On Wednesday, Sept. 10, renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns transported the Stillwater Central School District back in time—to an era when the sounds of muskets, cannon blasts and drums echoed across the land; when makeshift camps, vast landscapes and treacherous terrain stretched as far as the eye could see. Today, that same land is home to the town of Stillwater and the Stillwater Central School District. But 250 years ago, it marked the turning point of the American Revolution: the Battle of Saratoga—and the subject of Ken Burns’s new film, The American Revolution.
Before arriving at SCSD, New York State Education Department Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa and Regent Roger P. Catania joined Burns for a visit to Saratoga National Historical Park, celebrating both history and the filmmaker’s remarkable influence. A short drive away, an auditorium full of enthusiastic students and staff eagerly awaited Burns’s arrival. His visit began with a presentation by Regent Catania and Commissioner Rosa, highlighting Burns’s profound impact on storytelling, public history and documentary filmmaking. Burns was recognized as a “Champion of American History and Storytelling,” a title that reflects his exceptional talent and lifelong dedication to preserving history through film. The honor also celebrated his deep connection to—and impact on—the state and people of New York as it approaches the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution.
After the recognition, Burns showed two, ten-minute clips from his upcoming documentary, The American Revolution, to the SCSD audience. The first clip featured the film’s introduction, setting the stage for the war, the infamous battles to come and the complexities and struggles that come with conflict. The second clip showcased the end of the Battle of Saratoga, which, according to Burns, was “the first time in the war the British were hugely outnumbered and surrounded by Americans,” creating a pivotal turning point in the war.
Following the clips, there was a moderated discussion, which featured Burns, his co-director Sarah Botstein and historian Rick Atkinson. The conversation explored the intricacies and historical context of the American Revolution, unraveling the complexities surrounding the origin of the United States. The past can often foreshadow the future, and understanding history can provide insight into what the future may hold for the nation. “I think the American Revolution is one of the most important events in all of world history, and that it is important for us to understand our origin story so that we know a little bit about who we might become as a people—not just who we’ve been, but who we might become,” said Burns.
In addition, Burns underscored that his film represents “a very complex and diverse sort of story” that the Revolution deserves as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. While the commemoration is nostalgic, Burns aimed to set his film apart by diving deeper into the stories that played a central role in the American Revolution. For example, he highlighted Benjamin Franklin’s initial idea of “coming together,” inspired by Native American nations—mostly in New York State—“who had modeled a Confederacy that worked for them for centuries…” This, Burns explained, was a critical component to the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga. “What we wanted to say is this is a really interesting and complex story that deserves our attention. Those great ideas are really great, and they’re at the heart of what makes our revolution so unique,” said Burns.
He also referenced various locations throughout New York State where much of the cinematography was filmed, connecting history to the students who live where this major battle took place. “It’s important you all become messengers of the complex story of the Revolution, and share it as we go into the next year, celebrating our 250th,” Burns told the students in the audience.
Ken Burns’s visit to SCSD offered students and staff a unique opportunity to connect with local history in a meaningful way as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Ten years in the making, Burns’s film explores the important stories that contributed to the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga through his compelling storytelling and thoughtful discussion, inspiring the next generation to explore, reflect on and share the rich history that surrounds them everyday. In Stillwater, where the Battle of Saratoga began, history isn’t just something in books – it’s a part of the community’s story, serving as a reminder on the enduring impact history has on the past, present and future.