In July, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — a moment that invites reflection not only on the nation’s history, but also on the stories, communities, and experiences that continue to shape America today.
At Twin Cities PBS, we believe those stories begin close to home.
That’s why we’re commemorating the anniversary through Voices Rising: Twin Cities PBS Stories for America’s 250th — a storytelling initiative designed to elevate Minnesota voices and perspectives during this historic milestone.
Voices Rising brings together new original documentaries, archival content, digital storytelling, and live events that explore who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re heading together.
“America’s 250th anniversary is not just a milestone — it’s an invitation,” said Nick Kereakos, Chief Content Officer at Twin Cities PBS. “Voices Rising is about creating space for honest reflection, creative expression, and stories rooted in community.”
Minnesota Stories, Past and Present
Voices Rising will serve as the unifying banner for Twin Cities PBS’s America at 250 programming, connecting projects across broadcast, digital platforms, social media, educational resources, and community partnerships.
A look at what’s ahead:
Beginning June 29, Voices Rising: Twin Cities PBS Stories for America’s 250th will come to life every Monday at 8 pm on TPT 2 with a curated lineup of some of Twin Cities PBS’s most impactful documentaries and storytelling projects. Audiences can look forward to films and specials including Summer of ’76, Citizen, Jesse Ventura Shocks the World!, and more. Full schedules and programming details will be announced soon.
New 250th programming from Twin Cities PBS will also include:
Summer of ’76: The Bicentennial in Minnesota – This one-hour documentary is a video time capsule about the lost moment in Minnesota history when the nation and state came together to celebrate and ruminate on the meaning of America at 200. Interviews with organizers and found footage unseen in 50 years fill this kaleidoscope of stories from the Bicentennial in the North Star State. Premieres on TPT 2 and the PBS App on Monday, June 29 at 8 pm.
Sketches of Democracy – A traveling storytelling series coming to Almanac created in partnership with Danger Boat Productions and the Minnesota Humanities Center, combining live conversation and improv comedy to explore civic life and community identity across Minnesota. Premieres later this summer.
State of Song – A collaboration with VocalEssence celebrating Minnesota’s rich choral and singing traditions through short films and educational content. Premieres later this summer.
The Pursuit of Happiness – A new series hosted by Amanda Brinkman exploring how different generations define and pursue happiness through deeply personal stories centered on resilience, family, and community. Premieres in September.
Together, these projects reflect Twin Cities PBS’s commitment to community-rooted storytelling that is inclusive, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience.