Meredith Public Library hosts America 250 film screening and discussion

MEREDITH ― The Meredith Public Library invites the community to take part in a special event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through film and conversation.

At the heart of the evening is a screening of a featured excerpt from "The American Revolution," a new documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, along with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. The segment, titled "The Spirit of Service" explores the enduring role of service in American life — from the nation’s founding ideals to modern expressions of volunteerism, civic engagement, and leadership.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to participate in a facilitated community discussion led by Glenn A. Knoblock, a noted independent scholar and author of more than 20 books. Knoblock has contributed extensively to the "African American National Biography" and written for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. His work spans a wide range of New Hampshire and New England topics, including African American history, historic cemeteries, covered bridges, the Kancamagus Highway, and the state’s iconic loon population.

Those interested in viewing the full documentary are encouraged to check it out from the Meredith Public Library.

The program is funded by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. It is part of the US@250: Big Watch initiative, presented in partnership with New Hampshire PBS, with additional support from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust. The event also connects to By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a national series developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils in collaboration with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

This program is on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit meredithlibrary.org.