Film Discussions: Revisit American History

The History Channel's The American Revolution

Monday and Wednesday mornings, 10:30 – noon

Hosted by Bill Kurtis, this is the story of the American Revolution told through reenactments, commentaries by historical and military advisers and historical materials featuring the people, places and events from 1773 to the end of the war.

Looking for Lincoln

Wednesday Mornings, 10:30 – noon

Inecom Entertainment Company's Expo: Magic of the White City

Monday and Wednesday Mornings, 10:30 – noon

Narrated by Gene Wilder, "EXPO - Magic of the White City" explores the world of 1893 through a cinematic visit to Chicago's Columbian Exposition. Many of the world's greatest achievements in art, architecture, science, technology and culture are unveiled there. The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, famous for his design of New York City's Central Park, and constructed under the supervision of Daniel Burnham. The Fair was an engineering marvel.

On opening day, President Grover Cleveland depressed a golden telegraph key which sent the first courses of electricity throughout the Fair powering fountains, machines, electric railways and thousands of lights. It was the first use of electricity on such a massive scale.

In addition, fairgoers enjoy the Midway Plaisance where a one-mile boulevard of fun offers camel riding and guilty pleasures such as belly dancing, street fighting and beer drinking. Nearly 28 million visit the "White City," which inspires future innovators like Henry Ford, Walt Disney and Frank Lloyd Wright, and debuts the Ferris Wheel and Cracker Jack®.

FDR: Years of Crisis

Wed, Nov 4, 10:30 – noon

Follow the life and career of the famed politician in the years before he became president and explore the forces that shaped his vision. Unique footage includes excerpts from the 1932 Democratic nomination speech that paved his way to the presidency.

The Great Depression

Monday and Wednesday Mornings, 10:30 – noon

Delves into the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and how it affected people, how the American public worked together to get through the massive hardships, and how the economy recovered with World War II. Examine the changes that swept the shaken nation during the first year - from the landslide victory of FDR in 1932 to Dust Bowl farmers. Americans sought release from the hard times wherever they could find it - from marathon dancing to going to the movies. As the Depression lingered and the New Deal failed to live up to people's expectations, some Americans fought back against the system. After years of crisis, WWII approached and did what all the protests and recovery programs failed to do - end the Depression.