June 28, 2005 > Statue of Liberty: Enlightening the World

A symbol of hope and refuge for generations of immigrants and towering above the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses into America for more than 100 years. Originally a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, the "Mother of Exiles" stands today as a testament to human ingenuity, freedom, and hope.

This History Channel video explores the initial struggles to find adequate funding for the statue leading to its celebratory centennial restoration. Rare footage and archival photos document the radical methods the French devised for shaping the massive sculpture and for transporting their incredible creation to America.

Ellis Island, part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, is also included in this film. Historical film shows remarkable footage of how 12 million steerage and third class steamship passengers, between 1892 and 1954, were legally and medically inspected at Ellis Island.

Statue of Liberty: Enlightening the World
Tuesday, July 19
1:30 p.m.
Newark Library
6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark
(510) 795-2627