PBS Wisconsin, WPR and partners are offering Wisconsinites an A@250 Community Conversation guide, clips from Ken Burns’ THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION documentary and free facilitator training sessions.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country, PBS Wisconsin, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) and partners are hosting an initiative that provides opportunities for Wisconsinites to connect and reflect on our shared history and the future of democracy.

This America@250 Initiative is inspired by THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a documentary series on America’s founding struggle produced by Florentine Films and WETA Washington, D.C., and directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.

As part of the America@250 Initiative, PBS Wisconsin and WPR invite libraries, faith communities, organizations and individuals from across Wisconsin to host an A@250 Community Conversation using a free downloadable guide and clips from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

In addition, PBS Wisconsin is offering complimentary training sessions for A@250 Community Conversation facilitators with an emphasis on listening and understanding differing perspectives in order to create space for the fruitful exchange of opinions and ideas.

Registration for free online facilitator training sessions is available at pbswisconsin.org/a250. Training sessions are hosted by PBS Wisconsin and Urban Rural Action via Zoom:

• 4 - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18
• 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9

PBS Wisconsin and WPR are partnering with the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum to help engage as many people and perspectives as possible through this unique America@250 Initiative.

The A@250 Community Conversation guide, clips from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, and facilitator training sessions are all free and available to Wisconsin residents. These resources, registration for training sessions and more information about the A@250 Initiative is available at pbswisconsin.org/a250.

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.

PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) are services of UW-Madison’s Wisconsin Public Media division and the Educational Communications Board. Together, they serve communities statewide through trusted journalism and Wisconsin storytelling, educational resources and lifelong learning, music and cultural programming – on air, online, and in person through live events, freely accessible to all and powered by community support. pbswisconsin.org and wpr.org

-END-