Be part of something big: Join communities across NH for the Big Watch!
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New Hampshire Humanities, in collaboration with New Hampshire Public Broadcasting (NHPBS), invites the public to participate in “The Big Watch,” a statewide series of community-driven programs that bring Granite Staters together to watch, discuss, and reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution. This spring, 46 community organizations across New Hampshire will come together at more than 80 events to mark this milestone in American history through the Big Watch.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Big Watch creates space for Granite Staters to reflect not just on history, but on the responsibilities and opportunities of citizenship today,” said Michael Haley Goldman, Executive Director of New Hampshire Humanities. “The American Revolution is not only something that happened long ago – it is a continuing conversation about participation, service, and the meaning of democracy.”
From North Country libraries to Seacoast historical societies, local organizations across the state will host film screenings and discussions of an excerpt from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new film directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. The selected segment, “The Spirit of Service,” explores service as a defining American value – from the nation’s founding to the present day – examining volunteerism, civic participation, and public leadership. Each screening will be followed by a facilitated community discussion designed to spark thoughtful dialogue. Together, participants will consider questions such as: What moments from our past define who we are and point toward a shared future? What are the key historical turning points in your town or community? How does remembering these stories shape the future you hope to build?
In addition to the Big Watch screenings and film discussions, each organization will offer an additional, complementary community program that connects to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. Host communities will design their own unique programming to reflect local, statewide, and national interests around the 250th anniversary.
All Big Watch events are free and open to the public. To find a Big Watch event near you, visit www.nhhumanities.org/big-watch. To watch the entire film series, learn more here: The American Revolution | All Episodes Now Streaming | Ken Burns | PBS
The Big Watch is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Additional support for the Big Watch was made possible by Cogswell Benevolent Trust.
New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) funds and supports programs that inspire curiosity, foster civil dialogue, and explore big questions. An independent, statewide nonprofit, NHH made possible last year 709 free public programs and digital broadcasts reaching 15,118 residents in 145 communities, in partnership with 252 organizations, to engage all citizens, regardless of their age or educational level. For more information about New Hampshire Humanities, please visit www.nhhumanities.org.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
