WHRO Production

Grades: 4-12
Length: 8/13 Minute
Rights: Perpetuity with Distribution & Duplication

Century illuminates, educates, enlightens, and entertains; looking at Hampton Roads since 1900 and the impact the past will have on our future. Through an eight-part series and website, the program offers personal accounts and perspectives from people who lived in Hampton Roads as the century's pivotal events took place. Each episode includes a mini-documentary outlining the broad sweep of the century as it relates to the episode topic, witnesses recounting their memories of events or experiences, and a discussion with experts on the historical impact and future implications of the topic.

Block Feed

Wednesday  2/25/09  2:00-3:15 a.m. #1-5

1. A Great Harbor, A Powerful Port. Since the beginning of the colonial period, the port has played a major role in the social, political, and economic life of the region.

2. The Military in Hampton Roads. As the United States declared itself a player on the world stage in the 20th century, the world watched a great and powerful navy built and stationed here in Hampton Roads.

3. A Growing Diversity. As the military, shipbuilding and shipping industry grew, so did the population. And a wave of immigration connected to the growth of the port was felt in Hampton Roads.

4. Education For A Diverse Population. As the population diversified, a need for enlarging the education base grew and a mighty struggle to educate minority students was engaged.

5. Empires of Religion. The diverse population brought with it a need for a more diverse religious foundation. Several major religious and spiritual movements were born here in the region.

6. The Land, The Water, And The Environment. These elements play a critical role in Hampton Roads, from the watermen, shipping, military and recreational industries to the federally owned land and its impact on the environment and economic life of our region.

7. Medicine and Technology. The growth of population, military, and defense jobs has given Hampton Roads an impressive tapestry of medicine and technology industry.

8. The Business of History And Growth of Tourism. Following the Jamestown Exposition, the growth of the area became explosive. The waterfront, beaches, and other natural attractions drew people to the region. The influx of population and tourists required many improvements on bridges, highways, and tunnels.