THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more away. It impacted millions from Vermont’s Green Mountains to the swamps of South Carolina, from Indian Country to the Iberian Peninsula. In defeating the British Empire and giving birth to a new nation, the American Revolution turned the world upside-down. Thirteen colonies on the Atlantic Coast united in rebellion, won their independence, and established a republic that still endures.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, is a six-part, twelve-hour series on America’s founding struggle, that presents the story of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation, their humanity in victory and defeat, and the crisis that they lived through. By weaving together accounts of American political leaders and their British counterparts with the perspectives of the so-called ordinary people who waged and witnessed war, The American Revolution is an expansive, evenhanded look at the virtues and the contradictions in the fight for independence and the birth of the United States.
More about the film: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution/
Liberty & Legacy: Exploring the Revolution in Western New York
Tapestry of New York
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, K-12 students across New York State are invited to participate in Tapestry of New York, a statewide art media project celebrating creativity, history, and civic reflection. Students are invited to create original artwork — visual art, photography, collage, video, digital media, animation, and more — inspired by the first three words of the Constitution: “We the People.” Schools, libraries, museums, and after-school programs are encouraged to participate. Submissions will be featured in an online "digital quilt" celebrating the creativity and diversity of students across New York State. The digital quilt and more information about the project can be viewed at the Tapestry of New York online gallery.
This opportunity is open to all K-12 students in New York State from June - December 2026. The Tapestry of New York website features:
- A cross-curricular teacher toolkit supporting historical reflection, inquiry, and arts enrichment.
- An online gallery of student work, searchable by school, region, genre, and more.
- Student artist statements alongside all featured submissions.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt
The American Revolution promised liberty, freedom, independence, and democracy, but not everyone was included in those promises. The bold ideas of the American Revolution inspired change, but much of the work remained unfinished. What unfinished revolutions, past or present, still shape our world? How do the film’s themes of freedom, equality, or justice continue to evolve in society today?
In connection with THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, Buffalo Toronto Public Media invites adults 18 years of age and older from Western New York and Southern Ontario to participate in Unfinished Revolutions: New Perspectives, New Voices, a poetry and creative writing contest exploring how the ideals of liberty, freedom, equality, and democracy continue to evolve.
Entries will be accepted in two categories – Poetry and Creative Writing – and must be received by 11:59pm on August 14th, 2026. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in each category and winning entries will be featured on BTPM platforms.
Do you need help with your submission? Or are you looking for some constructive feedback on your entry? Local literary and writing facilitators will be available to read over your piece, offer suggestions, and bounce ideas off of at two different sessions.
- Poetry Session: Monday, July 27th from 6pm-8pm
- Creative Writing Session: Wednesday, July 29th from 6pm-8pm
Sessions take place at Dog Ears Bookstore, 688 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY 14220.
Pre-registration to attend is not required but is encouraged. To sign up, call Dog Ears at 716-823-2665.
New York State at 250: History in Our Backyard
New York State’s 250th commemoration seeks to highlight and commemorate the roles of New York’s citizens during the Revolutionary War and the subsequent 250 years of action toward the ideals of our nation’s founding principles. Through exhibitions, events, public programs, and publications, the 250th commemoration focuses on the revolutionary actions of New Yorkers and the ever-evolving process by which they have fought to bring the nation closer to its founding principles. Visit the NYS 250th Commemoration Commission website for information, events, and educator resources: https://nysm.nysed.gov/revolutionaryny250
The Association of Public Historians of New York State (APHNYS) has partnered with the Office of State History at the New York State Museum to produce the New York State 250th Commemoration Field Guide which provides suggested commemorative themes, ideas, and information to help planners at the local and regional level in all parts of the state.
View the New York State 250th Commemoration Field Guide Interpretive Themes: https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/nys_250_commemoration_field_guide_a.pdf
Throughout the state, historic sites, museums, battlefields, and attractions are opening their doors for a variety of events highlighting the revolutionary actions of New Yorkers, the innovations of our best and brightest, unparalleled arts and culture, those who bravely fought for equality, the beauty of our state’s natural history, and much more.
Statewide events directory: https://nysm.nysed.gov/revolutionaryny250
As the nation marks 250 years since the founding of the United States, join historic sites, museums, battlefields, and attractions across New York State for events highlighting the revolutionary actions of New Yorkers, the innovations of our best and brightest, unparalleled arts and culture, those who bravely fought for equality, the beauty of our state’s natural history, and much more. Whether it’s a look back to early revolutionary moments or an exploration of the rich history of the trials and tribulations of our state as it grew alongside the country, there’s nowhere like the Empire State to commemorate America 250. Check out the I Love NY Calendar of Events.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Events Gallery
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.