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Home2024-12-03T10:45:21-07:00

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 2024 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LAVINE/KEN BURNS PRIZE FOR FILM

Submissions for the 2024 Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film opened on February 15 at 12:00 am ET and closed on May 1 at 11:59 pm ET. Submissions for 2025 will open early next year. 

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.

WE SUPPORT

“More Americans get their history from Ken Burns than any other source.”

Stephen Ambrose, Historian

“History can help us connect with our better angels.” 

Walter Isaacson, Author

“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.”

Admiral Michael Mullen, Better Angels Society Board Member

“We believe an understanding of history is critical to a healthy democracy.”

Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine, Better Angels

“Through his storytelling, Ken revives our often dormant moral conscience while giving a voice to the voiceless. He is a national treasure.”

Ron Moultrie, Better Angels Board Member

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.

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