Library Programming
The Library Programming Toolkit supports librarians in presenting, discussing, and contextualizing THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION with materials to facilitate engaging programs for audiences of all ages.
Film Excerpt Screener
This screening reel provides a general overview of the entire series and is designed to help library programming audiences better understand, reflect on, and engage with the core themes of THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Book Club & Film Discussion Guide
Host a special community event that brings history to life through storytelling. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, combine the power of a book club with a short screening from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein & David Schmidt. Choose a historical fiction or nonfiction book set during the Revolutionary era for a community reading. When your book group gathers, screen select clips from the series to spark conversation. Explore how the themes, characters, and storytelling in the book align or contrast with those in the film. This format offers an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of the Revolution, the power of narrative, and how these stories still shape our civic life today.
Declaration Book Club
Bring communities together with Monticello’s Declaration Book Club – a free, ready-to-use toolkit for reading and discussion.
Library of Congress: By The People
The Library of Congress volunteer transcription program, By the People, is a national crowdsourcing effort that makes history accessible to everyone. Volunteers help transcribe millions of historical documents into searchable, readable information for scholars and the public. Learn how to participate and gain a deeper appreciation for this foundational era of American history.
How to host a By The People Transcribe-A-Thon
By The People One Pager
Book Bingo Challenge
The Book Bingo Challenge is a fun way for all ages to read widely, explore history through different perspectives, and connect reading with the stories highlighted in the film!
Reading List
Coloring Pages
Printable coloring sheets designed for children 5-10.
Printable Bookmarks
Promote THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION series with bookmarks that spark curiosity and inspire deeper engagement with history. Personalize the bookmarks by adding your station or library’s logo, and share them at events, book clubs, or community spaces. Easy-to-follow printing and customization instructions are included. This is an accessible way to keep the conversation going, one page at a time.
Event Participation Survey
If you are hosting a screening event, please consider sharing this Event Participation Survey with your audience. This survey will help us improve development of future engagement programming. Thank you!