CRYSTAL FALLS — The Crystal Falls District Community Library, in conjunction with WNMU-TV PBS, will host a preview screening event, a sneak-peek 48-minute trailer for Ken Burns’ upcoming new documentary, The American Revolution at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the library.

Everyone is welcome to the free screening.

Following the trailer, they will zoom into a panel discussion about the documentary with history buff Jim Koski.

The three panelists leading the discussion and question segment are Carter Wilson, Ph.D., professor and department head, Northern Michigan University Department of Political Science and Public Administration; Emily Romeo, Ph.D., assistant professor, Northern Michigan University History Department; and Justin Schapp, LL.M., assistant director of KCP Grant Administration and Faculty/Staff Initiatives, Northern Michigan University Office of Opportunity, Empowerment, and People.

Burns’ six-part, 12-hour documentary series explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year war for independence.

The much-anticipated series, which has been in production for eight years, was directed and produced by Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt and written by longtime collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward and will premiere on Sunday, Nov. 16, and airs for six consecutive nights through Friday, Nov. 21, from 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern time on WNMU-TV PBS.

The American Revolution examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down. Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose/in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe.

“The American Revolution is one of the most important events in human history,” Burns said. “We went from being subjects to inventing a new concept, citizens, and set in motion democratic revolutions around the globe. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding, I’m hopeful that people throughout the country will come together to discuss the importance of this history and to appreciate even more what our ancestors did to secure our liberty and freedoms.”

“Ken Burns documentaries are amazing. We are so happy to be partnering with our local PBS station and Northern Michigan University to bring this sneak peek to the community,” Director Evelyn Gathu said.

Refreshments will be served.

The library is at 237 Superior Ave. in downtown Crystal Falls. For more information, call Gathu at 906-875-3344, or email egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org.