Ken Burns and Rick Atkinson with Patt Morrison: Revolutionary Crossroads: How America's Founding Era Illuminates Today's Struggles for America's Future

In this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns and Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Rick Atkinson join journalist Patt Morrison to examine how the American founding era continues to shape today’s political and cultural debates. Drawing on their extensive work exploring the Revolutionary period, Burns and Atkinson discuss the ideas, conflicts, and leadership that defined America’s birth—and how those same tensions echo in the nation’s present moment. The discussion explores questions including: • What lessons does the American Revolution offer for today’s challenges? • How did the founding generation navigate division and uncertainty? • What historical perspective can help illuminate the crossroads America faces today? Burns reflects on themes from his documentary The American Revolution, while Atkinson discusses insights from his bestselling Revolution Trilogy, including The Fate of the Day. Speakers Ken Burns – Documentary filmmaker known for landmark series including The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, The Vietnam War, and The American Revolution. Rick Atkinson – Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Long Gray Line, The British Are Coming, The Guns at Last Light, and The Fate of the Day. Patt Morrison – Journalist, author, and longtime Los Angeles Times columnist and broadcaster. Event Details America at a Crossroads March 4, 2026 Hosted by Jews United for Democracy and Justice