PREMIERES FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14 AT 8:30 PM

In preparation for America’s 250th birthday celebration next year – and the premiere of Ken Burns’ new film THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION – we’re sharing some of the filmmaker’s past documentaries on American history.

In this double feature of THE STATUE OF LIBERTY and THE CONGRESS, award-winning American documentary filmmaker Ken Burns tells America’s narrative through the symbolic Statue of Liberty, and the strongest branch of government, the U.S. Congress. By examining the history behind these two archives of America, Burns allows viewers to understand the purpose of each, as well as their contribution to the ever-growing story of our nation. 

For more than 100 years, the Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of hope and refuge for generations of immigrants. In this lyrical, compelling and provocative portrait of the statue, Burns explores both the history of America’s premier symbol and the meaning of liberty itself. Featuring rare archival photographs, paintings and drawings, readings from actual diaries, letters and newspapers of the day, the fascinating story of this universally admired monument is told. 

Along with THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, THE CONGRESS explores not only the building of legislature but the process as well. For 200 years, the United States Congress has been one of the country’s most important and least understood institutions. Using historical photographs and newsreels, evocative live footage and interviews, Burns chronicles the events that have shaped the first 200 years of congress and, in turn, our country. 

Watch THE STATUE OF LIBERTY and THE CONGRESS online or on the free PBS app.