Kicking off a year of programs and events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775, GBH hosted several local community events, highlighted by a preview of Ken Burns’ new film The American Revolution . 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 American Revolution examines how America’s creation 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 6-part, 12-hour documentary premieres on Nov. 16 on GBH 2 and PBS stations across the country. The full series will be available to stream beginning Sunday, November 16 at PBS.org and on the PBS App .
Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein spoke with Jim Braude and Margery Eagan on GBH’s Boston Public Radio on April 15. “What would you have done? Would you have been willing to give your life for an idea that was untested in all of human history? Would you be able to kill someone else in the defense of that idea?” Burns said.
On the morning of April 16, Ken Burns received the Third Lantern Award at Old North Illuminated’s annual “Lanterns & Luminaries” event, held at Old North Church & Historic Site. This recognition celebrates individuals who exemplify the values symbolized by the Old North Church’s legendary lanterns—leadership, courage, hope, tenacity, and active citizenship. Jared Bowen, GBH’s Executive Arts Editor and host of The Culture Show, presented the award to Burns along with Angela Johnson, Board Chair, Old North Illuminated and Nikki Stewart, Executive Director, Old North Illuminated.
In front of a sold-out crowd at Symphony Hall, Chad Smith, President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Susan Goldberg, President and CEO of GBH, welcomed guests to a screening of clips from The American Revolution. Goldberg led a discussion with historians Vincent Brown, Maya Jasanoff, and Philip Deloria, and co-directors/producers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein about lessons learned from the film relevant to our current sociopolitical moment. The event featured musical performances by Grammy Award® winners, violinist Johnny Gandelsman and musician Rhiannon Giddens, along with other instrumentalists. Earlier in the evening, Mayor Michelle Wu issued an official proclamation declaring April 16 as “Ken Burns Day” in the city of Boston.
