Richard Kurin
Author
Publisher
The Penguin Press
Pub. Date
2013.
Physical Desc
xx, 762 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 24 cm
Description
A literary exhibition of 101 objects from across the Smithsonian's museums that together offer a marvelous new perspective on the history of the United States. Ranging from the earliest years of the pre-Columbian continent to the digital age, and from the American Revolution to Vietnam, each entry pairs the fascinating history surrounding each object with the story of its creation or discovery and the place it has come to occupy in our national memory.--...
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (30 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Washington's private homes provide a fascinating window into the city's history. Begin at the pre-Revolutionary colonial building of the Old Stone House, which shows how early DC citizens lived. Then discover three grand and storied mansions in Upper Georgetown. Visit the remarkable Octagon House; the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden of Marjorie Merriweather Post; and Woodlawn Plantation.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (37 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
To begin your journey to this world-class city, uncover the origins of the District of Columbia and how the location for our national government was chosen. Learn about the original design and vision for the city by artist/engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Then trace the creation and colorful history of the National Mall, and the building of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (36 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
At the seat of the US legislature, learn how the Capitol building was designed, constructed, and expanded in the early years of the nation. Tour the architectural and artistic wonders of the building, from the Capitol Rotunda to the Statuary Hall, Brumidi Corridors, Hall of Columns, and other key features. Conclude with the House and Senate Chambers, and the surrounding parks and gardens.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (34 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Trace the history and mission of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Learn about the National Zoo's remarkable exhibits of zoological rarities, from the clouded leopard to the giant panda. Take note of the National Zoo's approach to recreating natural habitats, and the institution's deep involvement with animal research and conservation of endangered species.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (783 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
In this travelogue, discover the many layers of history and human endeavor that created DC’s urban environment, such as departments of the US government, monuments and memorials, world-class museums, lesser-known historic gems, neighborhoods and historic homes, and contemporary DC’s range of culinary and recreational activities.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (42 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Finally, learn about the treasures within the National Archives, including original copies of America's founding documents, historic murals, and the poignant "Records of Rights" exhibit. Revisit the history of DC, and consider city plans that were never realized, "disappeared" Washington, and proposals for the city's future. Conclude with thoughts on the dynamic, changing environment of DC.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (28 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Delve into the history of political scandals in Washington, and how the nation has come to terms with them. Learn first about the 19th-century Burr Conspiracy, focusing on former Vice President Aaron Burr. Then take stock of the scandals under President Ulysses S. Grant, the infamous Teapot Dome scandal, and finally the Watergate scandal, finishing at the Newseum, a media history museum.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (25 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
DC's Northwest Quadrant is home to some of the city's oldest and most historic neighborhoods. Take in the beautiful architecture of Embassy Row, and that of two magnificent nearby mansions. Visit the Dupont Circle neighborhood and its extraordinary museums, as well as those of The George Washington University. Finish with a first look at the history and cultural richness of Georgetown.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (41 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Within Washington's hotbed of live entertainment, visit the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with its multiple performance spaces. Then learn about the National Theatre, The Shakespeare and Folger theatres, DC's outstanding regional theaters, and music offerings from the National Symphony Orchestra to venues featuring jazz, rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, and alternative music.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (36 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
In a panoramic overview of the Smithsonian Institution, begin at the National Museum of American History and its collection of historical treasures. Continue with the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the phenomenal collections of the National Air and Space Museum. Conclude with the wealth of art museums on the National Mall.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (24 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Sports have a longstanding place in the history and culture of DC. Track the backstory of baseball, football, and basketball teams in Washington, and learn where to watch and play these highly popular sports now. Delve also into DC's hockey and soccer scene, and the abundance of "imported" sports in the capital, from rugby and cricket to Irish hurling and Gaelic football.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (30 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
This episode considers how the Civil War and the Lincoln presidency transformed the city. Among key sites of the era, explore the historic Willard Hotel and its dramatic connection with Lincoln; the Clara Barton National Historic Site; and President Lincoln's Cottage, the "summer White House." Then visit Ford's Theatre, the site and memorial of the Lincoln assassination.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (35 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Witness the impact on Washington of the civil rights movement, beginning with the life and work of Frederick Douglass, and the national historic site of his home. As the focus of the episode, take an in-depth tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, its major galleries, and 36,000 artifacts that tell the nation's story through the lens of the black experience.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (39 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Take account of the plethora of religious institutions in Washington and consider the role of faith in the city's history. Stop first at St. John's Episcopal Church, closely associated with the presidency, and DC's architecturally rich Catholic churches. Visit Jewish and Muslim houses of worship, and finally take in the historic and artistic treasures of the Washington National Cathedral.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (30 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
Visit the stunning premises of the world's largest library, starting with the story of the library's creation in the 18th century. Begin your tour with the monumental Jefferson Building, with its glorious Beaux Arts decor, followed by the remarkable facilities of the Adams and Madison buildings. Also visit the extraordinary Folger Shakespeare Library, and DC's beloved Eastern Market.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (28 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
DC contains an array of beautiful green spaces. Among many, discover the story and the amenities of historic Rock Creek Park, and the riverfront walks and outdoor activities along the Potomac Heritage Trail. On the Anacostia River, visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, with its plethora of wildlife, and the botanical riches of the United States National Arboretum.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (33 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
At the first of three iconic war memorials, learn the poignant story behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and how this once controversial monument is now considered a masterpiece. From there, take account of the artistically conceived Korean War Veterans Memorial, and finally the World War II Memorial, and its moving tribute to the "Greatest Generation."
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2021.
Physical Desc
1 online resource (streaming video file) (30 minutes): digital, .flv file, sound
Description
At the home and estate of George Washington, trace Washington's early life, and his inheritance and expansion of the plantation now known as Mount Vernon. Tour the estate, highlighting the impressive interior features of the mansion, a major focal point of social and political life in Virginia. In nearby Alexandria, visit historic sites associated with the life and career of George Washington.