Ken Burns to Host American Revolution Documentary Event at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

PHILADELPHIA— WHYY, the leading public media provider in the Philadelphia region, announced today that registrations are open for “The American Revolution: An Evening with Ken Burns.” This free public event is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ.

The program will feature a special preview screening of Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary, “The American Revolution,” which will air on WHYY-TV 12 and PBS nationwide on November 16, 2025. Following the screening, Burns will participate in a live interview with Terry Gross, the co-host of WHYY’s popular program “Fresh Air.”n”The American Revolution is not just about our past; it’s about who we are now. I’m honored to join WHYY and Terry Gross in a region so central to the story we’re telling,” said Burns.

Advanced registration is required for the free event, and WHYY members will receive priority access to VIP seating. “WHYY is proud to bring this extraordinary event and these extraordinary storytellers to the Greater Philadelphia region, the birthplace of American democracy,” said Bill Marrazzo, President & CEO of WHYY.

The American Revolution is a six-part, 12-hour documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The series will examine the complex origins of the United States through the perspective of the eight-year war for independence, highlighting revolutionary ideas that continue to shape the nation.

During the event, WHYY will screen curated clips from the series, including segments relevant to the Philadelphia region’s pivotal role in the independence struggle. The evening will conclude with a live discussion between Burns and Gross, which will be broadcast nationally on an upcoming episode of “Fresh Air.”nThe documentary is narrated by Peter Coyote and features nearly 200 individual historic figures portrayed by actors including Adam Arkin, Meryl Streep, and Samuel L. Jackson.

This event is part of WHYY’s larger programming slate commemorating the America 250 celebration. For more information about the event or to register, please visit WHYY’s website.