Celebrate America 250: Must-Watch Programs on WTTW This Summer
Meredith Francis
June 4, 2026
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, WTTW marks the milestone with a wide range of programs exploring the people, events, ideas, and places that have shaped the country's history and continue to define its future.
To honor this anniversary and its impact on the local community, WTTW created Firsthand: Democracy, a year-long multiplatform initiative documenting how individuals and local organizations respond to political polarization and shifts in public trust. WTTW has also partnered with PBS on the new mini-documentary series, America’s Awesome Kids, which showcases exceptional young people from across the country. For that project, WTTW produced the Illinois short film featuring Kevin, an accomplished Irish step dancer.
Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution
Saturday, June 6 at 5:30 and 7:00 pm on WTTW
Historian Lucy Worsley examines the 18th-century split between Britain and the 13 American colonies.
America’s Awesome Kids
Wednesday, June 17 at 12:30 pm on WTTW
A series of 25 short films features kids across America. Representing Illinois is Kevin, an accomplished Irish step dancer whose story will premiere on WTTW during the PBS Kids program Alma’s Way.
American Experience: The Presidents – George H. W. Bush
Friday, June 19 and Friday, June 26 at 9:00 pm on WTTW
This two-part documentary examines the life and presidency of George H.W. Bush (1989-1993).
Iconic America: Our Symbols And Stories With David Rubenstein
Sunday, June 28 at 12:00 pm on WTTW
Spend the afternoon with David Rubenstein as he examines the history of America through some of its most iconic objects, symbols, and artifacts, using them as a gateway to the past.
10 Monuments That Changed America
Sunday, June 28 at 6:00 pm on WTTW
Geoffrey Baer tours wholly original American monuments telling their surprising stories. Stream the show any time on our website and the PBS app.
Antiques Roadshow: 250 Years of Americana
Monday, June 29 at 7:00 pm on WTTW
Discoveries reflect 250 years of American art, artifacts, crafts, and collectibles.
Declarations: Black Americans And The Revolutionary War
Monday, June 29 at 9:00 pm on WTTW
This documentary follows the stories of enslaved and eventually freed Black Americans who fought for fundamental tenets of democracy.
Finding Your Roots: Secret Lives
Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 pm on WTTW
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. makes the surprising discovery that comedy icon Carol Burnett has ancestors connected with the American Revolution and the Civil War.
NOVA: Athens – Birth Of Democracy
Wednesday, July 1 at 7:00 pm on WTTW
Follow archaeological investigations into the dramatic origins of democracy in Greece 2,500 years ago.
NOVA: Revolutionary War Weapons
Wednesday, July 1 at 8:00 pm on WTTW
What military technologies did the American colonies use to achieve one of history’s most unlikely victories?
Firsthand: Democracy – Miten
Thursday, July 2 at 7:00 pm on WTTW
Civics teacher and British-born Indian immigrant Miten Patel motivates his students at Evanston Township High School to register to vote, question political candidates, and directly engage with the political process. Stream Miten’s story, along with others, any time on our website and the PBS app.
Firsthand: Democracy – Maryanne
Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 pm on WTTW
Braver Angels volunteer Maryanne Colter participates in community debates, teaches college students how to disagree about politics without being disagreeable, and shows neighbors how to tone down toxic partisanship. Stream Maryanne’s story, along with others, any time on our website and the PBS app.
The Last Battlefront: Quest for the Vote in Washington, D.C.
Thursday, July 2 at 8:00 pm on WTTW
This film looks at four turning points in the history of Washington, D.C.
American Dendrite
Thursday, July 2 at 9:00 pm on WTTW
This road trip documentary follows the Mississippi River system from Chicago to the Louisiana Bayou, capturing intimate stories along the way.
A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration
Friday, July 3 at 7:00 and 8:30 pm and Saturday, July 4 at 5:30 pm on WTTW
Watch America’s grand Fourth of July celebration – where music, fireworks, and heartfelt tributes light up the special night.
America Made In Virginia: 250 Years Together
Saturday, July 4 at 7:00 and 9:00 pm on WTTW
This live special from Colonial Williamsburg will reflect on America’s past, present, and future, concluding with a dramatic fireworks and drone display. Guests will include Ken Burns, Judy Collins, Michael Feinstein, Ryan Speedo Green, Kelli O'Hara, Richard Thomas, and more.
The American Revolution
Sunday, July 5 at 6:00 am on WTTW
In this six-part docuseries created by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, thirteen American colonies win an eight-year war to secure their independence and establish a new form of government.
Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story
Monday, July 6 at 9:00 pm on WTTW
Explore the founding of the United States through the lens of Philadelphia and how diverse communities shaped a new nation.
Breaking The Deadlock
Tuesday, July 7 at 8:00 pm on WTTW
A politically diverse panel explores freedom of speech and protest and the power of the vote, with the goal of finding common ground through civil discourse.
10 Modern Marvels That Changed The World
Friday, July 10 at 8:00 pm on WTTW
Geoffrey Baer takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of engineering feats that made our civilization possible. Stream any time on our website and on the PBS app.
American Experience: The Presidents – JFK
Fridays, July 10 and 17 at 9:00 pm on WTTW
This two-part documentary explores the life, presidency, and legacy of John F. Kennedy.
America The Bountiful: America's 250th Anniversary Special
Saturday, July 11 at 5:00 pm on WTTW
Host Capri Cafaro travels to storied locations of colonial America, highlighting the historic foods and drinks colonists were growing, harvesting, and producing.
Railroad Stations in American Life
Sunday, July 12 at 11:30 am on WTTW
Examine the role that U.S. railroad stations played in American history, from local civic centers to temples of transportation.
Our Vanishing Americana: Florida
Sunday, July 12 at 1:00 pm on WTTW
This film captures the spirit of Florida’s main streets through nearly 30 short stories from across the state.
A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway
Sunday, July 12 at 2:00 pm on WTTW
Explore America’s first coast-to-coast highway.
Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America
Sunday, July 12 at 3:00 pm on WTTW
Learn about a visionary whose parks and preservation are an essential part of American life.
10 Parks That Changed America
Sunday, July 12 at 4:00 pm on WTTW
Geoffrey Baer explores the serene spaces that offer city dwellers a respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Stream any time on our website and on the PBS app.
Chicago Stories: Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion
Sunday, July 12 at 5:00 pm on WTTW
Railroad titan George Pullman controlled the lives of the workers who staffed his groundbreaking sleeper cars. When his employees fought back, they helped shape America’s labor rights movement. Stream any time on our website, the PBS app, and YouTube.
Chicago Stories: The Great Chicago Fire
Sunday, July 12 at 6:00 pm on WTTW
On October 10, 1871, Chicagoans awoke to a smoking pile of rubble that stretched for miles on end. Could the city possibly recover? Stream any time on our website, the PBS app, and YouTube.
10 Buildings That Changed America
Friday, July 17 at 8:00 pm on WTTW
Geoffrey Baer tells the stories of 10 American architectural marvels. Stream any time on our website and on the PBS app.
Built To Last: The Legacy Of The Civilian Conservation Corps Of Minnesota
Sunday, July 19 at 11:30 am on WTTW
During the Great Depression, men and boys took part in a program that would teach them job skills, restore logged-over forests, and create public parks.
Reenacting the Revolution at Mount Vernon
Sunday, July 19 at 12:00 pm on WTTW
This annual event utilizes reenactors who transform George Washington’s backyard into a living history experience.
Before America
Sunday, July 19 at 12:30 pm on WTTW
This program traces Indigenous resistance, memory, and sovereignty across the Great Lakes.
The War of 1812
Sunday, July 19 at 1:00 pm on WTTW
This documentary examines the strange and awkward conflict that shaped the destiny of a continent.
America’s Stairway
Sunday, July 19 at 3:00 pm on WTTW
This is the story of the historic Flight of Five locks on the Erie Canal in Lockport, New York, a symbol of what a developing nation could achieve.
Wisconsin Lighthouses
Sunday, July 19 at 4:00 pm on WTTW
Explore the lighthouses that shaped Wisconsin's maritime history.
Touring Chicago's Lakefront With Geoffrey Baer
Sunday, July 19 at 6:00 pm on WTTW
Join Geoffrey Baer to traverse Chicago’s legendary “front yard” and learn how it was envisioned, built, and defended, and the ways it has evolved. Stream any time on our website, the PBS app, and YouTube.
Chicago Stories: Jane Addams – Together We Rise
Saturday, July 25 at 5:00 pm on WTTW
Meet Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist Jane Addams and the cadre of women who joined her in her quest to enrich the lives of thousands of immigrants. Stream any time on our website, the PBS app, and YouTube.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Preserving The Legacy
Sunday, July 26 at 5:30 pm on WTTW
This renovation of George Washington’s sprawling estate has revealed new insights about the private person behind the public figure.
Haymarket: The Bomb, The Anarchists, and the Labor Struggle
Sunday, July 26 at 6:00 pm on WTTW
In May 1886, workers' protest rally turned deadly when a bomb thrown into the ranks of police resulted in the execution of innocent activists.
Amerigo: The Search for the American Dream
Monday, July 27 at 9:00 pm on WTTW
This sweeping documentary strives, through the voices of everyday Americans across all 50 states, to answer one timeless question: What happened to the American Dream?
10 Streets That Changed America
Friday, July 31 at 8:00 pm on WTTW
Geoffrey Baer highlights 10 iconic American streets and the ways that they continue to shape our communities. Stream any time on our website and on the PBS app.
