The other day I learned that the Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, 137 years ago.

So I thought it would be fun to re-release the episode in honor of its construction and add it in some background music too. I hope you enjoy it.

Around two years ago, my wife, daughter and I flew all the way across the country from Arizona to New York City to visit for a week.

It was my daughter's first time to fly on a plane and visit a big city, so it was pretty exciting for her.

We explored Central Park, went to the top of skyscrapers, saw the 9-11 Memorial, and ate some delicious pizza.

One day we also took a boat out to visit one of the most famous statues in the world, the Statue of Liberty.

Did you know the Statue of Liberty wasn't built in the United States or by an American?

In this episode we're going to learn about the talented architect who built the statue and how it came to be.

In France, lived a man named Eduardo D. LeBolier. He was a history teacher and an expert on American history.

He loved democracy in the American way of government. He wanted to show his support of Liberty, but needed to do it in a way that he wouldn't get in trouble with the Emperor of his own country.

He had the idea of France giving America a gift to celebrate Liberty.

LeBolier had a party in 1865, outside Paris, that a sculptor named Frederick Auguste Betholdy was at.

It's rumored that this is where the idea for the statue was born. Bartholdy loved to make huge statues. He would be perfect for the job.

In 1870, Napoleon, the Emperor of France, was no longer in power and LeBolier knew it was time to start working on his gift to America.

Maybe it would inspire France to be their own democracy.

First Bartholdy took a trip to America. As he sailed into New York Harbor, he saw Bedlow Island. Right away he knew it was the perfect place to put the statue.

While in America, Bartholdy traveled all over and met lots of people. Everyone loved him, but they still weren't sure if they wanted the gift, but his visit definitely got them talking about it.

In 1876, a world fair was held in Philadelphia. Bartholdy felt like this was the perfect place to get the word out about the statue, and having the hand and torch completed for people to see

would really get them excited. There were exhibits about everything at the fair, from stuffed exotic animals to new inventions and cultural exhibitions. The fair was a fascinating place.

While the hand and torch weren't ready in May for the start of the fair, it was ready in August and it was a huge hit.

For 50 cents, people could climb a ladder in the forearm and stand on the balcony that went around the torch.

Just the hand and torch were as tall as a three-story building.

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