The countdown to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is getting smaller with each day. As July 4 draws near, learn more about iconic American symbols such as buffalo, horses and Fenway Park, important figures like Dick Van Dyke, Katherine Graham and George H.W. Bush and brush up on your American Revolution history with Lucy Worsley and with Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt’s six-part, 12-hour documentary “The American Revolution”.[Text Wrapping Break]
“The American Buffalo” – Monday, June 1 at 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, at 8 p.m.
A two-part, four-hour series takes viewers on a journey through more than 10,000 years of North American history and across some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes, tracing the animal’s evolution, its significance to the Indigenous people and the landscape of the Great Plains, its near extinction and the efforts to bring the magnificent mammals back from the brink.
“Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein” – Tuesday, June 2, at 7 p.m.
In this eight-episode documentary series, David Rubenstein explores America’s 400-year history through a close examination of iconic national symbols such as the Hollywood Sign, Fenway Park, American cowboys and the Statue of Liberty: indelible artifacts, places and archetypes. Each episode tells the story of an American symbol to reveal its origins, significance and the arc of its resonance.
“American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke” – Friday, June 12, at 8:30 p.m.
Ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrate the life and career of legendary actor Dick Van Dyke. Known for iconic roles in “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and his classic CBS sitcom, he has delighted audiences on screen and stage for eight decades.
“Becoming Katherine Graham” – Tuesday, June 15, at 8 p.m.
This documentary tells the story of a painfully shy woman's accidental rise to power and how it changed history. After a family tragedy, Katherine evolved from a "doormat wife" into a legendary newspaper publisher. As Nixon's nemesis during Watergate, she fought for truth, broke down barriers in a sexist world and won a Pulitzer Prize, inspiring generations with her courage and resilience.
“George H.W. Bush: American Experience” – Friday, June 19, at 8 p.m., Friday, June 26, at 8 p.m.
This documentary presents the first in-depth assessment of the 41st president of the United States, drawing upon unparalleled access to figures in Bush's private and public life, to reveal Bush as a pivotal player during a critical moment in American and world history and in a powerful political dynasty. Bush's personal letters, and interviews with his closest advisors and prominent critics inform the film, including First Lady Barbara Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Mikhail Gorbachev and more.
“Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution” – Tuesday, June 23, at 8 p.m.
Lucy Worsley re-investigates some of the most dramatic chapters in British history. She uncovers forgotten witnesses, re-examines old evidence and follows new clues.
“Nature: American Horses” – Wednesday, June 24, at 8 p.m.
American horses are icons. Mustang. Appaloosa. Morgan. Quarter Horse. Follow the history of the uniquely American horse breeds that helped shape our nation and meet the people who continue the long tradition of caring for them.
“The American Revolution” – Available on PBS Passport
In the newest documentary from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, 13 American colonies unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe. What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations and forever change the world.
GET INVOLVED
Be a part of the conversation using #ARVoicesAt250. #ARVoicesAt250 is sponsored in part by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, whose support helps Arkansas TV share the stories, scholarship and civic conversations that connect our state to the American experience.
Learn more at arkansastv.gov/america250.
Watch “The American Revolution” on PBS Passport.
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.