Wednesday, July 3, 2 PM
For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re featuring this episode of Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein. After watching, dive deeper with resources about cultural responses and artistic interpretations of the iconic Hollywood sign on PBS LearningMedia.
Explore America’s 400-year history through a close examination of iconic national symbols with the series Iconic America. In The Hollywood Sign, learn about the story of how a real estate advertisement erected in 1923 became an international symbol of fame, fortune and the American dream.
PBS LearningMedia
Symbolism & History of the Hollywood Sign | Iconic America
Grades 6-12
Learn about the dreamy promise and shifting intentions of the Hollywood sign, an icon perched in the hills overlooking Los Angeles. In 1923, the sign originally read “Hollywoodland.” Investigate how artists have responded to its larger-than-life qualities. The sign has come to stand in for the glamour and promise of the American film business. Industries beyond the Los Angeles region have borrowed the term, such as Dollywood or Bollywood. In the early twentieth century, the sign reflected the bustling and bigger-than-life film industry in Los Angeles. Analyze artistic interpretations of the sign and discuss if now, given the prominence of video streaming and film production in cities outside California, the symbol still lives up to its original promise. Then, complete an arts activity.
In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!
Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!