Tuesday, June 23 • 9 PM
Episode 1: The Break Up
Episode 1: The Break Up - Lucy Worsley investigates the explosive 18th century break up of Britain and America.
Celebrate America @ 250 with PBS Fort Wayne
In honor of the nation’s 250th Anniversary and as part of PBS America @ 250 – a multi-year initiative designed to engage viewers nationwide with history and civics through inspiring stories, performances, and educational programming – PBS Fort Wayne will celebrate with a special showcase of programs through July 4th that will offer viewers new perspectives and a deeper understanding of what grew from local protests and became a struggle for freedom from a colonial power and has become global milestone for democracy ever since.
PBS Fort Wayne President/CEO Ed Leon states, “We are proud to be able to share these programs about our nation’s birth, and the struggles and sacrifices made during the American Revolution. They go beyond the mere history to share stories that influence how we as Americans honor our past, but also use these examples to help build a better present and future.”
Stated Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS. “Our nation’s history deserves to be honored, and through this work, we are doing just that. PBS was made for this type of national reflection.”
A centerpiece of this programming block is the rebroadcast of the blockbuster documentary film, The American Revolution, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, with the first episode airing Friday July 3rd and Episodes 2 through 6 airing back-to-back on Saturday July 4th from 9:30 AM to 8 PM. This documentary miniseries will also be available for streaming for free through July 12 on the PBS app and at pbs.org.
Another new addition to PBS Fort Wayne’s traditional Independence Day programming will be A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration airing Friday July 3rd at 8 PM. This special will be hosted by country music icon Trace Adkins and feature the National Symphony orchestra under the direction of Jack Everly.
On Saturday, July 4th, the all-new special, America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together will celebrate America's 250th from revolutionary-era Colonial Williamsburg. This star-studded live tribute will feature performances, immersive historical interpretations and dazzling fireworks.
Celebrate America @ 250 with PBS Fort Wayne
America @ 250 Programs scheduled on PBS Fort Wayne are, by date and time:
Friday, June 26 • 8PM
Firing Line Special: America at 250-Pursuing a More Perfect Union
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, host Margaret Hoover brings together 3 distinguished Americans: Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and General Stanley McChrystal (Ret.) to reflect on the principles that have sustained the American experiment in self-government for two and a half centuries.
Monday, June 29 • 8 PM
Antiques Roadshow: 250 Years of Americana
Antiques Roadshow shares discoveries reflecting 250 years of American art, artifacts, crafts and collectibles including a flag quilt, ca. 1880, a Tiffany Studios turtle back glass shade, ca. 1915 and an 1884 Edison light bulb. One reaches $300K.
Monday June 29 • 10 PM
Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War
Uncover the stories of Black Americans who fought to define democracy during the Revolution.
Lucy Worsley Investigates
Episode 2: A Messy Divorce
Lucy Worsley investigates how America’s 18th century fight for freedom reshaped Britain.
Wednesday, July 1 • 9 PM
NOVA: Revolutionary War Weapons
Explore key military technologies in the American colonies’ fight for freedom.
Thursday, July 2 • 9 PM
Amerigo: The Search for the American Dream
A sweeping documentary in search of the American Dream through 1,000 voices in 50 states.
Friday, July 3 • 8 PM
A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration
Premieres July 3rd! A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration kicks off America’s birthday! Broadcasting live Friday, July 3rd, 8/7c from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, with all-star musical performances including the debut of country music icon Trace Adkin’s new song “American Made,” and spectacular fireworks from Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.
Friday, July 3 • 10 pm
The American Revolution: In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.
Saturday, July 4 • 9:30 AM
The American Revolution: An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
SAT July 4 • 11:35 AM
The American Revolution: The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
SAT July 4 • 1:35 PM
The American Revolution: Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
SAT July 4 • 3:35 PM
The American Revolution: The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
SAT July 4 • 5:35 PM
The American Revolution: The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
SAT July 4 • 8 PM
America Made in Virginia: 250 Years
Celebrate America's 250th from revolutionary Colonial Williamsburg, where the path to independence began, in a star-studded live tribute featuring performances, immersive historical interpretation, a large-scale spectacle, and dazzling fireworks.