The Big Watch was a BIG hit!

See all news

What did we learn from presenting over 80 Big Watch events around the state this spring and summer? Granite Staters are hungry for meaningful conversation and connection! As one participant in US@250: Big Watch shared, “Any opportunity…to have real conversations like this is an antidote to the dis-integration many of us feel.” This sentiment clearly resonated statewide, as more than 1,300 attendees gathered in 46 communities for US@250: Big Watch programs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution while connecting with one another and reflecting on our shared history. 

More than 80 events across all 10 counties brought people together, including 46 film screenings and facilitated discussions of THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, the new documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. Communities also designed their own events to explore the past, including a 1770 coffeehouse reenactment, a community reading of the Declaration of Independence, and tours of Revolutionary War monuments and gravestones. Together, these events created meaningful spaces for learning, dialogue, and connection. 

The film screenings and facilitated discussions clearly inspired participants, with more than half of respondents expressing an interest in increasing their civic engagement. Many shared plans to “talk about our Nation’s fundamental values,” volunteer in their communities, or “listen more often to diverse points of view.” Interest in engaging with differing viewpoints emerged as a key theme among participants. As one respondent observed, “people can have different perspectives, but sharing and discussing together helps build understanding and connection.” 

It is evident that opportunities to gather for meaningful discussion matter deeply to Granite Staters today, and many attendees expressed a desire for more experiences like these in the future. As one participant reflected, “it is invaluable to me to be able to share a common experience and gather in person in our community to talk about our values, perspectives, and experience, especially around our country's origin story.” 

- Katie Malloy, NHH Program Coordinator