News Summary
Acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns will visit Providence as part of a national tour for his documentary series ‘The American Revolution.’ The visit includes a State House tour and a public screening at Rhode Island College, aimed at engaging the community in discussions about American history and the upcoming Semiquincentennial celebration. This significant event reflects Rhode Island’s role in the nation’s history, particularly as the first colony to declare independence from British rule.
Providence – Acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns will visit Providence on Thursday, October 16, as part of a national tour to promote his upcoming six-part documentary series titled “The American Revolution.” This announcement was made jointly by Governor Dan McKee, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, and Rhode Island PBS CEO Pam Johnston.
Burns’ activities in Providence will include a tour of the State House, where he will learn about the state’s plans for the upcoming Semiquincentennial celebration, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He will also take part in a private screening and discussion aimed at local students and educators during the day.
Later in the evening, a public screening of clips from the documentary will occur at Rhode Island College’s Roberts Hall, followed by a panel discussion. This event will be moderated by Pam Johnston. Tickets for the public screening are available for purchase online at ripbs.org/ri250.
Providence is among the 30 markets nationwide selected for this promotional tour, which aims to engage communities and spark discussions about American history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Secretary of State Amore expressed enthusiasm for Rhode Island’s involvement in the tour, citing the state’s historical significance as the first colony to declare independence from British rule.
The documentary series is set to explore the American Revolution through a multifaceted lens, highlighting stories of various groups including Continental soldiers, political leaders, British officers, Loyalists, Native Americans, enslaved and free African Americans, and civilians. It aims to depict how the thirteen British colonies successfully attained independence and laid the groundwork for a new government, thereby initiating democratic movements across the globe.
Funding for the documentary comes from various sources, including Bank of America, The Better Angels Society, and the Blavatnik Family Foundation, contributing to the realization of this ambitious project. Rhode Island PBS views the tour as conducive to its mission of bringing high-quality programming that showcases the state’s rich revolutionary history to a local audience.
Ken Burns is known for his in-depth documentaries that tackle significant moments in American history, making this event a notable occasion for history enthusiasts and residents of Providence alike. As the nation approaches a pivotal historical milestone, the visit is expected to foster an enriched public understanding of the complex narratives that shaped the United States.
The documentary series, “The American Revolution,” is set to premiere on November 16, and the events surrounding Burns’ visit are designed to engage the public in meaningful conversations about the revolutionary era and its lasting impact on the country.
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- Whats Up Newp
- Wikipedia: American Revolution
- Providence Magazine
- Google Search: Ken Burns
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Revolution
- Providence Journal
- Google News: American Revolution
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
