It is no exaggeration to say that the innovations of the Silicon Valley have shaped our world. This excellent episode from the PBS series, American Experience, provides insight into how the magic happened, starting in 1957 when eight brilliant physicists quit their day jobs at the Shockley Semiconductor Company – and invented the microchip. Visitors will want to start with the Introduction, a first-rate synopsis of the early days of Silicon Valley. Next, click the Preview link for a teaser of the full-length film. A number of links feature clips from the documentary, and a full-length transcript may be downloaded free of cost. Also, offer your comments on the history of Silicon Valley in the Share Your Story section, and peruse the Timeline and the Photo Gallery.