Segment from Monumental Disagreements

Mall Rats

The American Backstory hosts talk to art historian Kirk Savage about the early controversy over whether or not to build the Washington Monument on the National Mall.

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

In Our Own Backyard

Host Ed Ayers chats with Charlottesville, Virginia, City Councilwoman Kristin Szakos about two local monuments to famous Confederate generals.

00:04:42

Mall Rats

The American Backstory hosts talk to art historian Kirk Savage about the early controversy over whether or not to build the Washington Monument on the National Mall.

00:08:22

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

BackStory producers Eric Mennel and Nell Boeschenstein visit Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia to tell the story of a monument in honor of Heyward Shepherd, a free black and the first man killed during John Brown’s 1859 raid.

00:10:18

Listener Calls

Hosts Peter Onuf, Ed Ayers, and Brian Balogh take calls from listeners.

00:08:40

Face the Changes

Host Brian Balogh talks with Teresa Bergman about the evolving film presentations the National Park Service has used to welcome tourists at Mount Rushmore.

00:09:41

Mourning Glory

The American Backstory hosts talk with a listener about how the trend of memorializing lost loved ones on Facebook has historical precedence.

00:07:57