This June, New Hampshire filmmaker Ken Burns will sit down with journalist Laura Knoy for an in-depth look back at his work. Presented by New Hampshire PBS, New Hampshire Humanities and the New Hampshire Historical Society, this event isn’t a simple career retrospective, it’s a uniquely meaningful way to commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As one of the nation’s premier historians, Burns will speak about the themes and ideas he’s uncovered while sharing American history with the world.
“Ken Burns and the American Idea is a celebration, not just of Burns’ film THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION but of all of his films that celebrate the idea of what it means to be an American and what America is becoming,” said NHPBS Vice President and Chief Content Officer Dawn DeAngelis.
How the Films of Ken Burns Bring Us Together
DeAngelis has been learning about history from Ken Burns for years. Her first experience of his work took place before either she or Burns worked with PBS. “In college, I lived around a lot of art theaters, so the first films of his that I saw were THE STATUE OF LIBERTY and THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE.”
Since then, she’s been an avid fan. She has reveled in the lives of THE ROOSEVELTS, been moved by the story of THE AMERICAN BUFFALO and has fond memories of watching THE NATIONAL PARKS with her son when he was small. He set up a pup tent in the living room to better experience the adventure.
When THE VIETNAM WAR premiered in 2017, DeAngelis led screenings for communities across the state. These events sometimes resulted in difficult conversations among audience members—but also new understanding. She recalled one screening where a veteran and a conscientious objector had a tense back and forth, but the two men sought each other out to shake hands as the discussion ended. “That was a very meaningful engagement program,” she remembered, “probably the most rewarding of my career.”
Since November, DeAngelis has been part of running similar screenings for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Whether shown at a high school, local theater, continuing care community or even to a group of Revolutionary War re-enactors, the film has inspired nuanced conversations about what the past can teach us about the present.
Why America’s 250th Matters Right Now
“The 250th is absolutely a milestone moment in American history, but I think people feel that the present time is fraught. Many people are questioning the roots of democracy and whether it will survive,” she said. “I think THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION really explores that and allows people to come together and talk about it.”
The event Ken Burns and the American Idea was inspired by that spirit. The goal of sparking meaningful conversations is one shared by event partners New Hampshire Humanities and The New Hampshire Historical Society .
Many people are questioning the roots of democracy and whether it will survive. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION really explores that and allows people to come together and talk about it. – Dawn DeAngelis, NHPBS
“The 250th anniversary only happens once,” said New Hampshire Humanities Executive Director Michael Haley Goldman. “You owe it to yourself and your community to take part in the discussion about where we come from as a country and help shape where we want to go next.”
Elizabeth Dubrulle of the New Hampshire Historical Society points out that the event is also a rare opportunity to hear Burns speak live. “His vision in reshaping documentary filmmaking is groundbreaking. He has truly elevated it to an art form,” she noted. “Listening to him in conversation with Laura Knoy—another New Hampshire treasure!—is going to be a real treat.”
For DeAngelis, the value of being a part of this evening is clear. “You’ll be in a room with somebody who’s contributed so much to our shared understanding of American history,” she said. “You’ll be inspired.”
Ken Burns and the American Idea, will take place on Tuesday, June 9th at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord. To learn more and purchase tickets visit ccanh.com.