William J. Mann, Assistant Professor of History; Director, LGBT Center, Central Connecticut State University, and award-winning author considers show our cultural stories reflect the times we live through. Reconsidering icons of our shared past—whether historical monuments, political heroes, or Hollywood movie stars—allows us to understand the always-shifting forces of history and perspective. From Captain John Mason, victor of the Pequot War in 1637, to Teddy, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, to Katharine Hepburn and Marlon Brando, the American story is constantly recalibrating to keep up with the times.