Rethinking the Statue of Liberty: Old Meanings, New Contexts

Overview

• Presented by David Glassberg, Department of History, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (December 2003)
• Focus on the changing meanings of the Statue of Liberty over time
• National Park Service aims to incorporate historical meanings into research and public programs

Historical and Political Contexts

Political Meanings

1. Political Cooperation:
   • Gift from France to the U.S. symbolizing diplomatic friendship
   • Context of international expositions and world fairs
   • Tariff war and cultural exchange between France and the U.S.
2. End of Slavery:
   • Seen as a post-Civil War symbol of emancipation
   • Supported by abolitionists and organizations memorializing the Union cause
3. American National Unity:
   • Symbol of unity during World War I
   • Featured in Liberty Bond drives
4. Immigration and Economic Opportunity:
   • Associated with immigrant welcoming
   • Poem "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus emphasizes this
5. Political Liberty and Global Freedom:
   • Represents freedom globally
   • Used in international contexts like Tiananmen Square and Vietnam
6. Resilience of New York City:
   • Post-9/11 symbol of endurance and resilience

Statue of Liberty in Popular Culture

Aspects in Popular Culture

1. Advertising and Commercial Art:
   • Image licensed for advertising since its inception
   • Used in various media and political messages
2. Popular Entertainment:
   • Featured in music, movies, and public events
   • Michael Jackson's "Black or White" video
3. Tourist Attraction:
   • Became a tourist destination post-1886
   • Infrastructure for tourism developed slowly
4. Imitation and Folk Art:
   • Widely reproduced in folk art, souvenirs, and pageants

Addendum: Liberty Island

• Increased visitation post-1986 and post-9/11
• National Park Service developing varied visitor experiences
• Includes history and natural history of Liberty Island

Research and Interpretive Focus

• Emphasis on interpreting political and cultural meanings
• Potential research into early French-American diplomatic relations
• Exploration of racial and sectional differences in perceptions of the Statue
• Understanding of global perspectives on freedom

Conclusion

• The Statue of Liberty's meaning has evolved with American politics and global contexts
• Continued research and public programming are essential to understanding its multifaceted symbolism.