As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, Twin Cities PBS invites viewers to look back at another milestone year: 1976.
This summer, Twin Cities PBS premieres Summer of '76: The Bicentennial in Minnesota, a new documentary that explores how Minnesotans experienced America's 200th birthday. Through rare archival footage, historic news coverage, and firsthand accounts from people who lived it, the film revisits a summer filled with celebration, pride, debate, and cultural change.
From tall ships arriving in Duluth and festivities at the State Capitol to neighborhood parades and community gatherings across the state, Minnesota embraced the Bicentennial in memorable ways. But the story wasn't as simple as red, white, and blue.
Summer of '76 also examines the voices and perspectives that challenged official narratives of the era, including Indigenous communities, Black cultural leaders, and women whose experiences reflected a nation grappling with questions of identity, history, and belonging.
The result is a vivid time capsule of a uniquely American moment — one that feels especially relevant as the country approaches another major milestone. Through stories that are nostalgic, surprising, humorous, and thought-provoking, the film asks not only how Minnesotans celebrated America at 200, but what that moment can teach us today.
Join Us for a Special Screening
Ahead of its broadcast premiere, Twin Cities PBS will host a special screening of Summer of '76 on June 23 at St. Paul's historic Landmark Center — one of the film's featured locations and a symbol of Minnesota's Bicentennial-era preservation efforts. The event will bring together community members, historians, and Minnesotans eager to reflect on this remarkable moment in our state's history.
Watch the Premiere
Summer of '76: The Bicentennial in Minnesota premieres Monday, June 29 at 8 pm on Twin Cities PBS and streams free on the PBS App.
Before the premiere, get a preview of the stories, memories, celebrations, and cultural conversations that shaped Minnesota's Bicentennial year.