The American Revolution by Ken Burns Preview Event

The American Revolution by Ken Burns Preview Event

Experience history where freedom found its footing in Kansas. Join KTWU, the Kansas 250th Commission, and Constitution Hall Topeka for a special advance screening of a 30-minute preview of Ken Burns’ forthcoming PBS documentary series The American Revolution, followed by a community discussion with a panel of historical experts, exploring the Revolution’s enduring legacy and its resonance in Kansas and national history.

Constitution Hall, where Free Staters met to draft the 1855 Topeka Constitution and challenge the expansion of slavery, offers a powerful setting to reflect on America’s founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and independence. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this event invites participants to consider how the Revolution’s promises of freedom were tested, expanded, and redefined, and how those debates continue to shape our democracy today.The screening and discussion are free and open to the public, with limited seating. Refreshments provided.

This is a partnership between KTWU, the KS 250th Commission and Constitution Hall Topeka

6:30pm - Arrival, Light snacks

6:40pm – Learn about Constitution Hall

6:50pm – American Revolution screener

7:25-7:55pm – Panel Discussion

Dr. Gene Chavez, Historian in Residence at the Kansas City Museum

Dean Jeffrey Jackson, Dean of the Washburn University School of Law

Prof. Elyssa Ford, Professor of History, Honors Program Director, and the Coordinator of Public History & Museum Studies Program, Northwest Missouri State University

7:55pm – Event Conclusion, thank you

8:00pm-8:30pm – Enjoy Constitution Hall

Funder Acknowledgement:

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.