Home2025-03-20T09:43:00-06:00

TELLING AMERICA’S STORIES

THE BETTER ANGELS SOCIETY

The Better Angels Society is the preeminent organization supporting excellence in American history documentaries in ways that advance civic engagement and educate generations of students and lifelong learners.

Learn more about our work, meet members of our community, and see a sampling of the films we have supported through our programs in the video to the left.

THE 2025 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LAVINE/KEN BURNS PRIZE FOR FILM

Submissions for the 2025 Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film will open on February 26 at 12:00 am PT and close on May 1 at 11:59 pm PT. 

The Next Generation Angels Awards

The Better Angels Society is sponsoring National History Day individual documentary awards for middle and high school students. Students begin their journey by presenting films in classrooms, schools, and districts around the world.

OUR WORK

JOIN

Join this vibrant community of dedicated individuals.

Members of The Better Angels Society share a belief in the power of exceptional American history documentaries to illuminate our shared past and foster meaningful connections through storytelling. Becoming a member is simple—sign up for our mailing list to receive regular newsletters that highlight our programs and the best in American history documentary film. For those who wish to deepen their commitment, we welcome you to the Friends of The Better Angels Society, a special community of donors whose generosity fuels the growth and impact of our initiatives. If you are interested in making a restricted donation to a specific documentary film or have questions about the Friends of The Better Angels Society, please click the link below.

WHAT’S NEW

LATEST NEWS

THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS AND THE BETTER ANGELS SOCIETY OPEN SUBMISSIONS FOR SEVENTH ANNUAL LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LAVINE/KEN BURNS PRIZE FOR FILM

Annual Prize, Supported by The Crimson Lion/Lavine Family Foundation and The Better Angels Society, Recognizes Exemplary U.S. History Documentaries $2.25 Million Has Been Awarded Since 2019 Washington, DC – February 26, 2025 – The

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

IN THE PRESS

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