A History of the United States in 100 Objects

Everyday objects, from a folded boarding pass to a paper clip, tell personal stories, forming a biography through things we keep or discard. Imagine if the United States, celebrating its 250th birthday, had objects that told its history. Beyond famous artifacts like the Declaration of Independence or Lincoln's top hat, there's another narrative found in less obvious items. This new show, "A History of the United States in 100 Objects," from 99% Invisible and BBC Studios, explores these hidden stories. It features objects like a bootleg band t-shirt revealing punk rock history, a blue book used by enslaved people for liberation, or a 1-inch screw demonstrating America's industrial empire. Hosted by Roman Mars, the series will collect 100 objects, interviewing historians, journalists, and everyday enthusiasts. These objects will tell America's sprawling and contradictory history, including stories of forgotten individuals and items like the blue back speller, symbolizing freedom of mind. A new episode will be released every Friday on the 99% Invisible podcast feed.