WETA Digital Extras

Alexander Robey Shepherd: Man Who Built the Nation's Capital

John Richardson, author of a new biography of Alexander Robey Shepherd discusses Shepherd's controversial work as the czar of public works in Washington during the 1870s. Shepherd spearheaded an effort to modernize infrastructure in the District of Columbia and transform the scraggly city into a true national capital. However, his efforts led to charges of cronyism and corruption.

Alexander Robey Shepherd: Man Who Built the Nation's Capital

3m 31s

  • The Cost of Unaffordability: asset-original

    The Cost of Unaffordability

    6m 3s

    Carmen Romero of the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing discusses the worsening housing crisis in the Washington Metropolitan area: the causes of runaway housing costs, who is most affected by them, and what happens to our area when a large swath of D.C.-area residents can no longer afford a roof over their head.

  • The Legacy of Dance: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Legacy of Dance

    3m 7s

    How does dance survive as an art form? As Susan Shields puts it, "In today's technology, you could always throw on the DVD and learn the dance.... But the soul of a piece? That has to be passed down." For Shields and George Mason University dancer Lauren Stucko, the process of passing down the role of "Pink Girl" in Lar Lubovitch's A Brahms Symphony has been a powerful experience.

  • Life's Second Chances: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Life's Second Chances

    3m 32s

    George Jones III joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and volunteered to be a combat medic in Vietnam. After returning from his tour, he became disillusioned with his treatment at home and re-enlisted. A few years later, he developed cancer but he credits luck for his recovery. Today, his work as a wood turner reminds him of the many second chances he’s received throughout his life.

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