Documentary About Alexandria History to Air on WETA

ARLINGTON, VA – A new film produced by WETA, the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital, examines the historic City of Alexandria during the rapid cultural and technological changes of the 20th century.

"Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century" premieres Thursday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD. (Check your channel here.)

“The rich history of Alexandria has had a notable impact on life in Northern Virginia,” WETA president and CEO Sharon Percy Rockefeller notes, “As we continue to explore our local neighborhoods, WETA is proud to highlight the prominent role the city has played within Greater Washington.”

"Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century" explores the people, places, and events that defined the port city of Alexandria during an era of industrial change and social progress. Stories include:

• the ammunition-to-art evolution of the Torpedo Factory
• the construction of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
• the heyday of Potomac Yard, one of the busiest railroad hubs on the Eastern Seaboard
• the significance of the Barrett Branch Library, site of one of the country’s first sit-in protests

Fondly remembering notable and favorite locations past and present, "Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century" discovers the iconic sites that helped to shape the city today.

Following two previous documentaries "Discovering Alexandria: The Early Years" and "Martyrs, Mayhem & Martial Law: Life in Civil War Alexandria," this latest film joins the WETA portfolio of local productions created exclusively for television viewers in Greater Washington.

A production of WETA TV 26, "Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century" features research and archival footage courtesy of the Alexandria Library and additional city resources, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives.

Featured local historians and experts in the film include Jim Mackay of The Lyceum; Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria; Audrey P. Davis of the Alexandria Black History Museum, Susan Hellman of Carlyle House Historic Park and author Ted Pulliam.

PHOTO of George Washington Masonic National Memorial courtesy of the National Archives via WETA