The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum (ALLM) at Lincoln Memorial University welcomed guests Thursday evening for a special preview screening of Ken Burns’ new documentary series, The American Revolution, in partnership with East Tennessee PBS.
Dr. Michael Lynch, director of the museum, opened the event with remarks about LMU’s unique place in Lincoln’s legacy. Though Abraham Lincoln never visited East Tennessee, Lynch noted the region’s strong Unionist roots during the Civil War and Lincoln’s efforts to liberate East Tennessee residents living under Confederate control. He explained that one of Lincoln’s wartime generals, Oliver Otis Howard—later the founder of Howard University—helped raise funds to establish LMU as a living memorial to the 16th president.
“Today, LMU houses one of the best private collections of Lincoln and Civil War materials anywhere in the country,” Lynch said. “Lincoln believed the war was not only a fight to preserve the Union but also to perpetuate the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. His words remind us that the promise of liberty was meant for all people, for all time.”
Susan Parker, program coordinator for the museum, outlined upcoming events planned as part of the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Among them is an Oct. 30 lecture featuring Dr. Jonathan White and Dr. Lucas Morel. Morel is the author of "Lincoln and the American Founding." White and Morel co-authored "Measuring the Man: The Writings of Frederick Douglass on Abraham Lincoln."
Barb Shipley, chief development officer for East Tennessee PBS, introduced the screening and spoke about the network’s mission to provide in-depth, accessible programming for the community. She emphasized that PBS’s non-commercial model allows it to share expansive projects like The American Revolution, which has been 25 years in the making and will premiere nationally Nov. 16.
“This series is incredibly comprehensive,” Shipley said. “It explores perspectives ranging from women and Native Americans to the tactical strategies of war. Ken Burns has called the Declaration of Independence the most important document to humanity as a whole, and this series makes clear why.”
Attendees viewed a 48-minute highlight reel from the multi-episode documentary and were invited to provide feedback through surveys that will be shared with program funders.
The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, located on the LMU campus in Harrogate, houses an extensive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and rare books related to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. The museum serves as a center for research, education, and public programming that explores Lincoln’s enduring legacy.
About East Tennessee PBS
East Tennessee PBS is a community-owned public television station serving viewers across East Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and parts of western North Carolina and Virginia. For 57 years, East Tennessee PBS has provided educational programming, documentaries, children’s shows, and cultural content to inspire lifelong learning and civic engagement. As a non-commercial broadcaster, the station is committed to delivering diverse perspectives and in-depth storytelling that serves the entire community.
The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum is located on the historic campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Housing one of the top five Lincoln and Civil War private collections in the world, the Museum is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (March through November). For more information about this and other programs at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, call 423-869-6235.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
