Iowa PBS to Host Public Events Ahead of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution
Iowa PBS will host a series of public events this fall in advance of The American Revolution, a six-part, 12-hour documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. The series will premiere on Iowa PBS in November 2025, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.
The community events, held in partnership with statewide and local organizations, will preview segments of the film and feature expert discussions highlighting themes from America’s founding era and their relevance today. Each event will be unique.
We the People: Community, Service and the American Revolution
Tuesday, September 17, 2025, 6:30 - 8:15 p.m. at Living History Farms
Guests will explore Living History Farms’ new exhibit, stop by The Advocate Print Shop for a letterpress printing demonstration of the Declaration of Independence, and enjoy pie in the Kemin Cultivation Center. At 7:15 p.m., the program continues with a preview of The American Revolution followed by a discussion on how the Revolution’s ideals of service and participation still shape communities today.
The American Revolution: History and the Military Experience
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 1 p.m. at the State Historical Society of Iowa
This program will explore the history and military themes of The American Revolution, highlighting the strategies, struggles and sacrifices of those who fought in America’s founding conflict. Guests will view selected clips from the upcoming Ken Burns documentary, followed by a panel discussion with historians and military experts. The conversation will examine how the Revolutionary War was waged, the challenges faced on both sides, and the lasting impact of military service on the creation of the United States.
The American Revolution: Telling History Through Art
Monday, November 10, 2025, 5 p.m. on Zoom
In collaboration with OLLI at Drake, this community event will examine how filmmakers used art to tell the story of war and independence before the age of photography. A screening of selected clips from the documentary will be followed by a panel of historians and art experts discussing how visual storytelling shapes understanding of the Revolutionary era. This opportunity is only available virtually and attendees will join via Zoom.
The American Revolution offers an expansive and balanced look at the virtues and contradictions of the nation’s founding, weaving together stories of leaders, loyalists and ordinary people — enslaved and free, Indigenous and immigrant — who witnessed and shaped the struggle for independence.
For additional information about these free events and to register, visit iowapbs.org/events.
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.