Oct. 28, 2025
Hands-on event will include exclusive preview of ‘The American Revolution’
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — The Baxter County Library in Mountain Home will host a free, hands-on Transcribe-a-Thon on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m., in partnership with Arkansas PBS, the Arkansas State Library and the Library of Congress. Guests are encouraged to register at myarpbs.org/events.
The program will open with an exclusive preview of the upcoming documentary, “The American Revolution,” directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Afterward, participants will help transcribe Revolutionary-era documents through the Library of Congress’s "By the People" project, preserving stories of the past and ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.
No prior experience is required. Volunteers will receive guidance on how to create, review transcriptions and make rare historical records searchable and widely available. This is an opportunity to step into America’s founding era, strengthen civic understanding and play a direct role in a nationwide effort to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own personal laptops or tablets; library computers will also be available. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and attendees will have the opportunity to win The American Revolution book and DVD set.
Examples of documents that could be transcribed include:
- Letters of correspondence.
- Military records.
- Financial papers.
- Musical cue sheets.
- Poems and speeches.
- Essays and articles.
- Autobiographical works.
As part of the nationwide America250 commemoration, Arkansas PBS invites Arkansans to reflect on our shared past and explore how our state’s stories continue to shape the nation’s future. Through community events, educational initiatives and special programming, Arkansas PBS is amplifying local voices and connecting Arkansas’s history to America’s broader story. From community screenings and expert panels to interactive Transcribe-a-Thons and student storytelling through National History Day, the #ARVoicesAt250 campaign celebrates the people, places and ideas that have defined Arkansas for 250 years – and will continue to shape its next chapter. The public is encouraged to join the conversation using #ARVoicesAt250 and to explore upcoming events, educational resources and opportunities for engagement at myarpbs.org/america250. #ARVoicesAt250 is sponsored in part by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, whose support helps Arkansas PBS share the stories, scholarship and civic conversations that connect our state to the American experience.
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.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Lee Mountain), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Yancy) and KETS (Gaither).
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