History

Iconic America

In this new eight-episode documentary series, David Rubenstein explores America’s 400-year history through a close examination of iconic national symbols such as the Hollywood Sign, Fenway Park, American cowboys and the Statue of Liberty: indelible artifacts, places, and archetypes. Each episode tells the story of an American symbol to reveal its origins, significance and the arc of its resonance.

The Golden Gate Bridge

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?

Episodes

  • The Golden Gate Bridge: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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

  • Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview

    S1 - 31s

    "Historical symbols have a lot to say about who we are and who we have become, but our collective memory is shaped by who is doing the storytelling. At a time when America has become increasingly divided, it's important to remember the things that connect us." -- David Rubenstein

Schedule

  • Image
    Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories With David Rubenstein: The Gadsden Flag: TVSS: Iconic

    Iconic America

    The Gadsden Flag

    Tuesday
    Dec 3

    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: Our Symbols and Stories With David Rubenstein: The Gadsden Flag: TVSS: Iconic

    Iconic America

    The Gadsden Flag

    Tuesday
    Dec 3

    2 Hours

    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: Our Symbols and Stories With David Rubenstein: The Gadsden Flag: TVSS: Iconic

    Iconic America

    The Gadsden Flag

    Wednesday
    Dec 4

    2 Hours

    How the "Don't Tread on Me" flag has been co-opted by a wide variety of Americans over its long history.

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