America: 250 Years
Discover KET programs and resources exploring the semiquincentennial of America’s founding and illuminating Kentucky’s chapters in that history. No one connects Kentucky like KET, and we’re honored to share these stories with you. Stay up to date with free screenings of The American Revolution at KET.org/Events.
A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration
Kick off the historic 250th Anniversary weekend celebration the evening of July 3rd from the U.S. Capitol with a front-row seat to the nation’s biggest birthday party. This 46th annual concert features world-renowned artists and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Ken Burns’ American Revolution
The American Revolution examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down.
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. The American Revolution opened the door to advances in civil liberties and human rights, and it raised questions we are still trying to answer today.
Kentucky Tonight: Kentucky Celebrates America250
Kentucky Tonight, guest host Chip Polston hosted a conversation about Kentucky’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Guests: John Kleber, Ph.D., history professor emeritus, Morehead State University | Simon Meiners, public relations writer, Frazier Kentucky History Museum | Stuart Sanders, director of research and publications, Kentucky Historical Society | Gerald Smith, Ph. D., University of Kentucky history professor
Kentucky Origins: Battle of Blue Licks
Kentucky Origins, funded in part by the Kentucky Historical Society and the America250KY Commission, is a digital-first series that shares short, engaging stories revealing key turning points and unique chapters in Kentucky’s 250-year history.
The debut episode examines the Battle of Blue Licks, where ignoring Daniel Boone’s caution led to one of the frontier’s most devastating losses — shaping settlement and defense across early Kentucky. Watch the Battle of Blue Licks and more Kentucky Origins episodes on YouTube.
Kentucky Life: The Warrior’s Path
Follow the Warrior’s Path in Kentucky, an ancient route from the Cumberland Gap to the Ohio River, and the struggles and survival that shaped the lives of Native peoples and pioneers who lived along the way.
Lexington: 250 Years
Lexington: 250 Years chronicles the Kentucky city’s establishment and some of its most important moments and events.
Beginning on the banks of Town Branch Creek, this documentary takes viewers on a sprawling historical journey that includes the Civil War, the Great Depression and world wars, the establishment of Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky, and Henry Clay, Mary Todd Lincoln and other notable figures in the city’s history. Narrated by Lexington native and actor Josh Hopkins.
America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together
Colonial Williamsburg’s 250th gala features star-filled performances, historic interpretation, music and large-scale visual spectacle and fireworks. With appearances by Ken Burns, Judy Collins, the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band and many more, the evening culminates in a dramatic fireworks and drone display. This is the place where the path to independence truly began.
America the Bountiful: America’s 250th Anniversary Special
In the period before 1776 and through the Revolutionary War, a number of events led to a drastic change in the foodways, agricultural practices and eating habits of American colonists. As British trade and tax policies grew more unfavorable, colonists began enacting changes that would make them more self-sufficient in producing their own food.
This program combines dramatic re-enactments with commentary by historians and authors to present a look at the personalities, events and resources that have had a profound impact on the shaping of America’s past and present.
Look for an episode about George H.W. Bush on June 19 and 26.
Amerigo: The Search for the American Dream
As America approaches its 250th birthday, this sweeping and deeply human documentary goes in search of the American Dream through 1,000 voices, 50 states and one timeless question: What happened to the American Dream?
Antiques Roadshow: 250 Years of Americana
Items reflect 250 years of American art, artifacts, crafts and collectibles. Finds include a flag quilt, a Tiffany Studios Turtleback glass shade and an 1884 Edison light bulb.
Capturing America: The Carol Highsmith Story
For more than 40 years, Carol Highsmith wakes up every single day with one mission: to document every nook and cranny of the United States, from its majestic mountains and quirky roadside attractions to its most unforgettable characters, known and unknown.
This documentary chronicles Kentucky’s role in the Civil War from 1861 until the Confederate retreat from the state in October 1862.
Daniel Boone and the Opening of the American West
Learn about the life of famed frontiersman Daniel Boone from his birth near Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1734, through his years in Kentucky and to his death in St. Charles County, Missouri, in 1820.
Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War
In 1776, the Founders’ promise of “all men are created equal” remained distant for many. Trace the heroic stories of the enslaved and freed Black Americans who fought to define democracy and their liberty through the Revolutionary War.
The series examines democratic structures in the United States and around the world.
Dreamers & Doers: Voices of Kentucky Women
This film was inspired by women in the Commonwealth who boldly opened doors in politics, science, education, entertainment, literature, athletics, religion and the military.
Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
For more than a decade, renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., has helped to expand America’s sense of itself by exploring the ancestry of influential people from diverse backgrounds, taking viewers into the past to reveal the connections that bind us all.
Firing Line Special: America at 250 – Pursuing a More Perfect Union
Margaret Hoover and Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and General Stanley McChrystal (Ret.) reflect on the principles that have sustained the American experiment in self-government for two and a half centuries.
Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America
Frederick Law Olmsted made public parks an essential part of American life. He co-designed Central Park, designed the U.S. Capitol Grounds and created park systems in many U.S. cities, including Louisville. His efforts to preserve nature helped shape an “environmental ethic” decades before the modern environmental movement.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Preserving the Legacy
The renovation of George Washington’s sprawling estate, Mount Vernon, has revealed new insights about the private person behind the public figure.
The Harrodsburg Legacy: 250 Years in the Making
Discover Harrodsburg, Kentucky, officially founded on June 16, 1774, with a rich history that predates its founding. Explore the stunning landscapes, exquisite architecture, vibrant singing and dancing and much more in this remarkable Kentucky community.
Henry David Thoreau helped define modern environmentalism and nonviolent resistance. The author of Walden and Civil Disobedience, his words resonate urgently today as humanity struggles to live in harmony with nature—and each other.
A thought-provoking documentary narrated by Ashley Judd examines how Kentucky’s history mirrors the larger American experience. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Wagner.
Based on the Kentucky Life special “Lincoln: ‘I, too, am a Kentuckian,'” the program explores Lincoln’s early life in Kentucky and its impact on him.
Lucy Worsley Investigates The American Revolution
Over two episodes, historian Lucy Worsley delves into the American Revolution, discovering the drama, radical ideas, and political missteps behind this seismic split, and revealing how losing America changed Britain forever.
The Montiers, An American Story
Family portraits found under a bed unravel the story of an African American family with a rich history and blood ties to the first mayor of Philadelphia.
This program examines America’s founding and the ideas and values developed 250 years ago. It features Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein, co-directors of The American Revolution, and Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute, talking with Jeffrey Rosen of the National Constitution Center and Melody Barnes of UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy.
NOVA – Revolutionary War Weapons
American and British archaeologists and historians reveal the technology, innovation and luck that determined the outcomes of key battles of the Revolutionary War.
Raise Your Head Up: Freedom Colonies in America
After the Civil War, four million formerly enslaved people were set free, but most had no place to go. Wanting autonomy over their lives, many formed Freedom Colonies, living far away from the racism of Jim Crow. This program follows four of these communities struggling to keep their legacies alive.
A four-part series revealing the unknown history of America’s Wild West. Beyond gunslingers and lawmen, meet the diverse pioneers who shaped the country.
Route 66 Women: The Untold Story of the Mother Road
Learn about the lives and achievements of women who overcame discrimination and segregation to build fulfilling lives and legacies on America’s iconic highway. These women transformed their communities and the American West through hard work, perseverance and ingenuity.
This Moment in America: Artists in the Heartland
Three acclaimed Southwest Ohio artists offer a creative perspective on the American experience. Timed for the nation’s 250th anniversary, this program provides an intimate and behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be an artist and an American today.
Washington Week with The Atlantic: America: The Next 250
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, we’re looking at the state of our democracy and where we’re headed. On a special edition of Washington Week, Jeffrey Goldberg sits down with The Atlantic’s Tim Alberta, Idrees Kahloon and Ashley Parker, Stephen Hayes of The Dispatch, Peter Baker of The New York Times and Susan Glasser of The New Yorker.
Where the River Bends: A History of Northern Kentucky
Unravel the intricate web of historical events in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. From 100,000 years ago to the present, learn about the events and meet the people who shaped Northern Kentucky.
Author and University of Kentucky professor Gurney Norman retraces the route of the famous pioneer trail from Kingsport, Tennessee, to Boonesborough and gets perspectives on the region’s history from a retired forester, a Cherokee teacher, and a Laurel County farmer.
Educational Resources
Kentucky’s Road to Statehood
Kentucky’s road to statehood was a long one, from 1784 to 1792, and included a surprising detour along the way: the idea of becoming an independent nation, allied with Spain. Explore why trade on the Mississippi River was so important to Kentucky and why some Kentuckians turned to Spain for help. This animation offers a quick look at why statehood was far from a done deal for so long. Funded in part by the Kentucky Historical Society and the America250KY Commission.
Civics and Social Studies Collection
Explore civics and social studies topics in Kentucky and beyond. Activity suggestions, writing and discussion prompts, vocabulary terms and more accompany these videos.
The Shot Heard ’round the World
This collection chronicles the 19 years preceding the American Revolution. The videos introduce students to the people and events in England and the 13 colonies that changed the course of history. Re-enactments bring to life events like the Boston Tea Party and take students from New England to the Virginia frontier.
Unleash your creativity by submitting a poem, short story, graphic novel, illustrated story or persuasive essay to KET’s statewide contest. In honor of America turning 250, KET is including a subcategory of Persuasive Writing: Civics. KET invites young writers to think deeply about civics – what it means to take part, make change and shape the future. Persuasive writing pieces in this subcategory will be eligible for special recognition and prizes.
Social Studies Shorts
Discover this digital series from KET Education that explores social studies and civics topics, from here in Kentucky to the nation and the world. Watch more Social Studies Shorts on YouTube.
Kentucky Life
Old Fort Harrod State Park, Native Dawn Flute Gathering, and More
Discover the living history of Old Fort Harrod, one of Kentucky’s oldest landmarks. The Monarch in Louisville is a place where musicians and artists can hang out, collaborate, and perform; the Native Dawn Flute Gathering celebrates Native American music as well as traditional arts and crafts.
Exploring the American Revolution Through Kentucky Stories
Hero Daniel Goff was an African American soldier who fought in the War of Independence and later settled in Northern Kentucky; the remarkable bravery of the women of Kentucky’s Bryan Station Settlement; Jack Jouett’s heroic act and his Woodford County historic home; and Chip joins the reenactment of the Blue Licks at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.
Lincoln: “I, Too, Am a Kentuckian”
In a special edition of Kentucky Life, host Dave Shuffett explores the life and career of Kentucky’s most famous native son. Learn about the many Kentucky people and places that profoundly influenced Lincoln with stops at his birthplace and boyhood home, the Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington, the Louisville home of close friend Joshua Speed, and other sites.
Passport
KET Passport is an added benefit available to donors in the United States who contribute a qualifying annual tax-deductible gift.
Ken Burns’ two-part, four-hour documentary, “Benjamin Franklin,” explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century’s most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States.
Between 1861 and 1865, Americans made war on each other and killed each other in great numbers, if only to become the kind of country that could no longer conceive of how that was possible. What began as a bitter dispute over Union and States’ rights ended as a struggle over the meaning of freedom in America.
Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom
Go beyond the legend and meet the woman who repeatedly risked her life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. Born 200 years ago in Maryland, Tubman was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a Civil War scout, a nurse and spy, and one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history.
Route 66 Women: The Untold Story of the Mother Road
Learn about the extraordinary lives and achievements of women who overcame gender discrimination and segregation to build fulfilling lives and legacies on America’s most iconic highway. These women transformed their communities and the American West through their hard work, perseverance and ingenuity.