As the birthplace of the Revolution, Massachusetts is at the center of a national movement to acknowledge this historic moment. GBH’s America 250 efforts have four pillars: Convening, Content, Collaboration, and Community. Anchoring our America 250 initiative is the content planned across every GBH program. From ANTIQUES ROADSHOW to The World, to NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, GBH News and more — with partners in Boston and across the Commonwealth, we are creating multi-platform content that connects to themes embedded in the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. Explore the collection as it evolves from now until July 2026 and beyond.
Old North Church's Lanterns & Luminaries Celebration
Lanterns & Luminaries: a special evening at the historic Old North Church celebrated the anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous “two if by sea” lantern signal in April of 1775. Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, accepted the Third Lantern Award, which is presented annually to an individual who embodies the values symbolized in Old North’s iconic signal lanterns: leadership, courage, hope, tenacity, and active citizenship.
From Colony to Commonwealth
From its harbors to its hills, Massachusetts ignited a revolution against the British crown 250 years ago. Our rolling series, From Colony to Commonwealth: Massachusetts and the American Revolution, reveals spectacular stories about that tumultuous path to self-governance.
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NOVA: Revolutionary War Weapons
Explore key military technologies in the American colonies’ fight for freedom. -
Ken Burns Brings The American Revolution Back to Concord
Acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns visited the Concord Carlisle High School and introduced a film clip from his upcoming documentary, The American Revolution, highlighting the tense and pivotal battles of Lexington and Concord that ignited the war.Partner:WGBH
Recent America 250 Updates
Children's Media and Education
AAPB and America 250
The American Archive of Public Broadcasting (AAPB) is proud to join the national effort to commemorate the semiquincentennial of the United States. To mark this anniversary, the AAPB has highlighted pivotal moments in U.S. history and culture on its America 250 page. Below are a selection of their special collections:
