History

The Statue of Liberty

This 1985 Ken Burns film chronicles the creation and history of the Statue of Liberty and what it represents to all Americans. Narrated by David McCullough, the film traces the development of the monument--from its conception, to its complicated and often controversial construction, to its final dedication--and offers interviews with a wide range of Americans to explore the meaning of the statue.

The Statue of Liberty

55m

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

Episodes

  • The Statue of Liberty: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Statue of Liberty

    S1 E1 - 55m

    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

Extras + Features

  • Self-Evident Truth: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Self-Evident Truth

    S1 E1 - 2m 21s

    Inscribed on the Statue Of Liberty is “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI” — the date of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. In this document, Thomas Jefferson wrote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

  • A Difficult Delivery: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Difficult Delivery

    S1 E1 - 4m 35s

    The Statue of Liberty was constructed in France and brought, in pieces, to New York City — but not without obstacles.

  • What is Liberty?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    What is Liberty?

    S1 E1 - 2m 29s

    David McCullough, Milos Forman, Barbara Jordan, Jerzy Kosinski, Carolyn Forche, and James Baldwin discuss liberty.

  • An Enduring Symbol: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    An Enduring Symbol

    S1 E1 - 31s

    Carolyn Forche talks about how the Statue of Liberty is an enduring symbol.

Schedule

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.