2 minute read
Go Behind the Scenes of Benjamin Franklin with Filmmaker Ken Burns
by gpbdigital
CEO SPOTLIGHT
CONVERSATIONS ON FRANKLIN: A VIRTUAL EVENT SERIES
by GPB CEO Teya Ryan
Whether you’re a history buff or not, the accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin are sure to pique your interest. As noted in this month’s television highlights, renowned filmmaker Ken Burns’ latest documentary, Benjamin Franklin, explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century’s most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States.
“Write things worth reading,” he said in Poor Richard’s Almanack, “or do things worth the writing.” Benjamin Franklin did both.
As a companion to the documentary, PBS has produced a four-part conversation series featuring Ken Burns and special guests. Viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for Franklin’s contributions and understanding of the documentary by viewing the Conversations on Franklin: A Virtual Event Series at pbs.org/ kenburns/benjamin-franklin.
Conversations include:
With Ken Burns; Christopher Brown, Professor of History, Columbia University; and Jane Kamensky, Professor of History, Harvard University. Moderated by Bina Venkataraman, Editor-at-Large, The Boston Globe.
With Ken Burns; Walter Isaacson, author of “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life;” and Stacy Schiff, author of “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America.” Moderated by Stephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer, Mansueto Ventures.
With Ken Burns; Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; and Nicholas Burns, Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. Moderated by Judy Woodruff, PBS NewsHour.
With Ken Burns; Walter Isaacson, author of “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life;” and Erica Dunbar, Professor of History, Rutgers University. Moderated by Marty Moss-Coane, Host and Executive Producer of Radio Times on WHYY.
