Chrysler Building, New York City, 1930

Founding Fathers Viewing and Discussion Programs

The following list of films may be used in programs that support use of Picturing America posters 3B, 4A, and 4B:

1776. (1972) 2 hrs. 46 min. Sony Pictures. DVD: $19.99.
Adapted from the Sherman Edwards/Peter Stone Broadway show, 1776 is a musical that recounts events in Congress during the hot and stormy Philadelphia month leading up to the July 4 signing of the Declaration of Independence. Additional resources. Available from Amazon.

Ben Franklin. (2004) 100 min. History Channel. DVD: $24.95.
This documentary explores this multifaceted figure in American history—inventor, writer, businessman, scientist, and diplomat. Study guide. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR. [Also available as part of the multi-series collection, Founding of America.1999–2006. 27 hrs. History Channel. 14-DVD set: $99.95. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR.]

Founding of America. (1999–2006) 27 hrs. History Channel. 14-DVD set: $99.95.
The inspiring early days of America—the personalities, the battles, the bravery, the losses, and even the romance—spring to life in spellbinding detail in this sweeping multiseries collection that examines those who risked their fortunes and lives for United States’ independence. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR. [Each collection is also available for sale individually: Founding Fathers, Founding Brothers, The Revolution, Ben Franklin, Benedict Arnold: A Question Of Honor, Washington the Warrior, and The Crossing.]

Founding Brothers. (2002) 200 min. History Channel. 2-DVD set: $39.95.
Based on Joseph Ellis’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book, the words of the founders and incisive commentary from leading scholars create an engaging portrait of America’s origins in this elegant documentary that examines six moments when the collisions and collusions of these towering figures left an indelible imprint on the nation. Study guide. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR. [Also available as part of the multi-series collection, Founding of America.1999–2006. 27 hrs. History Channel. 14-DVD set: $99.95. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR.]

Founding Fathers. (2001) 200 min. History Channel. 2-DVD set: $39.95.
Discover the remarkable, unseen private sides of the people who risked their reputations, fortunes, and lives for the cause of American independence. Study guides. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR. [Also available as part of the multi-series collection, Founding of America.1999–2006. 27 hrs. History Channel. 14-DVD set: $99.95. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR.]

John Adams. (2008) 8 hrs. HBO Films. 2-DVD set: $59.99.
Based on David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize–winning biography, this docudrama chronicles the life and career of statesman Adams, from the Boston Massacre to his son’s presidency. The series explores his relationship with his wife, Abigail, and their extraordinary partnership that spanned fifty-four years. Educational kit. Available from HBO.

Liberty! The American Revolution. (1997) 6 hrs. PBS. 3-DVD set: $69.95 (includes PPR).
A dramatic documentary about the birth of the American Republic and the struggle of a loosely connected group of states to become a nation. This award-winning series brings the people, events, and ideas of the revolution to life through military reenactments and dramatic recreations. Resources. Available from PBS Educational Media.

The Revolution. (2006) 9 hrs. 45 min. History Channel. 4-DVD set: $49.95.
Through sweeping cinematic recreations, intimate biographical investigations, and provocative political, military, and economic analysis, the historic ideas and themes that transformed treasonous acts against the British into noble acts of courage both on and off the battlefield come to life in this dramatic and captivating program. Resources. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR. [Also available as part of the multi-series collection, Founding of America.1999–2006. 27 hrs. History Channel. 14-DVD set: $99.95. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR.]

Thomas Jefferson. (1997) 180 min. PBS. DVD: $44.95 (includes PPR).
Filmmaker Ken Burns examines the life of Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. Resources. Available from PBS Educational Media.

Washington the Warrior. (2006) 100 min. History Channel. DVD: $24.95.
From the fields where he courted disaster as a young officer, to the true story of the fabled crossing of the Delaware, this History Channel documentary provides a look at the career of the most important commander in American military history. Resources. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR. [Also available as part of the multi-series collection, Founding of America.1999–2006. 27 hrs. History Channel. 14-DVD set: $99.95. Available from History Channel; contact a sales rep for PPR.]