Blowing Up History Season 3 Episode 4 Statue Of Liberty: The New Secrets
- January 1, 1970
- 44 min
Blowing Up History season 3 episode 4 delves into the iconic Statue of Liberty, exploring some of its secrets that have remained hidden for over a century. This episode delves deep into the history of the Statue, from its original creation in France to its journey across the Atlantic and construction in the United States. Along the way, the show examines some of the lesser-known but fascinating stories about the Statue of Liberty's creation.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Statue's history is its original design and inspiration. Created by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue was initially designed as a monument to a proposed lighthouse in Egypt, and was meant to be called "Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia." This design would never come to fruition, but Bartholdi's original design sketches for the Statue still exist, and are featured in this episode.
Another fascinating part of the Statue's history is the story of its construction. The Statue was built in France before being dismantled and shipped to the United States. The journey across the Atlantic was a dramatic and dangerous one, and the Statue had to be reassembled once it arrived in the United States. This episode takes a closer look at the challenges of moving such a massive structure and reconstructing it on a completely new site.
The episode also explores some of the lesser-known stories surrounding the Statue of Liberty's construction. For example, it highlights the role that African-Americans played in the creation of the Statue. Many of the workers who helped build the pedestal on which the Statue sits were African-American, and this episode sheds light on their contributions. Additionally, the episode examines the role that women played in the Statue's construction, including the fact that Bartholdi's own mother played a significant role in funding the project.
Finally, the episode takes a fascinating look at the ongoing project of restoring and preserving the Statue of Liberty. The Statue has suffered damage over the years due to weather, pollution, and other factors, and a team of dedicated experts is constantly working to keep it in good condition. This episode delves into the science of how the Statue is preserved, including everything from the techniques used to clean the copper exterior to the ways in which experts monitor the condition of the structure over time.
Overall, Blowing Up History season 3 episode 4 offers a fascinating look at the Statue of Liberty, exploring everything from its origins to its ongoing preservation. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by this iconic monument will find plenty to enjoy in this episode.