symbol of fame, fortune, and the American dream.
-
Fenway Park
S1 E1 - 55m 27s
Baseball is a favorite American pastime and obsession, and no ballpark is more iconic than Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. This episode tells the story of a city’s loyalty to its team and love for its ballpark through thick and thin.
Extras + Features
-
Hollywood as the Ultimate LA Symbol
S1 E2 - 1m 14s
In many ways, the Hollywood sign is a perfect emblem Los Angeles -- first as an advertisement for a subdivision, then as an ad for Hollywood writ large. This video explains the role that car culture played in creating this timeless icon.
-
Often Imitated, Never Duplicated
S1 E2 - 3m 15s
From Dollywood to Bollywood in India and Nollywood in Nigeria, the Hollywood sign has inspired numerous imitations and replicas around the world, but stands alone as a unique and internationally recognized symbol of the American entertainment industry.
-
Hollywood Gets its Start
S1 E2 - 1m 22s
Film historian Jonathan Kuntz describes some of the anecdotes and myths surrounding the origin of the Hollywood film industry.
-
Could Hollywood Be Successful Again?
S1 E2 - 1m 10s
Throughout the '60s, Hollywood was losing its financial infrastructure and its audience, and undergoing a major identity crisis. But much to everyone's surprise, a once-popular genre started to regain popularity, and helped save the industry.
-
Power not Afforded Equally
S1 E2 - 1m 2s
When it comes to different types of mass cultural production, the tremendous influence and power of Hollywood is unparalled. But like all power throughout history, it is not afforded equally to most segments of society.
-
Should Fenway be a National Monument?
S1 E1 - 54s
As the number one tourist attraction in Boston, Fenway Park's allure transcends the sport of baseball. In this clip, fans and historians discuss the merits of the park as a destination for visitors from around the world, and a historic monument.
-
The 1967 Red Sox and The Impossible Dream
S1 E1 - 45s
The 1967 Boston Red Sox captured the hearts of their fans and became known as the "Impossible Dream" team. After finishing ninth in the American League in 1966, the Red Sox made a remarkable turnaround and won the American League pennant. During this time, there was also a proposal for a multi-use stadium that would have been shared by the Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
-
The Red Sox' "Cursed" 1986 and 2003 Seasons
S1 E1 - 4m 48s
This clip revisits an error by Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner in game 7 of the 1986 World Series that remains one of the most memorable plays in baseball history. The error prevented Boston from going into a tie-breaking 11th inning against The New York Mets, and epitomizes The Curse of the Bambino -- a superstition about the team's decades-long drought of World Series Championships.
-
Racism and The Red Sox
S1 E1 - 3m 18s
The last team to integrate MLB, The Boston Red Sox have a "shameful past with respect to race relations," according to Sam Kennedy, President and CEO of The Boston Red Sox. In this clip, we look at the history of racism in a franchise known for turning away legendary athletes of color such as Willie Mays.
-
The Curse of the Bambino
S1 E1 - 2m 57s
After winning winning five of the first 15 World Series, the Red Sox committed the original sin of baseball by trading star pitcher Babe Ruth to the Yankees for cash. They were the greatest team in Major League Baseball, but after they traded Ruth, they wouldn't win another World Series for 86 years.
-
The Curse is Lifted
S1 E1 - 37s
The Boston Red Sox's World Series win in 2004 was a historic moment for the team and its fans. It marked the end of an 86-year championship drought, known as the "Curse of the Bambino," which began after the Red Sox traded baseball legend Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919. The Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series and swept them in four games.
-
Behind the Scenes
S1 - 1m
David Rubenstein examines the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects and places, on location and in conversation with historical thinkers, community members and other experts. Together, they dive deep into each symbol’s history and how its meaning has changed over time, using them as a gateway to understanding America’s past and present.
Schedule
-
Image
Iconic America
The Statue of Liberty
Monday
Jul 15
1 Hour
The evolving meaning of the Statue of Liberty and how it embodies values and conflicts in America, from abolition to the treatment of refugees. -
Image
Iconic America
The Statue of Liberty
Tuesday
Jul 16
1 Hour
The evolving meaning of the Statue of Liberty and how it embodies values and conflicts in America, from abolition to the treatment of refugees. -
Image
Iconic America
The Gadsden Flag
Tuesday
Jul 16
1 Hour
How the "Don't Tread on Me" flag has been co-opted by a wide variety of Americans over its long history. -
Image
Iconic America
The Gadsden Flag
Wednesday
Jul 17
1 Hour
How the "Don't Tread on Me" flag has been co-opted by a wide variety of Americans over its long history. -
Image
Iconic America
The Golden Gate Bridge
Wednesday
Jul 17
1 Hour
Exploring the story behind the Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of America's can-do spirit. -
Image
Iconic America
The American Bald Eagle
Wednesday
Jul 17
1 Hour
The American bald eagle symbolizes patriotism, environmental activism and Native American traditions. -
Image
Iconic America
The Statue of Liberty
Wednesday
Jul 17
1 Hour
The evolving meaning of the Statue of Liberty and how it embodies values and conflicts in America, from abolition to the treatment of refugees. -
Image
Iconic America
The Golden Gate Bridge
Wednesday
Jul 17
1 Hour
Exploring the story behind the Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of America's can-do spirit. -
Image
Iconic America
The Golden Gate Bridge
Thursday
Jul 18
1 Hour
Exploring the story behind the Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of America's can-do spirit. -
Image
Iconic America
Fenway Park
Monday
Jul 22
1 Hour
The story of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and the city's loyalty to its team and love for its ballpark. -
Image
Iconic America
The Hollywood Sign
Tuesday
Jul 23
1 Hour
A real estate advertisement erected in 1923 becomes an international symbol of fame, fortune and the American dream. -
Image
Iconic America
The Cowboy
Wednesday
Jul 24
1 Hour
The myths and realities of the American cowboy. -
Image
Iconic America
Stone Mountain
Thursday
Jul 25
1 Hour
As Confederate statues are removed across the country, arguments escalate over the fate of the Monument at Stone Mountain in Georgia.
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.
Similar Shows
![The National Parks: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2022/09/27/2008-FLlT5zqbZXpJ30wVw1g.jpg?itok=1XjTIBOC)
The National Parks
History
![The Real Crown: Inside the House of Windsor: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2024/07/10/301656-CFfqtUi-show-poster2x3-PQZseqw.jpg?itok=UMD_NcjC)
![Crossing Overtown: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2024/04/16/259806-9PEYW2z-show-poster2x3-liEug8q.jpg?itok=qYJfXzJ9)
Crossing Overtown
History
![Glacier Park's Night of the Grizzlies: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2024/04/18/252863-Z0KUNIp-show-poster2x3-8sSd8UY.jpg?itok=SG10pD3E)
![Secrets of the Manor House: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2024/04/17/2918-PmkQ92C-show-poster2x3-rOHXy1l.png?itok=OcWB2rVX)
Secrets of the Manor House
History
![East Lake Meadows: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2022/01/25/2255-KJCExMC-show-poster2x3-rWpJ407.jpg?itok=rQb4KJsJ)
East Lake Meadows
History
![Ali in Washington: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2022/01/12/189465-zx4ms4Q-show-poster2x3-TtxFKSp.jpg?itok=1It8PgX-)
Ali in Washington
History
![D-Day: Over Normandy: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2024/04/17/187682-s5aRgOj-show-poster2x3-buTNJA0.jpg?itok=THelg-O9)
D-Day: Over Normandy
History
![Winston Churchill's War: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2024/03/04/238118-nIcAGUw-show-poster2x3-IXg6CVl.jpg?itok=ad55hL75)
Winston Churchill's War
History
![The U.S. and the Holocaust: show-poster2x3](/sites/default/files/styles/230x346/public/pbs_media_manager_images/2024/04/17/228170-CfrrjS4-show-poster2x3-d9mwxtG.jpg?itok=sgQXZue8)
The U.S. and the Holocaust
History