National History Day Success Takes Birchwood Students to NYC

Since 2019, Ken Burns' organization, The Better Angels Society, and the U.S. Library of Congress have teamed up to judge and award films which focus on U.S. history, rely on archival material, present diverse perspectives, and employ a broad range of storytelling devices. Although their documentary was not eligible for any of the prizes, their project earned them the opportunity to attend the New York City event alongside their parents and teachers.  

After posing for photos with Burns at a reception in the exhibit spaces of The New York Historical Society, the boys watched Okierete Onadowan, an original cast member of Hamilton, perform "The Story of Tonight." They were then treated to screenings of the award finalists' films, as well as conversations between Burns and the filmmakers.

Next came the thrill of seeing their own documentary screened before the distinguished audience. Finally, Burns invited Haadi, Viyan, and about a dozen other student honorees to the stage to be recognized as the future of American history documentary filmmaking.