The Deep Dive: The American Revolution

This week we’re taking a deep dive into the American Revolution. As the birthplace of the Revolution, Massachusetts is at the center of a national movement to acknowledge this historic moment. Check out GBH’s America 250 collection as we approach the 250th anniversary of this country’s founding.

Yours in media,
Elizabeth He, Visual Communications Editor

P.S. For the full printable primetime schedule, visit gbh.org/explore and sign up for GBH Daily for news and a daily reminder of programming you don’t want to miss. On Thursday, enjoy new seasons of two dramas: Season Three of The Good Karma Hospital at 8pm on GBH 2 and Season 10 of Seaside Hotel at 10pm.

Ken Burns’ The American Revolution

The American Revolution (series)

Thirteen colonies unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe. Watch how the birth of our nation unfolded.

Bringing Revolutionary Sounds to Life (5 min clip)

What did America sound like during the revolutionary era? Learn how the filmmakers recreate a tapestry of sound that was present in 18th century North America. Go behind the music.

“Boston Public Radio” Podcast with Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein (41 min audio)

Legendary filmmakers Burns and Botstein discuss their six-part, 12-hour docu-series The American Revolution. Listen to their commentary.

Revolutionary Sites in Massachusetts

Time for Tea at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (article & 4 min audio)

Although the tea thrown into the Boston Harbor over 250 years ago was lost to history and the tide, historians and tea experts say we can still savor its flavor today. Take a sip.

Where Is the True Birthplace of the Revolution? (article)

The British had already lost control of most of Massachusetts before the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Towns west of Boston might have a stronger claim as the starting point. So, where does it all begin?

Check out more stories like this one in our rolling series From Colony to Commonwealth. Explore how Mass. ignited a revolution against the British crown.

Lost and Legendary Riders (1 hr talk)

Beyond Paul Revere and his companions, Americans have passed along stories of other notable riders on April 19, 1775. Historian J. L. Bell separates facts from fiction about these figures. Giddy-up!

Recipe of the Week

Maria’s Portuguese Table: “Boston, Mass.” (27 min episode)

Maria meets with Dennis Alves, director of artistic planning for the world-famous Boston Pops. A proud Portuguese American, Dennis invites Maria to cook a delicious chicken soup known as canja. Learn how to make this soup.

Stories of the Revolution

Turn: Washington’s Spies (series)

Based on the book Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring, this Revolutionary War series centers on Abe Woodhull, a farmer living in British-occupied Long Island, who bands together with a group of childhood friends to form the Culper Ring. Watch their fight for freedom.

“The Culture Show” Podcast: Art of the American Revolution (55 min audio)

Part of the The Culture Show’s Countdown to 2026 series, the Museum of Fine Arts looks at the art reframing our understanding of the American Revolution. Discover how creativity was at the heart of the revolution.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: Revolutionary War Powder Horn (2 min clip)

Check out William Guthman’s appraisal of a Revolutionary War powder horn – on Vintage Las Vegas. How much is it worth?

Latino Patriots in the American Revolution (5 min clip)

Latinos were instrumental in securing America’s independence. John Leguizamo and historians share stories of Bernardo de Gálvez and other Latino patriots. Learn how they helped win the fight for American independence.

Off Topic

1. Ruff Ruffman reconnects with FETCH! alum Shreya 15 years later. See Ruff navigate through the pitfalls of being a work-from-home digital pro while he embarks on his latest career move: Content Creator! (1 min short)
2. Does 200-year-old candy stand the (taste) test of time? GBH News visited Salem, Mass. to find out. (1 min short)
3. What is civil discourse? Experts from BREAKING the DEADLOCK shares how we can find solutions together through conversation. (1 min short)