The new film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt premieres Nov. 16

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, PBS Wisconsin and community partners will host a special preview screening of the all-new documentary series THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, at 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 16, at the AL. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo.

The night will include the premiere of two new episodes of The Look Back produced by PBS Wisconsin Education and a panel conversation exploring themes and untold perspectives related to the Revolutionary War era in Wisconsin.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required.

This event is part of a statewide America@250 initiative led by PBS Wisconsin in partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION is a new six-part, 12-hour documentary series that explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year War for Independence. The series premieres 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.

“The American Revolution is one of the most important events in human history,” Burns said. “We went from being subjects to inventing a new concept, citizens and set in motion democratic revolutions around the globe. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding, I’m hopeful that people throughout the country will come together to discuss the importance of this history and to appreciate even more what our ancestors did to secure our liberty and freedoms.”

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 is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

PBS Wisconsin is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire.

-END-