A powerful exploration of America’s founding history is coming to Grants Pass later this month. Josephine Community Library will host a free public screening of The American Revolution, the newest documentary series by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, on Saturday, November 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grants Pass branch.
The event, presented in partnership with Southern Oregon PBS, offers a preview of the much-anticipated series that delves into the people, principles, and pivotal moments that shaped the nation’s independence. Known for his compelling visual storytelling, Ken Burns once again turns his lens toward one of history’s most defining eras, weaving together imagery, firsthand accounts, and scholarly insights to capture the intensity and complexity of the Revolutionary War.
The screening is part of the library’s ongoing Declaration 250 program series, which commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The series aims to foster civic engagement and historical reflection by examining how America’s founding ideals continue to influence modern democracy.
Attendees will not only experience Burns’ signature narrative approach but also have the opportunity to engage in a conversation following the screening. Southern Oregon PBS CEO Phil Meyer will lead a discussion centered on the evolving role of public media and how documentary storytelling contributes to civic education and shared understanding in an increasingly complex world.
Southern Oregon PBS and Josephine Community Library have collaborated on past educational and cultural projects, but this screening marks one of their most ambitious partnerships to date. The event underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to accessible, community-based learning and to creating spaces where history, culture, and dialogue intersect.
Funding for the presentation is made possible through the Washington Educational Telecommunications Association, with additional support from Southern Oregon PBS and other partners listed at sopbs.org/events. The library encourages early attendance, as space may be limited, and emphasizes that all community members are welcome to attend regardless of age or background.
The Declaration 250 series continues to build momentum as 2026 approaches, inviting residents to reexamine the enduring principles of freedom, equality, and civic participation. Through events like this screening, Josephine Community Library seeks to connect historical reflection with local community engagement, providing both an educational experience and a moment of shared national remembrance.
For more information about this event or other library programs, residents can visit josephinelibrary.org, email info@josephinelibrary.org, or call 541-476-0571. The screening will take place at the Grants Pass branch, offering Southern Oregonians a chance to experience one of America’s most celebrated documentary filmmakers as he revisits the defining revolution that gave rise to the nation itself.