The Hollywood Sign Preview
The story of how a real estate advertisement erected in 1923 became an international symbol of fame, fortune and the American dream.
The Red Sox' "Cursed" 1986 and 2003 Seasons
This clip revisits an error by Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner in game 7 of the 1986 World Series that remains one of the most memorable plays in baseball history. The error prevented Boston from going into a tie-breaking 11th inning against The New York Mets, and epitomizes The Curse of the Bambino -- a superstition about the team's decades-long drought of World Series Championships.
The 1967 Red Sox and The Impossible Dream
The 1967 Boston Red Sox captured the hearts of their fans and became known as the "Impossible Dream" team. After finishing ninth in the American League in 1966, the Red Sox made a remarkable turnaround and won the American League pennant. During this time, there was also a proposal for a multi-use stadium that would have been shared by the Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
The Curse is Lifted
The Boston Red Sox's World Series win in 2004 was a historic moment for the team and its fans. It marked the end of an 86-year championship drought, known as the "Curse of the Bambino," which began after the Red Sox traded baseball legend Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919. The Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series and swept them in four games.
Racism and The Red Sox
The last team to integrate MLB, The Boston Red Sox have a "shameful past with respect to race relations," according to Sam Kennedy, President and CEO of The Boston Red Sox. In this clip, we look at the history of racism in a franchise known for turning away legendary athletes of color such as Willie Mays.
Should Fenway be a National Monument?
As the number one tourist attraction in Boston, Fenway Park's allure transcends the sport of baseball. In this clip, fans and historians discuss the merits of the park as a destination for visitors from around the world, and a historic monument.
The Curse of the Bambino
After winning winning five of the first 15 World Series, the Red Sox committed the original sin of baseball by trading star pitcher Babe Ruth to the Yankees for cash. They were the greatest team in Major League Baseball, but after they traded Ruth, they wouldn't win another World Series for 86 years.
Preview
"Historical symbols have a lot to say about who we are and who we have become, but our collective memory is shaped by who is doing the storytelling. At a time when America has become increasingly divided, it's important to remember the things that connect us." -- David Rubenstein
Behind the Scenes
David Rubenstein examines the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects and places, on location and in conversation with historical thinkers, community members and other experts. Together, they dive deep into each symbol’s history and how its meaning has changed over time, using them as a gateway to understanding America’s past and present.
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