Historic Yorktown to host ‘once in a lifetime’ Revolutionary Festival and Ken Burns preview screening on Sept. 20

The public is invited to an evening of history and community featuring an exclusive premiere screening of acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns’s “The American Revolution” at Yorktown Battlefield on Saturday, Sept. 20.

The event, “We the People,” will include a Revolutionary Festival with live music, living history demonstrations and hands-on activities, beginning at 3 p.m.

A musical performance by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) will take place at 7 p.m., immediately followed by a premiere of Burns’s highly anticipated documentary.

The program is presented by Colonial National Historical Park (CNHP) in collaboration with York County, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, WHRO Public Media and the VA250 Commission.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch never-before-seen excerpts highlighting the Siege of Yorktown, set on the very battlefield where the nation’s independence was won. The selections were chosen specifically for this event.

“We are so excited to be hosting this once-in-a-lifetime event to experience an unforgettable evening of history and storytelling – on the battlefield where it happened,” said CNHP Superintendent Jerri Marr.

Burns’s 6-part documentary, which spans 12 hours and includes scenes filmed throughout Colonial Virginia, will premiere on PBS on Nov. 15. 

The film is co-directed by David Schmidt and Sarah Botstein. Schmidt, a Historic Triangle native who was once a member of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, will participate in the event.

Parking is limited, and guests are encouraged to arrive early and consider carpooling. Battlefield parking will open at 3 p.m. at 2100 Cook Corner Road and will close at 7:45 p.m. or when parking is full. Ride share drop-offs will be available near the Victory Monument.

Lawn chairs, flashlights, bug spray and sunscreen are recommended. Coolers are welcome.

Admission is free, but registration is required. For additional details – including parking information – or to register for the event, click here.