News Summary
Documentarian Ken Burns visited Charleston to promote his upcoming documentary series, ‘The American Revolution.’ The series will explore America’s fight for independence, its global impact on civil liberties, and feature educational discussions with local students. Burns discussed innovative storytelling methods and the significant role of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War, which saw numerous battles. The documentary, a decade-long project, aims to provide a fresh understanding of the Revolution’s complexities and is set to premiere on PBS.
Charleston, South Carolina – Renowned American documentarian Ken Burns visited Charleston on May 14, 2025, to promote his new six-part documentary series titled “The American Revolution.” This series will chronicle America’s fight for independence and its ongoing influence on civil liberties and human rights globally. The documentary is scheduled to premiere on PBS from November 16-21, 2025, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the war’s outbreak.
The visit began with a press conference held at The College of Charleston’s Cistern at 11 a.m., where Burns discussed the critical importance of understanding America’s founding story. He elaborated on the unique storytelling methods used in the series, which include reenactments and artworks rather than traditional photographs or video footage. This approach aims to engage viewers while providing a fresh perspective on historical events.
Following the press conference, Burns participated in a Q&A session with students from Westwood High School and Zucker Middle School at nearby Marion Square. This interaction allowed young minds to engage directly with the complexities of history and the events leading to America’s independence.
The day’s activities culminated in a screening of film excerpts at the Sottile Theatre, where Burns led a discussion alongside historians Kathleen DuVal and Walter Edgar. The conversation focused on South Carolina’s significant role in the war, noting that the state witnessed around 102 battles and skirmishes from 1780 to 1781, which resulted in substantial battlefield casualties. This statistic highlights the intensity and stakes of the Revolutionary War within the region.
The documentary emphasizes the participation of a broad spectrum of society, including teenage soldiers, enslaved and free African Americans, indigenous people, and refugees. This inclusive narrative seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of the Revolution, portraying it as both a war marked by violence and a struggle of ideas.
The production of “The American Revolution” has been a decade-long endeavor, featuring original footage filmed across more than 100 locations. It is designed to challenge prevailing perceptions about the Revolutionary War, particularly regarding the violence and tumult experienced in South Carolina history. Burns has previously directed acclaimed series such as “The Civil War,” “Jazz,” and “Baseball,” which have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in American documentary filmmaking.
This documentary aims to inform audiences about the historical context surrounding the Revolution, emphasizing not only the battles but also the underlying ideals that fueled the fight for independence. The series promises to deliver a comprehensive examination of the American Revolution, shedding light on its lasting impact on civil rights and freedoms observed today.
For viewers interested in accessing the documentary, “The American Revolution” will be available for streaming on PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS App.
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HERE Resources
Ken Burns Previews ‘The American Revolution’ in Charleston
Charleston Prepares for Ken Burns’ Documentary Preview
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Post and Courier
- Count On 2
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Revolution
- Wikipedia: Ken Burns
