Thirteen American colonies unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe. What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations and forever change the world. Watch more here at The American Revolution website.
On-Demand
Latino Patriots in the American Revolution
Discover the contributions of Latinos in the fight for American independence from Britain, Latinos were instrumental in winning the American Revolution. John Leguizamo and historians share stories of Bernardo de Gálvez and other Latino patriots whose contributions were vital in winning the fight for American independence.
“If our contributions were written back into history textbooks, can you imagine how America would see us?’ says Leguizamo. “More importantly, can you imagine how we would see ourselves?” Photo: Creator and host John Leguizamo on the set of AMERICAN HISTORIA./ Credit: NGL Studios
Inspired by his quest to uncover Latino and Latina heroes and their contributions, this clip comes from three-part series brings acclaimed Broadway and film actor John Leguizamo’s passion from the stage to the screen. This clip comes from VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos
American Historia PBS LearningMedia Collection: (6-12): Video clips and classroom resources
The full series is available to watch on Passport if you are a WXXI Member
Episode 1: Echoes of Empires: Join host John Leguizamo as he examines the accomplishments and rise of the Great Empires and civilizations in Mexico, South America and the Caribbean, from the Taino to the Olmec, Inca, Maya, Aztec, and more. Although they were ultimately decimated by the conquistadors, these societies had an enduring influence on culture, agriculture, and the sciences.
Episode 2: Threads in the American Tapestry: Explore how Latino DNA has been woven into the identity of the United States since before her inception, and has been pivotal all along the way. Despite facing severe discrimination and violence, Latinos were present and contributed in pivotal ways to the fabric of this nation. Highlighting key figures and events, host John Leguizamo shows how Latinos helped build the United States we know today.
Episode 3: Solidarity in a New Era: Host John Leguizamo explores the rise of the new empire, the United States. While Latinos were often relegated to the fringes of mainstream society, they made profound contributions to the fabric of the U.S. and beyond. Reflecting on his journey, John learns that Latinos were not just an asterisk in history, but that Latino history is the history of the United States.
Black History Month with PBS KIDS
Celebrate Black History Month to focus on learning about black history and culture throughout the year. Watch special episodes from Xavier Riddle & The Secret Museum, Arthur, Alma’s Way, Odd Squad, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Ready Jet Go!, Lyla in the Loop, Molly of Denali, Peg+Cat,
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ASL Video Podcast: Breakdown • On-Demand
FRONTLINE, the Portland Press Herald and Maine Public investigate the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history and the missed opportunities to prevent it.
There were 656 mass shootings in the U.S in 2023. The one in Lewiston, Maine on Oct. 25, 2023 was the year’s deadliest — and quite possibly preventable.
Over six episodes, Breakdown explores the missed opportunities to prevent the shooting, the role of guns and hunting in Maine’s politics, and the aftermath for shooting victims, some of whom were deaf and hard of hearing.
Each episode includes American Sign Language (ASL)-interpreted videos.
You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Move to Include Podcast • On-Demand
From WXXI News “Inclusion Desk” comes a six-episode audio and video podcast exploring self advocacy for people with disabilities. Hosted by WXXI News reporter Noelle E.C. Evans, each episode delves into a core aspect of everyday life for people with disabilities — education, employment, housing, relationships, healthcare, and transportation — told through the lens of the self-advocacy movement.
Through one-on-one interviews and panel discussions, the show empowers people with disabilities, caregivers, and allies with practical knowledge, resources, and inspiration to advocate for themselves and build stronger communities.
Latest Episode:
Distribution: One episode drops each month from January to June 2026. Audio & video episodes with text recaps and transcripts will be available on all podcast platforms, YouTube, and WXXINews.org.
Accessibility: All episodes will be fully captioned. The video version of the podcast will include an on-screen ASL interpreter. Full episode transcripts and summaries will be available.
This podcast is from WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, a multi-platform reporting effort to inform and transform attitudes and behavior about inclusion. The Inclusion Desk grew from the Move to Include partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation. Through programming and special events, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation look to build a more inclusive community by inspiring and motivating people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life.
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Exited Podcast • On-Demand
Leaving the world of adolescence and entering the adult world — the real world — can be a confusing time for anyone. But for young people with disabilities, it can feel like arriving at a cliff as they leave behind the cocoon of school and sometimes struggle to find a place where they belong. Exited is a podcast that brings you the stories of eight young people, ranging in age from 17 to 26, as they navigate transitions in various settings – high school, higher education, sheltered workshops, day programs, and home life.
Click the links below to hear each of the five episodes. Or subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, Amazon.
“Want a diploma? Go through this maze first” In the first episode of Exited, explore an early factor in transition – graduation tracks – through the experience of 17-year-old Nate, a student who doesn’t quite fit on any one track.
“Leaving college with lots of benefits — but no degree” Going to college can be a key experience in a young person’s life, leading to friendships, personal growth, a degree — and, of course, future employment.
“The uncertain future of segregated workshopsThe uncertain future of segregated workshops” Sheltered workshops, where many people with disabilities go to work, have been around for decades. But they’re controversial for a few reasons
“How disabled is too disabled to work?” When Akin Johnson was nearing the end of high school, he was clear about what he wanted to do next. He wanted to get a job.
“Imagining the future and ‘other people caring for him'” People like Jonathan Jackson tend to have an entourage. An entourage can consist of professionals and family members who support someone with disabilities in all kinds of ways.
This podcast, produced in 2017, is from WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, a multi-platform reporting effort to inform and transform attitudes and behavior about inclusion. The Inclusion Desk grew from the Move to Include partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation. Through programming and special events, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation look to build a more inclusive community by inspiring and motivating people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life.
The American Revolution Series • On-Demand
The American Revolution, a film series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, explores the journey of the thirteen American colonies as they unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe. What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations and forever change the world.
FREE On-Demand Access: The American Revolution 6-part series premiered in November and has many re-air dates listed below. The series is will be available for FREE again on-demand from May 25, 2026 – July 12, 2026 in the PBS Player and PBS App. The series will move back into PBS Passport through November 15, 2032. Learn how to access Passport!
More About the Series
The American Revolution brings an expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America, the film series follows dozens of figures from a wide variety of backgrounds. Through their individual stories, viewers experience the war through the memories of the men and women who experienced it: the rank-and-file Continental soldiers and American militiamen (some of them teenagers), Patriot political and military leaders, British Army officers, American Loyalists, Native soldiers and civilians, enslaved and free African Americans, German soldiers in the British service, French and Spanish allies, and various civilians living in North America, Loyalist as well as Patriot, including many made refugees by the war.
The Revolution began a movement for people around the world to imagine new and better futures for themselves, their nations, and for humanity. It declared American independence with promises that we continue to strive for. The American Revolution opened the door to advance civil liberties and human rights, and it asked questions that we are still trying to answer today.
Episodes
Episode 1: In Order To Be Free: The American Revolution In Order to Be Free Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land, and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation. Fighting in Massachusetts.
Episode 2: An Asylum For Mankind: As New Englanders work to force the British Army from Boston, Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army. In July 1776, Congress declares American independence, insisting on the people’s right to resist tyranny..
Episode 3: The Times That Try Men’s Souls: British General Howe soundly defeats General Washington at Long Island and in Manhattan, forcing the Americans to abandon New York City. After fleeing across New Jersey, Washington’s army regroups before attacking an outpost at Trenton.
Episode 4: Conquer by a Drawn Game: After beating General Washington in battle, General Howe takes Philadelphia, forcing Congress to flee the city. But the Americans’ surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to openly support the United States.
Episode 5: The Soul of All America: After Valley Forge and Monmouth, the French American alliance changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England and in the Caribbean, while armies advance in Indian Country and the South. The British take Charleston.
Episode 6: The Most Sacred Thing: British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states. Supported by the French, Washington wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. With independence secured, Americans aspire for a more perfect union
Interviews about The American Revolution Series
Connections on Friday, November 14th at Noon: Lessons from Ken Burns’ new series, “The American Revolution” Listen to the Podcast or Watch the YouTube Video
A highly anticipated documentary series launches on PBS this weekend. Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution: An Intimate History” is a six-part series about the men and women who fought and lived through the war for America’s independence. This hour, we’re joined by filmmaker David Schmidt and local history professors to preview the series and to discuss what we can learn — and what we get wrong — about the Revolutionary War. Our guests:
(in studio) Michael Jarvis, Ph.D., professor of early American, Atlantic, and digital history and archeology at University of Rochester
(Teams) David Schmidt, co-director of “The American Revolution”
(in studio) Paul B. Moyer, Ph.D., professor of history at SUNY Brockport
NPR Interviews with Ken Burns about The American Revolution Series
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Sponsored By
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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PBS KIDS Winter Games Page
☃️ ❄️ Looking for ways for your kids to stay warm but still enjoy the winter weather? Visit the PBS KIDS Games app or PBS KIDS Winter Games Topic Page now and explore our selection of winter games!
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Happy Winter Holidays On-Demand Playlist from PBS KIDS!
