News Summary
A 56-minute sneak peek of Ken Burns’ documentary ‘The American Revolution’ will be showcased at Yorktown Battlefield on September 20. The event is free and includes various activities to engage visitors with Revolutionary history, emphasizing Yorktown’s significance during the war. Attendees can expect live music, artillery demonstrations, and living history encampments. The documentary, premiering on PBS in November, highlights key events and locations from the Revolutionary War, aiming to foster discussions about its impact on today’s citizens.
Yorktown, Virginia – A special 56-minute sneak peek of Ken Burns’ latest documentary, The American Revolution, is set to take place on September 20 at the historic Yorktown Battlefield as part of an event called “We the People: A Yorktown Battlefield Event.” This event is free and open to the public, but attendees must register in advance.
The documentary, co-directed by Ken Burns and fellow filmmaker Lynn Novick, will premiere on PBS on November 16. The sneak peek at Yorktown will be introduced by Novick, a Virginia native, emphasizing the local significance of the site, which was pivotal during the Revolutionary War, especially during the Siege of Yorktown.
The festival is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. and features a range of activities designed to engage visitors with America’s Revolutionary history. Attendees can expect live music, artillery demonstrations, Colonial music performances, and opportunities to participate in militia drill stations tailored for children. Additionally, guests will have the chance to experience living history encampments and play Revolutionary Spy Games. Food trucks will be available for those looking to enjoy refreshments.
This weekend’s event is organized by the Colonial National Historical Park, partnering with several organizations including WHRO Public Media, York County, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, and the VA250 Commission, which reflects a collaborative effort to celebrate and educate the public about historical events that shaped the nation.
Ken Burns has a reputation for creating influential historical documentaries, and The American Revolution marks a decade-long endeavor focused on a complex period in American history that lacks photographs and moving footage. This required filmmakers to rely on creative solutions such as reenactors and advanced technologies, including CGI and drone cinematography, to bring the story to life on screen.
The documentary showcases significant locations and events from the Revolutionary War, including the Chesapeake Bay and the Battle of the Capes, which played crucial roles in determining the outcome of the conflict. It captures the logistical challenges faced by colonial forces, providing insight into a time long before the advent of modern transportation methods like railroads and airplanes.
Attendees of the Yorktown event are encouraged to prepare for various weather conditions as the festivities will occur rain or shine. Bringing lawn chairs is suggested for those who wish to comfortably enjoy the sneak peek and festival activities.
In addition to the premiere event in Yorktown, other screenings of the documentary are planned, including a showing on October 29 at Mount Vernon and another on November 14 at the Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore.
The overarching goal of The American Revolution is to spark conversations about this critical period in American history, emphasizing the narrative’s significance and relevance to all citizens today.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ken Burns to Preview The American Revolution in Yorktown
Special Screening of Ken Burns’ Documentary at Yorktown
Additional Resources
- Chesapeake Bay Magazine
- Wikipedia: American Revolution
- Daily Press
- Google Search: Ken Burns American Revolution
- WY Daily
- Google Scholar: Ken Burns American Revolution
- Military News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Revolution
- Times Union
- Google News: American Revolution
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City 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 Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
