Sneak-Peek of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution Coming to Yorktown Battlefield

On July 16, 2025, Colonial National Historical Park announced a partnership with WHRO Public Media, York County Tourism, and the VA 250 Commission to stage a one-night-only preview of Ken Burns’ forthcoming documentary The American Revolution. The free event—branded “We the People: A Yorktown Battlefield Event”—is set for Saturday, September 20, 2025, on the very grounds where General Cornwallis surrendered. National Park Service

What to Expect on Event Day

• 3 – 7 p.m. Revolutionary Festival – Artillery demos, militia drills, spy games, and hands-on kids’ stations keep the crowd engaged long before sunset.
  
  
• 6 p.m. – The Fifes & Drums of York Town perform a rousing set beside the Visitor Center lawn.
  
  
• 7 p.m. Screening – Ken Burns’ team queues up exclusive clips highlighting the Siege of Yorktown; co-directors Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt are slated for live remarks. visityorktown.org
  
  

Admission is free but advanced registration is required via Eventbrite (link on the park website). Attendees should pack lawn chairs, water, flashlights, and bug spray; the show is rain or shine. National Park Service

Why This Preview Matters

1. Place-based storytelling – Witnessing Yorktown scenes while standing on the battlefield creates an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime learning moment.
   
   
2. Tourism boost – The 3 p.m.–9 p.m. window encourages visitors to dine and shop in Historic Yorktown, lifting local revenue during the fall shoulder season.
   
   
3. VA 250 momentum – The screening anchors a calendar of regional events leading to America’s 250th birthday in 2026, positioning Yorktown as a centerpiece.
   
   

Final Take

Whether you’re a hardcore history buff or just love outdoor cinema, September 20 promises an unforgettable evening under the stars. Thinking about a home near the stories that shaped our nation? I’m Jackie Berberabe—your Greater Williamsburg REALTOR with the local edge. Reach out any time for listings that put you steps from the past and on the path to your future.