Panhandle PBS Expands Community Engagement Through PBS America 250 Initiative
Panhandle PBS is bringing communities together through screenings, educator partnerships, special programming, and learning opportunities as part of PBS America @ 250, a national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, Panhandle PBS is partnering with Amarillo Public Library, Region 16 Education Service Center, and community organizations to connect local audiences with conversations about history, civic engagement, and storytelling through The American Revolution, the acclaimed documentary series from filmmakers Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt.
Panhandle PBS's efforts were recently highlighted by PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger during the PBS Annual Meeting as an example of how local stations can bring national programming into communities through partnerships and meaningful engagement.
"When programming becomes something people can experience together—not just watch—it creates stronger connections within a community," said Matt Franklin, general manager of Panhandle PBS. "That's what public media does best, and we're proud to help create those opportunities here in the Panhandle."
Community Screenings and Discussions
Panhandle PBS, Amarillo Public Library, and community partners will host free public screenings of The American Revolution on Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 2 at the Downtown Library, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave.
Each screening will be followed by community discussions led by West Texas A&M University history faculty members, creating opportunities for audiences to engage with the ideas, events, and stories explored in the film.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with programming beginning at 5:30 p.m. Complete schedules and event information are available.
Educational Resources and Teacher Engagement
As part of the initiative, Panhandle PBS is also helping connect classrooms with PBS Learning Media resources tied to America's Semiquincentennial. Available at pbslearningmedia.org/pbsteach250, these free resources include curriculum-aligned lesson plans, digital learning tools, and discussion guides designed to support teachers and students exploring American history and civic life.
Panhandle PBS will share these resources with educators during the Region 16 Curriculum Connect Conference on July 14-15.
Additional engagement materials for libraries, educators, and community organizations are available through the documentary's Engagement Resource Center at OurAmericanStory.com.
Building Community Through Public Media
In addition to local engagement activities, Panhandle PBS will bring a wide range of PBS America @ 250 programming to viewers across the region through broadcast and digital platforms. Historical documentaries, cultural specials, educational content, and family programming tied to the nation's 250th anniversary will air throughout the summer and beyond.
All six episodes of The American Revolution, which premiered on PBS in November 2025, are available to stream free across PBS platforms through July 12. On Panhandle PBS, the complete series will air July 4 from 3:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Viewers can find schedules and program information for more than three dozen PBS America @ 250 programs for both general audiences and children at panhandlepbs.org/schedule. For more information, check out panhandlepbs.org/TheAmericanRevolution or call Panhandle PBS at 806/371-5479.
About Panhandle PBS
Panhandle PBS serves the Texas Panhandle with high-quality educational programming, local storytelling, and community engagement across broadcast and digital platforms. As a PBS member station, it is committed to enriching lives through content that informs, inspires, and connects.