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The Lincoln Memorial, an American Icon

From Public Radio International | 00:06:59
Producers: Studio 360 staff

Credit:
Kurt Andersen explores the surprising resonance of an American Icon, the Lincoln Memorial

You are carrying a picture of the Lincoln Memorial on you right now, on a five-dollar bill or the back of a penny. It is the most famous sculpture in America: the seated Lincoln carved in white marble -- one hand clenched with determination, the other relaxed as if in contemplation.

The Lincoln Memorial took generations to build, because "Lincoln was a divisive figure," comments historian Christopher Thomas. Author Sarah Vowell notes that "Lincoln is such a screwy-looking guy, it takes [sculptor Daniel Chester] French years trying to figure out how to . . . to represent his face."

Studio 360's Kurt Andersen speaks with Thomas, Vowell, and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin in this 7-minute story, and actor David Strathairn ("Good Night and Good Luck") reads an excerpt from Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address.
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You are carrying a picture of the Lincoln Memorial on you right now, on a five-dollar bill or the back of a penny. It is the most famous sculpture in America: the seated Lincoln carved in white marble -- one hand clenched with determination, the other relaxed as if in contemplation. The Lincoln Memorial took generations to build, because "Lincoln was a divisive figure," comments historian Christopher Thomas. Author Sarah Vowell notes that "Lincoln is such a screwy-looking guy, it takes [sculptor Daniel Chester] French years trying to figure out how to . . . to represent his face." Studio 360's Kurt Andersen speaks with Thomas, ...
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Broadcast History

Piece draws from Studio 360's hour "American Icons: The Lincoln Memorial," aired week of June 9, 2006

Timing and Cues

HOST LEDE:

Most of us who have Monday off next week will celebrate by shopping. But in honor of Presidents Day, we have this appreciation of an icon -- the Lincoln Memorial, on the Mall in Washington. Kurt Andersen, the host of PRI's Studio 360, found out why the Memorial remains so powerful today.

IN: This is Kurt Andersen I?m here on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

OUT: . . . it is still rare in American life. This is Kurt Andersen, for Studio 360's American Icons series.

TRT: 6:59

HOST OUT: You can hear PRI?s Studio 360 [DATE] [TIME].? That story was produced with support from the National Endownment for the Humanities.?

Musical Works

Title Artist Album Label Year Running Time
Billy the Kid Aaron Copland/arr. Bill Frisell Have a Little Faith. Nonesuch, 1993. 00:00

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