America’s Founding Promise: From Jefferson to Lincoln

The words “all men are created equal” were penned by Thomas Jefferson, a man who enslaved hundreds of fellow human beings, including some of his own biological children. This conversation and film clip screening examines Jefferson’s promise to America—and the profound contradictions at its core—tracing the long and unfinished journey from 1776 to 1863, when Abraham Lincoln repeated those words at Gettysburg and challenged the nation to live up to them.

Ken Burns will be joined on stage by actor Sam Waterston, who voiced both Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln in his films, and by acclaimed author, historian, and professor Annette Gordon-Reed. The conversation will be moderated by author and Lincoln historian Harold Holzer.

This event is part of the 2026 Gettysburg Film Festival: American Revolution.

Purchase your tickets below.
$25/Back Tier, click here.
$15/Virtual Viewing, click here.*
Priority and general seating are SOLD OUT.

*Please note: In-person tickets cannot be refunded or converted to virtual tickets. Virtual access allows you to watch the event online from a location of your choice—not at the festival venue. Virtual access does NOT include any clip reels or live musical performances due to copyright restrictions.