TELLING AMERICA’S STORIES
The Better Angels Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Americans about their history through documentary film. Our mission 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. The Society is currently raising funds for films in production and planned over the next ten years.
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.
“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.”
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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
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Lynda and Stewart Resnick
Lynda and Stewart Resnick pledged a generous $1 million gift to The Better Angels Society to further the educational outreach associated with Ken Burns’ PBS documentary, The Vietnam War. Continuing their long-standing commitment to strategic
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Jonathan and Jeannie Lavine
The Crimson Lion Lavine Family Foundation proudly contributed a leadership gift to The Better Angels
IN THE PRESS
Washington Post: OPINIONS – How to honor John McCain’s memory
"In 2017, as Lynn Novick and I were finishing our film on the Vietnam War, I called Sen. John
Tennessean: FIRST LOOK: Ken Burns’ ‘Country Music’ Documentary
"Through his lens, he's made epic explorations into 'Baseball,' 'Prohibition' and several 20th-century wars. Next
InsideSources: An Educations Initiative Behind Bars
"Suppose you just left a prison after serving, say, 10 years for armed robbery. Barbed