The Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences hosted students, faculty, and invited guests at the Rowan University Welcome Center on Tuesday evening for an early showing of the first episode of the documentary, “The American Revolution: An Intimate History” by Ken Burns.

With a 45-year-long career, Burns established himself as a powerhouse in the filmmaking world, winning multiple medals and awards with his work ranging from the early findings of North America to the lives of sports giants such as Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson. 

There were other notable directors and writers credited for the documentary, such as BAFTA nominees Sarah Botstein and Geoffrey C. Ward, as well as common collaborator David P. Schmidt. The documentary also includes voiceovers from familiar names such as Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.

TV critic and professor David Bianculli was joined by history professors Dr. Jennifer Janofsky and Dr. William Carrigan to discuss the early days of America’s founding, the history of Burns’ work, and southern New Jersey’s involvement in the Revolution.

The showing first started with the history of Red Bank Battlefield, in which Fort Mercer was defended on Oct. 22, 1777. Dr. Janofsky, who is the co-director of the Red Bank Archaeology Project, showcased the heavy loss of the Hessians, German soldiers serving with the British army, as well as highlighting the archeological discoveries that have been found to support these claims. Internship and volunteer opportunities for Rowan students at the battlefield were also highlighted in the presentation.

“As the director of Red Bank Battlefield, I was thrilled to connect our work to the excitement of America’s 250th and this new documentary,” said Dr. Janofsky. “The Revolution was a violent, transformative struggle, and it’s inspiring to see the public so engaged in exploring its complexity.”

The first episode of the six-part documentary shown to Rowan students, entitled “In Order to be Free”, focuses on the time period leading up to the war for independence, as well as early involvement with Britain and conflicts that influenced the then colonists to go against their authority. Events such as the Boston Massacre, slavery, and the removal of indigenous people were also brought up in the showcase.

The series shows original footage and timely paintings that are able to highlight the landscapes in which these events occurred.

“It told a surprisingly complex version of the coming of the American Revolution that included a powerful treatment of the indigenous peoples during the 18th century,” said Dr. Carrigan.

It was also clear for many in attendance to see the years-long process of the making of the documentary and how Burns’ experience, as well as featured historians in the field, was shown and noted.

“I was particularly impressed by his creative film work, including his use of the era’s material culture.  His interviews with various historians and writers impressed me as well,” said Dr. Carrigan. “He has been preparing for this film for over a decade, it is clear, as included interviews with esteemed historians who passed away several years ago now.”

In addition to Rowan’s event this past Tuesday, Burns also recently previewed the documentary this past Thursday at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey.

“This was not just a revolution of ideas in Philadelphia, but a real revolution, a bloody one, a late 18th century war in which people die by muskets and bayonets and cannon taking off things,” Burns said. “It’s a civil war where Americans are killing other Americans.”

Rowan University students in attendance said that the showing gave them a clearer insight on topics that they may have been familiar with, but may have not seen from a modern perspective. 

The first episode of “The American Revolution: An Intimate History” is set to premiere on PBS on Nov. 16, with the later episodes being released daily until Nov. 21.

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