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The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty

Season 1 Episode 1 | 55m 00s

For more than 100 years, the Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of hope and refuge for generations of immigrants. In this compelling and provocative portrait of the statue, Ken Burns explores both the history of America’s premier symbol and the meaning of liberty itself. Featuring archival photographs, readings from diaries, letters and newspapers of the day the story of the monument is told

Aired: 10/27/85
Funding Provided by: General Motors Corporation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and the Henry Nias Foundation.
Extras
Watch • 2:21
The Statue of Liberty
Self-Evident Truth
Inscribed on the statue is the date of the United States’ Declaration of Independence.
Clip: S1 E1 | 2:21
Watch • 4:35
The Statue of Liberty
A Difficult Delivery
The Statue of Liberty was constructed in France and brought, in pieces, to New York City.
Clip: S1 E1 | 4:35
Watch • 2:29
The Statue of Liberty
What is Liberty?
David McCullough, James Baldwin, Barbara Jordan and Milos Forman discuss liberty.
Clip: S1 E1 | 2:29
Watch • 0:31
The Statue of Liberty
An Enduring Symbol
Carolyn Forche talks about how the Statue of Liberty is an enduring symbol.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:31