Iconic America Reading Challenge
New display in the DMZ explores the stories behind some of America’s most iconic figures and encourages you to reflect on your own hometown, cultural, and/or local icons.
Need a study break? Head over to the DMZ (Digital Media Zone) to take PBS/WETA’s Iconic America reading challenge. Discover more about the eight iconic figures included in the Iconic America documentary series, which explores the history of each symbol and how its meaning has changed over time. You’ll find resources on :
- The American Bald Eagle
- The Cowboy
- Fenway Park
- The Gadsden Flag
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- The Hollywood Sign
- Stone Mountain
- The Statue of Liberty
Read about legendary baseball player David Ortiz’s journey to becoming a star player for the Boston Red Sox. Explore the impact of writer Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus.” Hear former US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith read her poem, “Harbor,” which was commissioned as a gift to the Statue of Liberty Museum in 2019. Listen to cowboy songs or learn more about the cowboys/cowgirls of the American west…and more.
On the tables throughout the library, you will find pictures of hometown icons submitted by the library staff. Feel free to share your own hometown, cultural, and/or local icons with us (could be food, people, places, landmarks, etc.) on the poster paper near the display.
The reading list is curated in partnership with PBS books. #iconicbookchallenge
Items without LC call numbers are available for “Library Use Only.” Scanners are available in the Reference Commons (First Floor).