Documentaries | Currier & Ives: Perspectives of America

About the Documentaries

They papered the country with peaceful farm scenes and merry sleigh rides – but can we really trace today’s visual barrage to Currier & Ives? Meet the firm that whet America’s appetite to see it all for ourselves: love & war, disasters & heroes, even the past & future. “Currier & Ives: Perspectives on America” is a 3-part documentary series from WGBY, narrated by NPR's Scott Simon. Find out how a Massachusetts boy became the nation's ‘Printmaker to the People’ with images that not only reflected the face of America, but helped shape it.

Watch Clips of the Programs Online

Part 1: Printmakers to the People
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Part 2: Cheap and Popular Pictures
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Part 3: The Surprise of Currier & Ives
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5