The great Bartholdi statue, liberty enlightening the world. The gift of France to the American people 1885

This lithograph, created by Currier and Ives around the time the Statue of Liberty was erected, captures a moment of national pride and international alliance. The statue, a gift from France, embodies enlightenment values and America’s self-proclaimed role as a beacon of freedom. But, who does this ‘freedom’ include? The late 19th century was marked by stark social inequalities and racial segregation. While the statue promised liberty, its symbolism often contrasted with the lived experiences of marginalized groups within the US, particularly African Americans and newly arriving immigrants. The image prompts us to consider how national symbols are received and interpreted differently based on one’s position in society. "Liberty Enlightening the World" can serve as a reminder of both the ideals to which the nation aspires, and the distance it still needs to travel to fully realize them.