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The American Revolution
Special Screening Event at Shepherd University
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at 7 p.m.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) will host an exclusive preview screening of The American Revolution, a new PBS documentary series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education on the campus of Shepherd University (213 North King Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443).

This free public event will feature selected excerpts from The American Revolution, a six-part, 12-hour documentary series chronicling the nation’s founding struggle and eight-year War for Independence. Directed and produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, and written by long-time collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward, the series has been in production for eight years and is set to premiere in 2025 — marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the war.

“The American Revolution is one of the most important events in human history,” said filmmaker Ken Burns. “We went from being subjects to inventing a new concept — citizens — and set in motion democratic revolutions around the globe. As we approach the 250th anniversary of our founding, I hope Americans will come together to reflect on this history and better understand the liberty and freedoms secured by our ancestors.”

The American Revolution explores how 13 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 democratic movements around the world.

Meet The Panelists

Following the screening, there will be a live panel discussion moderated by Trey Kay, host of WVPB’s Murrow Award-winning podcast Us & Them. The panel will include:

  • Dr. Friederike Baer – Early American historian at Penn State Abington, featured in The American Revolution documentary

  • Dr. Raymond W. Smock – Director emeritus of the Robert C. Byrd Center and former Historian of the U.S. House of Representatives.

  • Dr. Benjamin Bankhurst – Director of the Center for Appalachian Studies and the Ray and Madeleine Professor of American History at Shepherd University

The panelists will provide historical context, draw out themes from the documentary, and reflect on what this founding era can teach us about democracy today.

Audience members will be invited to participate in a Q&A session. Portions of the event will be recorded for a future episode of Us & Them.

Be Sure To RSVP!

Seating for this event is limited. Seat reservations can be made on Eventbrite.

Watch The Trailer

Where Can I Watch After The Shepherd Screening?

The American Revolution will premiere on Sunday, Nov. 16, airing over six consecutive nights through Friday, Nov. 21, from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET on WVPB and PBS stations nationwide.

The full series will also be available for streaming starting Nov. 16 at PBS.org and via the PBS App.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION is a production of Florentine Films and WETA Washington, D.C. Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Written by Geoffrey C. Ward. Produced by Sarah Botstein, David Schmidt, Salimah El-Amin and Ken Burns. Edited by Tricia Reidy, Maya Mumma, Charles E. Horton, and Craig Mellish. Co-Produced by Megan Ruffe and Mike Welt. Cinematography by Buddy Squires. Narrated by Peter Coyote. The executive in charge for WETA was John F. Wilson (who passed away in November of 2024). Executive producer is Ken Burns.