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
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.”
The Better Angels Society is proud to sponsor awards dedicated to the next generation of documentary filmmakers.
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
Announcing the 2022 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize Recipient
Via Press Release from Alison Fox, CEO of American Prairie || 2022 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize Recipient Announcement American Prairie is proud to announce that Academy® Award-winning filmmaker, Jimmy Chin, has been named the recipient of the 2022 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize for his
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
Announcing the 2022 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize Recipient
Via Press Release from Alison Fox, CEO of American Prairie || 2022 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize Recipient
Ken Burns, Lynn Novick Take on Ernest Hemingway
The Guardian recently published an article on the upcoming release of Hemingway. In the
The Impact of College Behind Bars
We are excited to share some wonderful news: Congress has reversed the ban on