Celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with a lineup of PBS specials, concerts and documentaries. Watch on Nebraska Public Media and stream on the free PBS app.
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Nebraska Public Media and PBS are bringing viewers special programming that explores the stories, people and moments that have shaped our nation. Whether you’re interested in history, music, culture or nature, this lineup includes something for everyone.
A Capitol Fourth
Kick off your holiday weekend with a celebration! A Capitol Fourth returns live from Washington, D.C., on Friday, July 3, at 7 p.m. CT. Featuring star-studded musical performances, patriotic tributes and a spectacular fireworks display over the nation’s capital, this special edition of the #1 rated public broadcasting program honors the country’s 250th birthday with the traditions viewers have loved for decades. If you miss A Capitol Fourth on Friday, you can catch it again on Nebraska Public Media on Saturday, July 4, at 9 p.m. CT or Sunday, July 5 at 1:30 p.m. CT.
On Saturday, July 4, join us at 7 p.m. CT for the premiere of America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together. This two-hour broadcast special live from Colonial Williamsburg will blend live performance, music, historical interpretation and large-scale visual spectacle to connect our nation’s founding directly to the present day. This special repeats on Sunday, July 5 at 3 p.m. CT.
Historian Lucy Worsley investigates the tensions and turning points that led to America’s declaration of independence from Britain in 1776. Drawing on expert insights and original evidence, Worsley explores whether this historic split could have been avoided. This two-part series begins Tuesday, June 23, at 8 p.m. CT and continues Tuesday, June 30 at 8 p.m. CT. You can also watch Lucy Worsley Investigates on the free PBS app until July 23.
Vintage lovers: this one’s for you. This special edition of Antiques Roadshow features discoveries reflecting 250 years of American art, artifacts, crafts and collectibles. You can catch Antiques Roadshow: 250 Years of Americana Monday, June 29 at 7 p.m. CT, or on the free PBS app until July 27.
Learn more about the uniquely American horse breeds that helped shape our nation in Nature: American Horses. Grounded in historical moments and charismatic people, American Horses traces the emergence of these remarkable animals and introduces contemporary trainers continuing the long tradition of caring for them. Watch the episode Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. CT, or stream it on the free PBS app until July 22.
If you missed Suffs, the latest installment of the PBS Great Performances series back in May, then you’re in luck! The award-winning musical is streaming on the free PBS app until July 31. Recorded on Broadway in December 2024, Suffs tells the story of the American suffragist movement and the remarkable friendships, heartbreak, and action that brought women together – or, in some cases, tore them apart.
Ken Burns’ sweeping documentary series The American Revolution continues to resonate with viewers as America approaches its 250th anniversary. The series explores the people, ideas and conflicts that shaped the founding of the United States, combining vivid storytelling, historical scholarship and perspectives from all sides of the war. Whether you missed the original broadcast or want to revisit the series, it's streaming free on the PBS app until July 25.
To explore even more documentaries, performances and special programming, visit the dedicated America250 hub from PBS.