Skip to main content
Bob Ross
Masterpiece & Mocktails Your canvas. Your mocktail. And a Bob Ross-style painting class at WMHT Public Media.
1776
— America's 250th Anniversary —

The Revolution
That Shaped a Nation

Exploring New York's pivotal role in the fight for American independence — and the 250 years of progress that followed.

Explore the Collection
America 250 New YorkNew York State Education DepartmentWMHT

This initiative is made possible through funding from the New York State Education Department, Office of Cultural Education as part of the NYS 250th Commemoration Commission. WMHT is proud to serve as a regional educational television partner, working in collaboration with community organizations and cultural education institutions to bring this history to life.

WMHT Original Series

Field Trip Visits the American Revolution

WMHT invites viewers back to the Revolutionary Era in a special extended episode of WMHT's beloved series FIELD TRIP. Hosts Matt and Nicole will journey through the region's most significant battle sites, bringing history to life like never before.

Henry Knox: Resolve Forged by Revolution
Documentary

Henry Knox: Resolve Forged by Revolution

In the winter of 1775 & 1776, hope for a free America was chilled by the British occupation of Boston. One patriot led a dangerous journey cloaked in uncertainty, navigating snow, mountains and doubt to move the "Noble Train of Artillery." Experience the courage, conviction, and spirit that liberated Boston and inspires an enduring legacy 250 years later. This is the Story of Henry Knox!

The American Revolution

Thirteen American 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. What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations and forever change the world.

In Order to Be Free
Episode 1

In Order to Be Free

May 1754 – May 1775

Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.

An Asylum for Mankind
Episode 2

An Asylum for Mankind

May 1775 – July 1776

Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.

The Times That Try Men's Souls
Episode 3

The Times That Try Men's Souls

July 1776 – January 1777

Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.

Conquer by a Drawn Game
Episode 4

Conquer by a Drawn Game

January 1777 – February 1778

Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.

The Soul of All America
Episode 5

The Soul of All America

December 1777 – May 1780

The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.

The Most Sacred Thing
Episode 6

The Most Sacred Thing

May 1780 – Onward

Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.

A WNET Project

Tapestry of New York

Coming June 2026

WNET, New York's flagship public media station, is launching Tapestry of New York — a new online platform showcasing the creative work of New York students in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

The platform will feature artwork and media created by K–12 students across the state, reflecting their unique views on the American Revolution and the "unfinished revolutions" that followed. Submissions may include collages, drawings, paintings, photography, graphics, videos, and more.

Teacher Toolkit
Multidisciplinary
Searchable Submissions
Open to All K–12
Bonus Content

This American Revolution Uniform Survived 250 Years!

Join Matt and Nicole on a Field Trip to the Thompson-Pell Research Center at Fort Ticonderoga. Guided by historian Dr. Matthew Keagle, they explore rare Revolutionary War-era artifacts and documents that reveal how people lived, worked, and recorded history during the fight for independence.

Education Materials & Resources

Free, curriculum-aligned resources for teachers, librarians, and education partners to use with learners to commemorate America's 250th.

Teach The American Revolution at 250 Years

More than 35 free, curriculum-aligned classroom resources for grades 3–12, designed to deepen students' understanding of the American Revolution and its legacies using the power of visual media. Explore classroom resources, professional learning events, the Youth Media Challenge, and more from the Ken Burns documentary series.

Explore Resources

History of the United States and New York

Free PBS LearningMedia resources designed to complement the New York State Social Studies Framework for Grades 4, 7, and 8. Media-rich resources aligned with key ideas for each grade level, with Grades 4 and 7 featuring sections on the American Revolution.

Browse Collection

NYSED Educator Resources

Free educator resources from the New York State Education Department to support teaching and learning around New York's role in the American Revolution and the 250th commemoration.

Visit NYSED

Find 250th Events
Near You

Discover exhibitions, reenactments, lectures, and community celebrations happening across New York State. The I Love NY 250 Calendar is your guide to commemorative events from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks and everywhere in between.

Browse the Calendar

Join the Conversation

#NYRev250#America250NY#America250#NewYorkHistory

Learn more at nysm.nysed.gov/revolutionaryny250  ·  america250.org