The American Revolution — A FREE Screening Event in Louisville
Monday June 8 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with a Special Screening and Panel Discussion in Louisville!
Join KET and the America250KY Louisville Committee for a free public event at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts as we mark the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary with an evening of history, reflection and civic connection.
The program features a special highlight screening from The American Revolution, a six-part, twelve-hour documentary series by Ken Burns. The series explores how thirteen British colonies rose in rebellion, secured independence, and established a new form of government that reshaped the continent and inspired democratic movements around the world.
Before the screening, guests are invited to explore engaging exhibits from historic and community partners during a showcase in the Kentucky Center’s main lobby from 5 to 6 pm.
The selected documentary excerpts focus on “The Spirit of Service,” tracing volunteerism, civic participation and public leadership from the nation’s founding to the present day. Following the screening, KET’s Renee Shaw will moderate a thoughtful panel discussion connecting the spirit of service and civic education in 1776 with its meaning and impact in 2026.
Confirmed Panelists:
- Dr. Thomas Mackey, Historian, University of Louisville (Retired)
- Dr. Gary Gregg. Political Scientist and McConnell Center Director, University of Louisville
- Michael Adams, Kentucky Secretary of State
- Maggie Harlow, Executive Director, Jack Harlow Foundation
- Daryle W. Unseld Jr., President, Boys and Girls Club of Kentuckiana
This special Louisville event is presented in partnership with the America250KY Louisville Committee and made possible with the support of community and historic partners.
This event is free, and advanced registration is encouraged. Please register below.
The Event at a Glance:
- What: The American Revolution highlight screening and panel discussion, A Spirit of Service
- When: Monday, June 8, 2026 | 5-8 pm
- Where: The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts | Bomhard Theater | 501 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
- Pre‑Event: Historic and community partner showcase in the main lobby, 5 to 6 pm
- Moderator: Renee Shaw, Host, KET
- Parking: Information about the parking garage and other parking options
Registration
This event is FREE to attend and advanced registration is encouraged. Please register below.
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.
