Much-anticipated documentary series explores the fight for independence and nation’s founding
The visual grandeur of Fort Ticonderoga will be showcased to millions of viewers across the United States this Sunday, when documentarian Ken Burns’ highly-anticipated new series “The American Revolution” premieres November 16 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS. Fort Ticonderoga’s nationally recognized historic interpretive program, along with the 2,000-acre preserved site, serves as a key filming location for hours of original footage in the series.
Directed by the renowned Ken Burns alongside Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, and written by Geoffrey Ward, the six-part, 12-hour series explores the United States of America’s foundational struggle against British monarchy and its eight-year war for independence. The film reframes the war as a global conflict and a brutal “war within,” exploring its complex realities and contradictions from many perspectives while highlighting key moments and pivotal figures, including those at Ticonderoga.
“We were fortunate to work with the fantastic team at Fort Ticonderoga,” said Ken Burns. “There was simply no way we could have told the story of Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold’s nighttime crossing of Lake Champlain or Henry Knox’s ‘noble train of artillery’ without the staff, living history interpreters and resources at the fort.”
“Fort Ticonderoga is truly honored to serve as a central filming location for ‘The American Revolution,’” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “With our remarkably preserved site, leading interpretive program, and meticulously reproduced clothing, weapons, accoutrement, redoubts and period boats, Fort Ticonderoga provided the film a singular opportunity to tell the story of the American Revolution in a way no other site could. PBS audiences nationwide will be able to witness the richness of our history and the care with which Fort Ticonderoga is preserved today.”
“The American Revolution” filmmakers scheduled their long-awaited premiere in 2025 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution, when the Continental Army’s first victory occurred at Fort Ticonderoga, captured by the Benedict Arnold, Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys on May 10, 1775.
Later in 1775—and celebrated with a signature event at the fort only weeks from now—Fort Ticonderoga served as the beginning of Henry Knox’s “noble train of artillery,” delivering 60 tons of Fort Ticonderoga’s cannon and mortars to George Washington’s army at Boston. The modern-day commemoration event “Noble Train Begins” marks the final signature reenactment of 2025 for REAL TIME REVOLUTION® at Fort Ticonderoga. REAL TIME REVOLUTION® is a multi-year initiative coinciding with our nation’s 250th year anniversary to bring to life the people and events that defined the fight for independence.
For more information about the two-day “Noble Train Begins” immersive event, click here. For a complete visitor schedule and more information about other Fort Ticonderoga programs, visit www.fortticonderoga.org.
About Fort Ticonderoga: Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga is a major cultural destination, museum, historic site, and center for learning. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about North America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 visitors each year with an economic impact of more than $16 million annually. Presenting vibrant programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits, Fort Ticonderoga and is open for daily visitation May through October and special programs during Winter Quarters, November through April. Fort Ticonderoga is owned by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a 501c3 non-profit educational organization, and is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. To view Fort Ticonderoga’s electronic press kit, click here.
Photo: © Fort Ticonderoga, photo Gabe Dickens
Credit use of attached photos to “Fort Ticonderoga.” Additional photo, video and media materials may be accessed by clicking here. Video credit: “Fort Ticonderoga”
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