New Hampshire Humanities, in collaboration with New Hampshire Public Broadcasting (NHPBS) invites the public to participate in “The Big Watch,” a statewide series of community-driven programs that bring Granite Staters together to watch, discuss, and reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution. This spring, 46 community organizations across New Hampshire will come together at more than 80 events to mark this milestone in American history through the
Big Watch.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Big Watch creates space for Granite Staters to reflect not just on history, but on the responsibilities and opportunities of citizenship today,” said Michael Haley Goldman, Executive Director of New Hampshire Humanities. “The American Revolution is not only something that happened long ago – it is a continuing conversation about participation, service and the
meaning of democracy.”

From North Country libraries to Seacoast historical societies, local organizations across the state will host film screenings and discussions of an excerpt from “The American Revolution,” a new film directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. The selected segment, “The Spirit of Service,” explores service as a defining American value – from the nation’s founding to the present day – examining volunteerism, civic participation, and public leadership. Each screening will be followed by a facilitated community discussion designed to spark thoughtful dialogue. Together, participants will consider questions such as: What moments from our past define who we are and point toward a shared future? What are the key historical turning points in your town or
community? How does remembering these stories shape the future you hope to build?

In addition to the Big Watch screenings and film discussions, each organization will offer an additional, complementary community program that connects to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. Host communities will design their own unique programming to reflect local, statewide and national interests around the 250th anniversary.

The Big Watch is part of “By the People: Conversations Beyond 250,” a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Additional support for the Big Watch was made possible by Cogswell Benevolent Trust. New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) funds and supports programs that inspire curiosity, foster civil dialogue, and explore big questions. An independent, statewide nonprofit, NHH made possible last year 709 free public programs and digital broadcasts reaching 15,118 residents in 145 communities, in partnership with 252 organizations, to engage all citizens, regardless of their age or educational level. For more information about New Hampshire Humanities, please visit www.nhhumanities.org .

This program is a collaboration between New Hampshire Humanities and NH Public Broadcasting (NHPBS), with additional support provided by Cogswell Benevolent Trust.

There are a plethora of Big Watch events across the state. Here are a few upcoming local ones.

Bow: June 6, 1 p.m. at the Baker Free Library, 509 South Street.

Gilford: June 11, 5:30 p.m., Gilford Public Library, 31 Potter Hill Rd.

Hooksett: June 24, 5:30 p.m., Hooksett Public Library

Manchester: June 27, 11:30 a.m.

All Big Watch events are free and open to the public. To find a Big Watch event near you, visit www.nhhumanities.org/big-watch.