“Iconic America” with David Rubenstein Explores American History though Iconic Symbols and Stories

• Christina Zeiders
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Christina Zeiders is the Communications Specialist at WITF. She helps get the word out about all of WITF's programs, events and community conversations.

In Iconic America, host and executive director David M. Rubenstein – co-founder of The Carlyle Group, patriotic philanthropist, and lifelong student of history – explores American history by examining iconic national symbols: indelible artifacts, places, and archetypes.

Rubenstein travels the country and speaks with historical thinkers, community members, and subject matter experts. Together, they dive deep into each symbol’s history, how its meaning has changed over time, and how it frames America’s past and present.

“I’ve long been struck by the strength of American symbols while saddened by how little we know about them,” said Rubenstein. “Our goal with this series was to explore the history and meaning of these iconic symbols and to better understand the bigger issues and societal currents they reveal.”

In the second episode of the 8-part series, Rubenstein takes a closer look at the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles. The landmark was built originally in 1923 as a real estate advertisement. It became an international symbol of fame, fortune, and the American dream.

Watch Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein on WITF TV Wednesdays at 10pm, or stream each episode on-demand for free for four weeks following its television premiere using the PBS or WITF app.