WUCF's America250 initiative is a three-year project celebrating the founding of our nation 250 years ago. Through new local and national content, community events, and educational programs, we explore themes of civic engagement, history, and unity. This initiative connects Central Floridians of all ages and backgrounds to our shared past while inspiring active participation in shaping our future.

WUCF’s America250 initiative is supported in part by the Ginsburg Family Foundation.

Join WUCF for a live community watch party of the first episode of The American Revolution, a powerful new documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. This landmark film captures the personal stories, complex contradictions, and far-reaching impact of America’s eight-year struggle for independence.

These watch parties invite you to experience the premiere together — live, in real time— as we gather with neighbors across Central Florida for an evening of conversation, reflection, and local pride.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the episode begins promptly at 8:00 p.m., running its full two-hour duration.

Join us at one of three free special events:

Downtown Orlando – Orange County Regional History Center

Cocoa Beach – Surfside Playhouse

Brevard County

The Villages – Brownwood Resort & Spa

Sumter County

Space is limited at each location — early registration is encouraged!

Next year, WUCF Jazz will debut a new radio series exploring how jazz shaped—and was shaped by—key moments in U.S. history. From the blues of the Jim Crow South to the bebop of postwar America, each episode connects the music to the nation's evolving story.

Being a Kid During the American Revolution

During the American Revolution, children found 
joy in play just as kids do today. Using simple 
materials like corn husks, scraps of cloth, carved 
wood or stones they created toys and games that 
sparked imagination and laughter. 
These replicas remind us that no matter the time 
or place, play is an important part of being a child. 
Feel free to explore and try your hand at games 
that connect us to the children of long ago.

WUCF provides free access to trusted, fact-based, in-depth, uninterrupted, and timely information around civic engagement in Florida, and our country’s 250th birthday. 

The Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government  at the University of Central Florida houses the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and is a leading provider of civic education instructional and professional development resources in Florida. They work to help strengthen the civic education capacity of Florida’s K-12 education system through research, policy analysis, and advocacy. Learn more.

The Pledge Central Florida  is a call to action for residents of Central Florida who are tired of hateful discourse and want to create a safe and inclusive community for all. The pledge asks residents to commit to treating all people with kindness and respect, especially those with whom they disagree. Learn more.

Meet The Helpers features two new Helpers in 2024 that support democracy and make information available for everyone: American Sign Language Interpreter and a Public Service Worker. The new Helpers segments are airing on WUCF TV and are available to stream here.

University of Central Florida Civil Discourse and Engagement hosts various Public Policy Events throughout the year. Learn more.

University of Central Florida Government and Community Relations provides resources and information on the six amendments on the ballot this election cycle and is an early voting location. Learn more.

PBS LearningMedia Civics Collections empowers student citizens by teaching civic knowledge and understanding through applied examples from U.S. history and skills such as analyzing civic engagement and engaging in civil discourse. Focusing on multiple perspectives and diverse stories, these resources enable all students to see themselves as civic actors and prepare them to engage in civic political life. Learn more.

"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."