Religion has often been central to revolutionary movements throughout history by serving as the impetus for rebellion, mobilizing and organizing volunteers, and shaping the moral foundations of the revolutionaries themselves. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this program invites members of the Central Indiana community to ponder how lived religion and voluntary action shaped the American Revolution and how these themes reverberate throughout history, even to the current moment.

Through a collaborative event from the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Spirit & Place, all a part of Indiana University Indianapolis, as well as WFYI, attendees will hear from some of the foremost scholars on religion’s role in the Revolutionary War as they explore key areas of religion and volunteering, framed through the Faith and Freedom in America screening reel from The American Revolution documentary by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt.

Refreshments will be available at 6:00 pm, and the program will start at 6:30 pm.

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.