TELLING AMERICA’S STORIES
THE BETTER ANGELS SOCIETY
The Better Angels Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Americans about their history through documentary film. Our goal is to educate, engage and provoke thoughtful discussion among people of every political persuasion and ideology.
We work to ensure historically significant films are completed, broadcast, promoted, and shared in ways that reach and inform as many people as possible through robust educational and civic outreach. We are also working to ensure that the next generation of documentary filmmakers, inspired by Ken Burns and his team, receive the education, mentoring, training, and support they need to continue his legacy
THE 2022 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
LAVINE/KEN BURNS PRIZE FOR FILM
Submissions for the 2022 Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film will open on February 22 and close on June 1, 2022. The Prize Ceremony will be held at the Library of Congress on the evening of October 18, 2022. For more information about the Prize, or to submit a film for consideration, explore the links below.
The Better Angels Society is proud to sponsor awards dedicated to the next generation of documentary filmmakers.
WE SUPPORT
“More Americans get their history from Ken Burns than any other source.”
“History can help us connect with our better angels.”
“Ken Burns brings to life our American history like no one else, and does it in a way that is riveting, relevant and impactful. Simply remarkable.”
“We believe an understanding of history is critical to a healthy democracy.”
“Through his storytelling, Ken revives our often dormant moral conscience while giving a voice to the voiceless. He is a national treasure.”
JOIN
Join this vibrant community of dedicated, like-minded individuals.
The immediate goal of The Better Angels Society is to complete funding for the documentary films currently in production, as well as the educational engagement tools that accompany each film. In addition, we are funding specific projects that fulfill a larger long-term mission, such as film restoration and preservation, supporting a new generation of filmmakers, and creating the Ken Burns legacy.
WHAT’S NEW
LATEST NEWS
THE BETTER ANGELS SOCIETY AND THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ANNOUNCE 2022 PRIZE JURY FOR FOURTH ANNUAL LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LAVINE/KEN BURNS PRIZE FOR FILM
Washington, DC – May 12, 2022 – The Better Angels Society, the Library of Congress, and the Crimson Lion/Lavine Family Foundation today announced this year’s Jury for the fourth annual Library of Congress Lavine/Ken
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Rocco Landesman
Why do you think this film [Country Music] is important now? Country music as a genre
IN THE PRESS
THE BETTER ANGELS SOCIETY AND THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ANNOUNCE HONORARY COMMITTEE FOR FOURTH ANNUAL LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LAVINE/KEN BURNS PRIZE FOR FILM
Washington, DC – April 12, 2022 – The Better Angels Society, the Library of
THE BETTER ANGELS SOCIETY AND GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY PARTNER TO HOST AN EVENT WITH KEN BURNS TO ENCOURAGE OPEN, CIVIL DIALOGUE
The discussion, “Franklin and Diplomacy”, moderated by Judy Woodruff, featuring Ken Burns, former Secretary
2022 Better Angels Lavine Fellowship Recipients Announced
Washington, DC – March 7, 2022 – Today, The Better Angels Society announced this