Discoveries… America National Parks: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Historic Pennsylvania

The latest entry in filmmakers Jim and Kelly Watt's high-def filmed Discoveries…America National Parks takes viewers on a journey to the cradle of liberty, with a visit to Philadelphia and Independence National Historical Park, home to Independence Hall, where the American colonies declared their freedom from British rule, and the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed. The handsome series of buildings at the park—including the original site of the Supreme Court and first federal bank—includes structures that were designed to look like ancient Greek architecture, as well as comforting brick edifices. Quick stops are made at Edgar Allan Poe's house, where he spent six happy years, and the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, a site established by Thomas Jefferson as tribute to a Polish volunteer in the Revolutionary War. The Valley Forge National Historical Park honors George Washington's winter encampment, where many were lost to starvation and disease. The Johnstown Flood National Memorial remembers those who died in the 1889 disaster after a substandard dam broke open and wiped out Johnstown. A number of archival photographs of the devastation are on display, and a special exhibition highlights the role of the Red Cross in bringing aid and relief. The Flight 93 National Memorial speaks for itself, with little narration concerning the 40 victims who lost their lives while thwarting hijackers on 9/11. Finally, the Gettysburg National Military Park is a full 10 acres dedicated to the turning point battle in the Civil War, where over 50,000 men died during three days of bloody conflict. Sure to appeal to both armchair travelers and history buffs, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)