The America 250 PA Bedford County Committee is pleased to present this special preview of the PBS Series: The American Revolution, a 6-part, 12-hour Documentary Film Series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, set to premier locally on WPSU Public Television November 16th.  

The American Revolution examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down.

Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe.

An expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America, the film follows dozens of figures from a wide variety of backgrounds. Through their individual stories, viewers experience the war through the memories of the men and women who experienced it: the rank-and-file Continental soldiers and American militiamen (some of them teenagers), Patriot political and military leaders, British Army officers, American Loyalists, Native soldiers and civilians, enslaved and free African Americans, German soldiers in the British service, French and Spanish allies, and various civilians living in North America, Loyalist as well as Patriot, including many made refugees by the war.

The Revolution began a movement for people around the world to imagine new and better futures for themselves, their nations, and for humanity. It declared American independence with promises that we continue to strive for. The American Revolution opened the door to advance civil liberties and human rights, and it asked questions that we are still trying to answer today.

This special preview includes a 45-minute excerpt of the documentary, which will be preceded by a presentation by local historian and author, Kevin Mearkle, who will discuss Bedford County citizens' role in the Revolution.  Also to be viewed, a short video about the Fort Bedford Museum produced by Matt Otis.  The evening of history and education is presented in partnership with the Bedford County Historical Society and the Fort Bedford Museum. 

Admission is free, but RSVP is appreciated for planning purposes.  Register online via the button (right) or call the Chamber office at 814-623-2233 to RSVP.