Community Conversation: Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, screened and unpacked in Platteville

PLATTEVILLE HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Community Conversation: Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, screened and unpacked in Platteville

A two-hour, free public forum hosted by The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums that pairs curated segments of Ken Burns’ documentary with a facilitated discussion about how stories shape identity.

Community Conversation: Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, screened and unpacked in Platteville.

Duration
2 hours
Location
Platteville
Operator
The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums
Category
History Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

In Platteville, the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums host a focused community conversation built around curated segments from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. Over two hours, neighbors and visitors watch selected documentary scenes and then discuss how historical narrative informs personal and civic identity; a Spanish translator will be on site to support broader community participation. The event is free but space is limited, so registration is required.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE DOCUMENTARY

Curated Ken Burns screenings

The program centers on selected segments from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, chosen to spark conversation about how history becomes part of community identity.

THE DISCUSSION

Facilitated community conversation

After the screening, attendees join a group discussion that examines the narratives shown and explores how those stories shape individual and collective identities.

ACCESSIBILITY

Spanish translation and limited-capacity seating

A Spanish translator will be on site to make the event more accessible; attendance is free but limited, so advance registration is required.

What the day feels like

What it feels like to attend

The event unfolds as an intentionally compact evening of film and conversation: viewers watch curated documentary excerpts and immediately move into a facilitated exchange where personal recollections and public memory intersect. The format is conversational rather than performative, designed to invite a range of voices—including Spanish speakers supported by on-site translation—and to leave participants with new ways of thinking about historical narratives.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this event suits—and who should plan ahead.

1
Community membersIdeal for local residents interested in civic conversation and collective memory; note that space is limited and registration is required.
2
History buffsA concise, discussion-focused way to engage with curated historical footage and exchange perspectives in a small-group setting; reserve a spot in advance.
3
Spanish-speaking attendeesParticipation is supported by an on-site Spanish translator, widening access for Spanish speakers while still requiring pre-registration due to limited capacity.
4
Educators & facilitatorsValuable as a model for community dialogue around documentary material and public history; bring colleagues but secure space early because attendance is capped.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The program runs for two hours.

Cost & Registration

This is a free event, but space is limited and registration is required to attend.

Accessibility & Language

A Spanish translator will be on site to assist attendees who need translation support.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the event?

The event duration is two hours.

Is there a cost to attend?

No — this is a free event.

Do I need to register?

Yes. Space is limited and registration is required to attend.

What will we do at the event?

Attendees watch curated segments of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution and then take part in a community discussion about how those narratives shape identity.

Is translation available?

Yes. A Spanish translator will be on site to assist with translation needs.

Who is hosting the conversation?

The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums are hosting the America @ 250 Community Conversation.