THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new six-part, 12-hour documentary from Ken Burns.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down. Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe.
The much-anticipated series, which has been in production for eight years, was directed and produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt and written by long-time collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward. The series was produced to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the war, which began in the spring of 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.
“The American Revolution is one of the most important events in human history,” said Ken Burns. “We went from being subjects to inventing a new concept, citizens, and set in motion democratic revolutions around the globe. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding, I’m hopeful that people throughout the country will come together to discuss the importance of this history and to appreciate even more what our ancestors did to secure our liberty and freedoms.”
Upcoming Events
The American Revolution: Preview Screening & Historical Interpretation
Thursday, April 16, 2026 • 6 PM - 7:30 PM
The Fine Arts Association
38660 Mentor Avenue, Willoughby
Experience history brought to life. Join PBS Western Reserve and the Fine Arts Association for a captivating evening featuring a special preview screening of THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION and a unique historical interpretation. Three gifted actors will take the stage as George and Martha Washington and Benjamin Franklin, each offering a stirring soliloquy before engaging in a spirited, in‑character exchange about their experiences during America’s fight for independence. While this event is free and open to all, registration is required. This event is recommended for those 16 years of age and older.
The American Revolution: Preview Screening & Historical Site Tour
Saturday, May 9, 2026 • 11 AM - 1 PM
Fort Laurens Museum
11067 Fort Laurens Rd NW, Bolivar
PBS Western Reserve, in collaboration with the Fort Laurens Museum, is offering a preview of THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, followed by an in-depth tour of Ohio's lone Revolutionary War fort. While this event is free and open to all, registration is required. This event is recommended for those 16 years of age and older.
Bridging the Divide: History and Civic Conversation
Saturday, June 20, 11 AM – 2 PM
Parma-Snow Branch Library
2121 Snow Road, Parma
PBS Western Reserve, in partnership with Braver Angels and the Cuyahoga County Public Library, hosts a preview screening of Ken Burns’ hit docuseries THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION followed by a Braver Angels workshop, “Depolarizing Within.”
The event will teach participants research-based techniques proven to ease divisiveness across the political spectrum, from exploring one’s own attitudes toward political differences to learning how to have constructive conversations during polarizing moments and more.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Seating is limited.
Western Reserve and the American Revolution
In conjunction with the new series from Ken Burns, PBS Western Reserve is highlighting our region’s ties to the war in our new storytelling initiative WESTERN RESERVE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. The series showcases the creation of the Western Reserve and its complex history that includes displacement of the Wyandot, Shawnee and Delaware tribes. Current episodes include “Fort Laurens,” “Moses Cleaveland,” and “Trumbull County’s Connections.”
Discover Ohio’s lone Revolutionary War fort where conflicts happened on multiple occasions.
Learn about the man behind the city’s name.
Did you know that American Revolutionary War veterans are buried in Warren, OH?
In its 20th year, this Revolutionary War reenactment and encampment is held in Willard, Ohio.
Past Events
American Revolution Panel Discussion — Mahoning Valley Historical Society
In partnership with the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, PBS Western Reserve hosted a preview screening of the newest Ken Burns film, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, at the Tyler History Center on Thursday, Oct. 30. The screening was immediately followed by a panel discussion led by experts on the topic. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the museum’s exhibits, which included local Indigenous history, Northeast Ohio history and more. There were 120 registrants for this sold-out event.
The panelists were Dante Bernard (moderator), H. William Lawson, Dr. Amy Fluker and Kate Pfouts.
American Revolution Panel Discussion — Western Reserve Historical Society
On Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, PBS Western Reserve, in collaboration with the Western Reserve Historical Society, offered an exclusive sneak preview of Ken Burns’ highly anticipated documentary THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the event was held at the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland. Attendees experienced a white glove ceremony featuring artifacts from the American Revolution era, an abbreviated screening of the film and a panel discussion led by experts on the subject.
The panelists (from left to right) were Jason Opal, Professor of History and Dean and Director of the Ohio State University Mansfield Campus, John Grabowski, Historian and Adjunct Professor at Case Western Reserve University and Todd Kleismit, Executive Director of America 250-Ohio and host of the Ohio and the Revolution Webinar series. Kelly Falcone, President and CEO of the Western Reserve Historical Society, moderated the panel.
In the Classroom
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
