The American Revolution : West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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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 unique preview screening of The American Revolution, a brand new PBS documentary by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. on 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 occasion will characteristic chosen excerpts from The American Revolution, a six-part, 12-hour documentary collection chronicling the nation’s founding battle 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 collection has been in manufacturing for eight years and is ready to premiere in 2025 — marking the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the warfare.

“The American Revolution is one of the most important events in human history,” stated 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 insurrection, received their independence and established a brand new type of authorities that radically reshaped the continent and impressed democratic actions all over the world.

Meet The Panelists

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

• 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 present historic context, draw out themes from the documentary, and replicate on what this founding period can educate us about democracy at the moment.

Audience members might be invited to take part in a Q&A session. Portions of the occasion might be recorded for a future episode of Us & Them.

Be Sure To RSVP!

Seating for this occasion is restricted. Seat reservations will 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 by Friday, Nov. 21, from 8 p.m. –10 p.m. ET on WVPB and PBS stations nationwide.

The full collection can even be accessible for streaming beginning Nov. 16 at PBS.org and by way of the PBS App.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION is a manufacturing 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 government in cost for WETA was John F. Wilson (who handed away in November of 2024). Executive producer is Ken Burns.