Kick off America’s 250th birthday celebrations on Oct. 18 at the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island with preview screenings of “The American Revolution,” the new documentary from filmmakers Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, and a special family engagement event featuring quilting activities.
“Threads of Freedom: Quilting America’s Story” will explore the vital role women and quilting played in stitching together the country’s history from the Revolutionary War through today.
Presented by Nebraska Public Media and the Stuhr Museum, 3133 US Highway 34, in Grand Island, this free open-house-style event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes museum admission and previews of the film. While the event is free, online registration is encouraged.
Film previews will be shown at 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. or 1:15 p.m. Each screening is identical and will be followed by a talkback with Susan Long, an American history lecturer from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, who will bring these pivotal moments to life.
Guests of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in a hands-on quilting workshop, contributing to the creation of a community quilt in honor of America 250.
A pop-up exhibit will also showcase treasured quilts from the Stuhr Museum’s collection.
Attendees will discover – whether through craft, conversation or inspiration – a renewed appreciation for the many threads of history woven together to create America’s story.
Film excerpts will be shown with open captions, and the film talkback will have ASL interpretation.
“The American Revolution” will premiere on Nebraska Public Media at 7 p.m. Nov. 16.
The six-part, 12-hour television series on America’s founding struggle will present 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.
Find more information about the upcoming film and Nebraska Public Media community engagement events in celebration of America 250 online.
Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit the Nebraska Public Media website for more information.
