About this Event
PBS North Carolina and Thalian Hall Present — Homegrown History
An Exclusive Screening & Wilmington Community Conversation
Plus curated clips from The American Revolution, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt
Join PBS North Carolina and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts for a special evening of storytelling that connects the sweeping national history of the American Revolution with a remarkable Revolutionary-era story from right here in Wilmington and New Hanover County.
The evening will feature a curated selection of clips from acclaimed documentary The American Revolution, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, paired with a special screening of Homegrown History, PBS North Carolina’s original documentary series created in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Together, these two productions offer an opportunity to explore the American Revolution from both a national and local perspective—and to consider the people and communities whose stories help us better understand this pivotal chapter in American history.
This episode of Homegrown History features the story of Zachariah Jacobs (Holmes), a free soldier of color born in the Wilmington/New Hanover County area whose contributions to the American Revolution were nearly lost to history.
Event Details:
- Date & Time: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 6–8 PM
- Location: Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts | 310 Chestnut Street | Wilimington, NC
Your Evening Includes:
- A special screening of Homegrown History, Episode 2: Forgotten Heroes of the American Revolution
- A curated selection of clips from The American Revolution, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, the nationally acclaimed documentary series exploring the people, events, and ideas that shaped the Revolutionary era
- A community conversation and audience Q&A with Homegrown History series executive producer, Greg Jeske, local historians and descendants of Zachariah Jacobs
- An opportunity to connect with fellow history enthusiasts and PBS fans
Free and open to the public. Advanced registraton is required.
Questions about the event or registration? Email Karen Nowak at [email protected].
A Revolutionary Story Close to Home
The American Revolution, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, brings the story of America’s founding to a national audience, examining the people and events that shaped the Revolution and its enduring legacy. Through this special community event, PBS North Carolina will pair selections from this acclaimed national documentary with a story from our own state and community.
Homegrown History travels across North Carolina to uncover complicated and deeply personal stories—digging into local archives and working with communities and descendants to bring forgotten histories to light.
In this Wilmington story, Zachariah Jacobs emerges as one of two remarkable Black North Carolinians whose contributions to the patriot cause were nearly lost to history. Alongside Currituck Jack, an enslaved mariner from Currituck County, Jacobs’ story offers a new perspective on the people who helped shape the American Revolution and the nation that followed.
From the National Story to Our Community
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, PBS North Carolina is bringing Revolutionary-era stories to audiences across the state and inviting communities to help tell them.
Following the screenings, join PBS North Carolina and local voices for a Wilmington community conversation exploring Zachariah Jacobs’ story, the Revolutionary history of the region, and how local stories can deepen our understanding of the larger American story.
You’ll also learn how you can help PBS North Carolina uncover your community’s history as part of the Homegrown History project.
Do you have a North Carolina history story to share?
PBS North Carolina is collecting stories, photographs, documents, family histories and other materials that can help tell the story of our state.
Visit to learn more and contribute to the project.
Homegrown History is available to stream anytime online and on the free PBS App. It is also available on YouTube.
The Homegrown History Initiative is sponsored by SECU Foundation, funded by the members of State Employees’ Credit Union. Additional support provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, American Battlefield Trust and Duke Energy Foundation.
Thank you to our event partner, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
This event was made possible with generous grant support from Duke Energy Foundation. Additonal grant support provided by WETA.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Event venue & nearby stays
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, United States
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