Friederike Baer, professor of history at Penn State Abington, will discuss her role in the new Ken Burns documentary The American Revolution at a Nov. 13 event.
ABINGTON, Pa.— Explore the story behind "The American Revolution," the highly anticipated new documentary from Academy Award nominee Ken Burns, at Penn State Abington on Nov. 13. Just days before its release on PBS, this preview and discussion will feature three leading scholars on the period and its impact, including Friederike Baer, a professor of history at Abington who is featured in the film and served as a historical advisor to Burns and his team.
"As a scholar of the Revolutionary era, working with Ken Burns, the master storyteller of the American experience, was both exhilarating and deeply rewarding,” she said. “I think a lot of people will be surprised by how complex and full of contradictions the founding of our nation really was, and how deeply relevant that story remains today.”
"Behind the Scenes of The American Revolution" will take place Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at 112 Woodland Building at Penn State Abington, 1600 Woodland Road in Abington. The discussion will be followed by a light reception. Admission is free, however, RSVP is required.
Baer’s scholarship focuses on the American Revolution and the Early American Republic, and she is the author of the award-winning book "Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War."
The audience will learn about the historical significance and contemporary relevance of this pivotal period in American history through insights from Baer, as well as:
- Ricardo A. Herrera, senior historian at the George Washington Leadership Institute and retired professor of military history at the U.S. Army War College. He is the award-winning author of "Feeding Washington’s Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778."
- Philip Mead, founding chief historian and director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. His work bridges the gap between academic history and public storytelling through the development of the intellectual framework for museum exhibitions, films, digital interactives, and galleries.
Kenny Cooper, a reporter for WHYY public media in southeastern Pennsylvania, will moderate.
This event is co-sponsored by WPSU, a PBS and NPR member station and a service of Penn State Outreach.
Friederike Baer, professor of history at Penn State Abington.
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington, home to nearly 3,000 students and minutes from Philadelphia, offers 26 four-year majors and 14 NCAA Division III athletics teams. The Abington experience launches students from campus to career through internships, leadership development, short-term academic travel, and faculty-led research. Penn State Abington — where the city’s energy meets the best of the suburbs.
