The Statue of Liberty is an iconic piece of American art, yet it originated as a French sculpture. Assembled first in Paris and then reassembled in New York Harbor, this colossal figure has embedded itself in American culture as a symbol of freedom and hope. Funded by public contributions, the statue was supported by photography […]
This week, PBS News introduced a new podcast series titled “In Pursuit of Happiness.” The series consists of six episodes and is hosted by Judy Woodruff. It aims to delve into the people, culture, and ideas that have influenced America. The first episode features a segment with presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky. She offers a renewed […]
Grace Pak’s Quest for the Semiquincentennial Cake Grace Pak, a skilled baker from New York City, found herself surprised upon learning that there were no official plans for a cake to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Determined to fill this gap, she dedicated her efforts to creating a special cake for the occasion. Throughout the […]
Bruce Springsteen captured onstage during the Born in the U.S.A. Tour in 1984 (Shinko Music/Getty Images) This article belongs to the American Anthem series which explores songs that inspire, unite, and call to action. More details available at NPR.org/Anthem. The lyrics of “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen clearly paint a picture of a […]
In 1975, Ronnie Van Zant, lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, performed on stage with the band at the Omni Coliseum in Atlanta. This moment is captured by Tom Hill/WireImage. Skynyrd’s famous song, “Sweet Home Alabama,” has become known as a kind of anthem for Alabama since it cracked the Top 10 charts in 1974. It […]
During England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in the World Cup group stage, Declan Rice attracted attention with an unusual move near the corner flag. The England and Arsenal midfielder hiked up his shorts, exposing his legs significantly, which led to online debates and conspiracy theories. What did these lifted shorts signal? Was it a secret […]
The 250th anniversary of its founding prompted NPR to ask students nationwide to create podcasts about their American experiences and the meaning of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to them. This initiative received over 700 podcast entries. Many featured conversations with immigrant family members discussing their reasons for moving to the United States. […]
The Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773, marked a significant act of defiance by American colonists. They threw overboard British East India Company tea into Boston Harbor. Some say this event shifted Americans’ preferences towards coffee. However, one historian asserts that coffee was already widely consumed long before this time. The Boston Tea Party […]
David S. Reynolds’ new book, Two Ships, arrives as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. This work explores how conflicting interpretations of historical events contribute to contemporary divisions. Two Ships delves into the intertwined legacies of two significant voyages: the Mayflower in 1620 and the White Lion a year earlier. The Mayflower, known for […]
The narrative of abolition in New England often overshadows the region’s concurrent and extensive history of slavery, which deeply influenced the lives of Black Americans during the Revolutionary War. Through historic sites and stories, one can uncover the experiences of enslaved Black men who sought freedom in two arenas: against British forces and their own […]