The Celebration Begins!
Join us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Working with our partners, including Panhandle PBS and the Amarillo Genealogical Society, we’ve planned a documentary series to offer a deep dive into the history surrounding the American Revolution. It all starts with the documentary, Liberty or Death, filmed at what was then Henrico Parish Church, the original site of the Second Virginia Convention. The series continues with episodes of The American Revolution by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David P. Schmidt. Everything wraps up with a giant birthday celebration on July 2!
America 250 Observances at the Amarillo Public Library
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 19 through July 2
- All events take place at the Downtown Library – 413 SE 4th.
- Doors open at 5 PM. Programs begin at 5:30.
- Film screenings will be followed by discussions led by local historians.
- Events will conclude by 7 PM
Liberty or Death
A documentary produced by the St. John’s Church Foundation, Liberty or Death focuses on the Second Virginia Convention, held in March of 1775 at the building that was then called Henrico Parish Church in Richmond, Virginia.
Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson were among the delegates to the meetings held to organize protests against Great Britain and George III.
A brief discussion of the film will follow, moderated by WTAMU History Instructor Courtney Crowley.
- Tuesday, May 19 at 5 PM
- Downtown Library – 413 SE 4th
The American Revolution
The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, & David Schmidt, chronicles how the 13 British colonies fought for independence and formed a new nation, telling the story through the experiences of soldiers, leaders, Loyalists, Native Americans, and African Americans.
Throughout the series, we’ll watch one hour of the program each evening, followed by a brief discussion moderated by local historians.
- Thursday, May 21: In Order to Be Free
- Tuesday, May 26: In Order to Be Free continues.
- Thursday, May 28: An Asylum for Mankind
- Tuesday, June 2: An Asylum for Mankind concludes.
- Thursday, June 4: The Times that Try Men’s Souls
- Tuesday, June 9: The Times that Try Men’s Souls continues.
- Thursday, June 11: Conquer by a Drawn Game
- Tuesday, June 16: Conquer by a Drawn Game concludes.
- Thursday, June 18: The Soul of All America
- Tuesday, June 23: The Soul of All America continues.
- Thursday, June 25: The Most Sacred Thing
- Tuesday, June 30: The Most Sacred Thing concludes.
Thank you to local historians and scholars for moderating discussions:
- WTAMU History Instructor Courtney Crowley
- WTAMU Historian Josh Copas
- WTAMU History Graduate Student Jacob Rosales
Happy 250th Birthday America!
Join us for birthday cake and a patriotic sing-along as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday!
- Thursday, July 2
- Doors open at 5 PM; festivities begin at 5:30
- Downtown Library – 413 SE 4th Ave.
Many thanks to our America 250 partners!
- Panhandle PBS
- Amarillo Genealogical Society
- Palo Duro Chapter,
Daughters of the Republic of Texas - Esther McCrory Chapter,
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) - Molly Goodnight Chapter,
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) - Panhandle Plains Chapter
National Society Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR)
