A Night to Remember: Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” Preview Lights Up Colonial Williamsburg
The other night in Colonial Williamsburg was nothing short of magical. As the sun dipped behind the rooftops of Duke of Gloucester Street, we joined thousands—likely 4,000 or more—gathered on the Palace Green, facing a giant screen set dramatically in front of the Governor’s Palace. What followed was one of those rare moments when history, place, and storytelling came together in a way that made everyone feel part of something much bigger than themselves.
The evening began in classic Williamsburg fashion: the unmistakable cadence of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums marching smartly onto the green, setting a perfect tone of reverence and pride. As their drums faded, David Schmidt—one of the co-directors of the new Ken Burns documentary The American Revolution—took the stage and shared a deeply personal connection. A local boy turned filmmaker, Schmidt grew up in James City County and once performed in that same Fife and Drum Corps as a youth. You could feel the emotion in his voice as he recalled the privilege of filming in his hometown and emphasized how the Revolutionary War is still very much alive in the soil and spirit of this region.
Then, as the sky dimmed and anticipation built, the lights on the screen flickered to life.
We were treated to a 27-minute sneak preview of Burns’ upcoming six-part, 12-hour documentary on the American Revolution, slated to air on PBS starting November 16. The preview was carefully curated, weaving together scenes from episodes one, three, five, and six. Though it was just a sampling, it was clear that this project is something special. In true Burns fashion, the film tells both the familiar and the forgotten stories—Lexington and Concord, Yorktown and Valley Forge—but also explores lesser-known battles and voices from the Revolution that rarely make it into textbooks. Burns reminded us from the stage that history isn’t just facts and dates—it’s about people, their ideals, their disagreements, and their shared hope for something better.
When Ken Burns finally stepped up to speak, the crowd leaned in—literally. He called the sight of us gathered there “an amazing vista,” and you could see it truly moved him. He spoke about the urgency of the film, his desire to remind Americans that “we” and “us” still matter, and how important it is to listen to one another as citizens in a shared democracy. “We won’t work on a more important project,” he said, and I believed him.
And then, in perfect Williamsburg fashion, the evening ended with a breathtaking fireworks display launched right over the Governor’s Palace. Against the backdrop of that stately 18th-century architecture, the bursts of color and light felt like a celebration of the very ideals the documentary seeks to honor: unity, perseverance, and freedom.
As someone who has lived in Williamsburg for over 20 years, I felt immense pride being there that night—not just as a spectator, but as someone rooted in this community, with deep appreciation for its role in our nation’s founding. These are the kinds of events that remind me why I started writing about life in Williamsburg. Whether it’s an evening of history under the stars, a neighborhood gathering, or a new chapter in someone’s home search, my goal is always the same: to help people connect with this place, its stories, and the people who bring them to life.
If you’re considering a move to Williamsburg or just want to know more about what it’s like to live here, I’d love to help you discover your own place in our shared history.
– John Womeldorf, Mr. Williamsburg
Thinking of making Williamsburg your home or just curious about what life is like here? I’d be honored to help. You can reach me at 757-254-8136, john@mrwilliamsburg.com, or visit mrwilliamsburg.com for more stories and insights.