The American Revolution & America at 250 | Ken Burns Moderated by: John Avlon 

In his documentary series The American Revolution, Ken Burns revisits the founding struggle that reshaped a continent and redefined the meaning of liberty. With his signature archival depth and narrative sweep, Burns examines the war not only as a military conflict but as a human drama that is marked by idealism, division, sacrifice, and uncertainty. Joined by journalist and historian John Avlon, Burns reflects on the Revolution’s competing visions of freedom, the ordinary people who propelled extraordinary change, and the unresolved tensions embedded in the nation’s birth. Together, they consider how the Revolution continues to inform contemporary debates about democracy, citizenship, and the responsibilities of a self-governing people. The New Orleans Book Festival brings the world’s leading authors to Tulane University for a multi-day celebration of their works. The Festival features both fiction and non-fiction and convenes readings, panel discussions, symposia and keynote speeches. It provides an opportunity for outlets, authors and readers to interact with each other in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the world.