Join the Sharon Historical Society as we explore

The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World)!

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About this Event

 

Perhaps the most famous statue in the modern world, the Statue of Liberty has stood tall in the middle of New York Harbor since 1886, serving as a beacon of hope and freedom. But without the perseverance of an army of advocates — including a French politician, newspaper publisher, and New York poet — the Statue would have never made it off the drawing board. This is the incredible true story of the "Mother of Exiles," and the series of trials and tribulations it has overcome for over a century to remain that symbol of opportunity to people all around the globe.

Join Sharon Historical Society as we explore the complete history of the Statue of Liberty, and what elevated its status from a potential eyesore to one of the most iconic sites in the world.

Led by Sharon Historical Society President Ron Ketelsen, the webinar will include:

• How the Statue of Liberty was conceived, from a French politician/writer who never set foot in the United States to a young French architect who hearkened back to ancient times to find inspiration for her appearance

• The dramatic story of how the statue was financed, and how a Hungarian-born New York newspaper publisher and a poet's 14-line poem saved the Statue from financial disaster

• How an emerging French engineer using a revolutionary design for the interior of the Statue ensured "Lady Liberty" would last for ages

• The relatively unknown story of how the Statue was nearly destroyed from an explosion during World War I by enemy saboteurs— one of the first terrorist attacks in U.S. history

• The various cycles of decay and restoration of the Statue of Liberty, and how the Statue emerged from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy

• Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Ron — any and all questions about the Statue of Liberty are welcomed and encouraged!