PBS America @ 250 is a multiyear celebration of U.S. history, culture, and children's programming, now through America's Semiquincentennial in 2026 and beyond!
At the helm of the initiative is The American Revolution, a new six-part, 12-hour documentary series from David Schmidt, Sarah Botstein, and Ken Burns, which explores the country's founding struggle and its eight-year War for Independence.
Stream it now with the free PBS app >
As part of the largest national and local engagement effort in its history, PBS member stations will pay homage to the country’s founding with programming and events designed to engage the country and inspire conversation around history, culture, and civics. Watch the KBTC program schedule over the coming year for a curated selection of shows available on broadcast and streaming as we celebrate America's 250th birthday, its history, and its people. And be sure to watch for KBTC community events where you'll be invited to gather, engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and recognize 250 years of Washington state history.
KBTC America @ 250 Events
Upcoming Events
Free Online Workshop:
How to Host a Community Screening of Ken Burns' The American Revolution
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
11am-12pm
Zoom
Would you like to learn how to host a screening and discussion around Ken Burns' The American Revolution with your community group, school, or local organization? Join the KBTC Education team for a free workshop and Q&A where we'll walk you through free resources, guidelines, and promotion tools to help you convene a lively and engaging screening and conversation in your neighborhood.
Free Screening Event:
The American Revolution Screening & Community Conversation: Unheard Voices of the Revolution
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6-7:30pm
Tacoma Public Library Main Branch
How does our understanding of the American Revolution change when we look at the whole story? Following the screening, stay for a thoughtful panel discussion and audience Q&A focused on the unheard and underrepresented voices of the Revolution, and how these perspectives continue to shape our understanding of history today.
Free Screening Event:
Let's Talk About The American Revolution: Screening & Discussion
Friday, January 30, 2026
3:30pm-5pm
Tacoma Public Library Main Branch
Why does the past matter to your future? After the screening, stay for a youth-centered conversation and live Q&A, where young people are invited to share their thoughts, questions, and perspectives.
Past Events
Free Screening & Panel Discussion
The American Revolution Preview Screening & Discussion
Date and time:
Thursday, October 9 at 5:30pm
Location:
KBTC Studios
Event Description
As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we invite you to come together with fellow history enthusiasts of all ages to explore the importance of our history. The 45-minute preview will include highlights from the entire six-part series and will be followed by a discussion and Q&A moderated by 2022 Tacoma Peace Laureate Kwabi Amoah-Forson. In addition to the screening, enjoy complimentary sips & nibbles, engage with American history through hands-on activities, and snap a photo at our Revolution-era photo booth. More info here >
Washington @ 250 - Local Perspectives
The Importance of Storytelling
Afghanistan Combat Veteran Peter Cowman shares his thoughts on the importance of storytelling, the impact Ken Burns' documentaries had on his own life, and how Ken Burns' new documentary, The American Revolution, can elevate discourse about who we are as a country and who we want to be moving forward. Watch now >
Washington State History
The life and legacy of Chief Seattle.
Learn how this unique founder's legacy still echoes through the town today.
Securing women's voting rights.
Making quilts to honor those who served.
A look at the Job Car Cabin Museum - where it all started for Tacoma.
A look at the 1885 Tacoma Chinese expulsion.
A local actor performs in tribute to Thurgood Marshall.
Explore the Chehalis and Centralia depots in the history of Washington's twin cities.
War veteran Mel Schulstad recalls the impossible odds in early days of World War II.
Full Focus remembers Lt. Col. Kevin Shea and how people are giving back to these heroes.
A profile of Michael Reagan, a professional artist painting fallen U.S. Service Members.
Local military heroes.
PBS America @ 250 - Featured Shows
Explore American History
More to Watch
Watch the broadcasts on KBTC (dates and times below, access the KBTC livestream HERE), online at pbs.org, or on the PBS app.
Railroad Stations in American Life | Stream with the PBS app
Prohibition - A Film by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick | Stream with KBTC Passport
Benjamin Franklin – A Film by Ken Burns | Stream with KBTC Passport
Concord's Secret History | Watch a preview
Thomas Jefferson – A Film by Ken Burns | Stream with KBTC Passport
Muhammad Ali - A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon | Stream with KBTC Passport
American Experience: Fatal Flood | Stream with KBTC Passport
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History – A Film by Ken Burns | Stream with KBTC Passport
American Experience: Surviving the Dust Bowl | Stream with KBTC Passport
American Experience: The American Vice President | Stream with KBTC Passport
Resources for Teachers
Bring U.S. History to life in the classroom! Browse our collection of U.S. History videos, interactive activities, teaching materials, and more. Find engaging curriculum-aligned content on topics such as the Revolutionary War, Reconstruction, the Great Depression, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.