PBS Documentary 'The American Revolution' To Host Preview, Panel Locally

Credit: Cindy Demore/Washington Crossing Historic Park

History buffs are getting an exclusive early look at the newest project from renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

The Friends of Washington Crossing Park is teaming up with the Princeton Battlefield Society to will host an advance screening of highlights from “The American Revolution,” a highly anticipated new PBS series, on Thursday, Oct. 23.

The event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center at 1112 River Road in Upper Makefield.

The evening will feature a 45-minute preview reel from the six-part series, introduced by director Sarah Botstein, followed by a panel discussion and audience question and answer period.

“Washington Crossing Historic Park and Princeton Battlefield are central to America’s Revolutionary story,” said Jennifer Martin, executive director of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park.

Martin, who will moderate the panel, noted that the screening is part of the Princeton Battlefield Society’s Cadwalader Lectures.

“The event will emphasize the vital role of reenactors and how the power of storytelling… deepen our understanding of this pivotal moment in history,” she said.

The documentary, which features Botstein and David Schmidt as creators, explores America’s fight for independence through the eyes of a diverse group of people, including soldiers, civilians, patriots, loyalists, native peoples and African Americans.

Several scenes for the series were filmed on the grounds at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

“Washington Crossing is one of those special places where you can experience the history where it happened,” said Botstein, adding that she’s “grateful to the team who welcomed us on-site.”

Panelists joining Botstein for the discussion include:

Megan Ruffe, co-producer of the series.
Buddy Squires, Emmy-winning cinematographer and a founding member of Florentine Films.
James McKane, a local living history interpreter and commander of the Third New Jersey Regiment.

Tickets are $20 for members of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park and the Princeton Battlefield Society, and $40 for general admission. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To get tickets or more information, click here.

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