In a message dated 12/7/99 4:37:48 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Last year I had two calls from Steeplecase Films (February
and March--I kept notes) concerning the documentary. They
were looking for visuals, especially maps to portray New
Netherland. Eventually we talked about New Netherland and
its place in New York history. I was assured that they were
concerned with getting the story right and thus striving for
historical accuracy  >>

While I am not of Dutch origin, I did feel that the portrayal of the Dutch
settlers as being here "only for the money" was particularly offensive.
Also, too much time was wasted on Walt Whitman's poetic opinion...it seemed
more of a testimony to him without actual unbiased facts.

More of an annoyance, was the "Shirtwaist Fire" which seemed to dwell on that
catastrophe, way too long.  "Thud" "Thud" "Thud" was narrated each time a
body fell from a window and was excessively sensational, to say the least.


While finding the documentary educational, I would also like to state that it
seemed to have an axe to grind, which is par for the course on PBS.

Eileen