WETA Focus

In April, we are very proud to premiere two wonderful new television series — one for a nationwide audience and one exclusively for viewers in the national capital area. Starting Wednesday, April 26, we bring to PBS viewers around the country the new history series Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein. This fascinating series is the result of a partnership between WETA, our longtime friend David Rubenstein, and production team Show of Force. Spotlighting American symbols, archetypes and places, the eight programs feature David illuminating the intriguing history and changing meaning of these icons, offering new perspective on how we tell — and retell — our American story. In each program, he travels the country, interviewing a wide array of people, including historians, community members and others who help further our understanding of these symbols and provide context for their resonance. The Iconic America project includes an extensive education and outreach component to inspire further inquiry about the nation’s history.

On April 3, we roll out our engaging new WETA local travel series Get Out of Town, which airs each Monday in April and May, presenting great getaways within a half-day’s drive from Washington, D.C. With mother-daughter hosts Laurita and Lauren Portee leading the way, learn about where to go, where to stay, local history, nearby activities, and dining options. Exploring our region, the vibrant series will both entertain you and inspire you to take to the road.

We also have several intriguing events in store for you this month.

• On April 7: We and the Arlington Public Library celebrate WETA founder Elizabeth Campbell — a truly extraordinary Arlingtonian — at the Shirlington Library branch.

• On April 12: We present a season-ending online Finding Your Roots event that features the series’ host, our friend and production partner Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., sharing behind-the-scenes stories.

• On April 25: WETA holds a very special in-person Iconic America preview event, offering a unique opportunity to hear series host David Rubenstein discussing history with distinguished guests.

I hope to see you there! Enjoy all that WETA has to offer this month, and thank you for your support.

Sharon Percy Rockefeller President and Chief Executive Officer, WETA

Attend a WETA Finding Your Roots Virtual Event on April 12

WETA invites you to attend a free virtual event Wednesday, April 12 at 8 p.m. that marks the end of Season Nine of the genealogy and history series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. This National Virtual Conversation — Finding Your Roots Family Album: Series Highlights — surrounding the WETA co-production and its content features the series’ host Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and senior producer Sabin Streeter sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Season Nine and the series archive. Thomas Allen Harris, of the Family Pictures Institute for Inclusive Storytelling, moderates the conversation. To learn more and to register for the event, visit weta.org/FYRAprilConversation