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Full Episode: America's 250th Anniversary

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by Shantel Destra • Published on
Full Episodes

The year 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! We look at New York's place in the history of the American Revolution and how the state is upholding the groundbreaking legacy of the war. We sit down with Daniel Mackay, deputy commissioner of historic preservation, with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, to learn more about how New York is preserving historic sites from the war across the state. Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt produced a six part documentary series unpacking the history and legacy of the American Revolution. We share an exclusive trailer from the film.

Full Episode: Unpacking America's 250th Anniversary; New York Honors the History and Legacy of the Revolutionary War; Ken Burns American Revolution PBS Documentary

Why New York Was Key to the Revolution

As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, New York NOW explores New York’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, how historic sites are being preserved across the state, and PBS’s upcoming documentary series from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.

On This Week's Edition

Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts.

  • The year 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! We look at New York's place in the history of the American Revolution and how the state is upholding the groundbreaking legacy of the war.
  • We sit down with Daniel Mackay, deputy commissioner of historic preservation, with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, to learn more about how New York is preserving historic sites from the war across the state.
  • Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt produced a six part documentary series unpacking the history and legacy of the American Revolution. We share an exclusive trailer from the film.