Celebrating 50 Years of Conjunctions, Civics and ‘SchoolHouse Rock!’

Rachael Myrow

Feb 13, 2023 at

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Painted production cell of "I'm just a Bill" from the America Rock series will be on exhibit in "Everybody's Rockin'." (Photo by Kari Rene Hall/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

With its still-vibrant animation and unforgettable earworms, “SchoolHouse Rock!” turned 50 this year, having taught Generation X and subsequent youth math, history and grammar. Today, the series’ 1973 debut also serves as a lesson in nostalgia, “a reminder of a time when network TV gave us a common culture, language and lyrics,” writes The New York Times’ chief television critic James Poniewozik. Poniewozik joins us to talk about the groundbreaking TV show’s role in a shared civic education. And we’re inviting you to join us on our train ride to conjunction junction: Sing a few bars of your favorite “SchoolHouse Rock!” song and tell us what the show means to you on our voicemail line: 415-553-3300.

Guests:

James Poniewozik, chief television critic, The New York Times

Haydee Rodriguez , History and English teacher at Central Union High School, Imperial County

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