Historic Site Events
Ken Burns’ American Revolution Screening: Faith & Freedom in the Revolution
Ken Burns’ American Revolution Screening: Faith & Freedom in the Revolution
December 9, 2025
6:30 – 8:00pm
Old North Church
193 Salem St, Boston
In April, the acclaimed director Ken Burns joined us at the Old North Church to discuss his forthcoming documentary THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. On December 9, we are excited to host a special screening of excerpts from the film at Old North!
This special 25-minute screening reel, comprised of clips selected especially for this event, will explore the intersection of faith and freedom in the Revolution. Following the screening, a panel of experts will discuss the role of religion in the Revolution and the legacy of religious liberty in the United States. Panelists include The Rev’d Matthew P. Cadwell, vicar of the Old North Church; Dr. Lori Rogers-Stokes, an independent scholar and public historian; Dr. Jonathan M. Chu, Professor of History Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Boston; and Byron Rushing, the former Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Lantern & Luminaries with Ken Burns
On April 16, 2025, we were honored to present the celebrated filmmaker Ken Burns with the Third Lantern Award at Lanterns & Luminaries, our annual celebration of “two if by sea.” The award recognizes those who embody the values of leadership, courage, hope, tenacity, and active citizenship.
This video includes the full program, including remarks by Mr. Burns, Senator Ed Markey, and Governor Maura Healey. Guests at Lanterns & Luminaries enjoyed a sneak peek of Mr. Burns’s new documentary, The American Revolution, which is scheduled to premiere on PBS on November 16, 2025. An abbreviated clip from the documentary is shown in this recording of Lanterns & Luminaries.
Throughout the year, Old North Illuminated hosts authors, professors, and other experts for Speaker Series events. In honor of the 250th anniversary of Old North Church’s famous lantern signal in 2025, this year’s Speaker Series includes talks that focus on revolutions — their origins, their societal transformations, and their complex legacies. We hope you’ll join us.
Our 2025 Speaker Series events are brought to you in part by Hub Town Tours.
