Acclaimed filmmaker to curate upcoming exhibit at Peoria Riverfront Museum

Ken Burns is adding a new title to his long list of credits: museum curator.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum has named the acclaimed documentary filmmaker guest curator for its upcoming major exhibition celebrating America's 250th birthday in 2026, also known as the semiquincentennial.

The centerpiece of all the museum’s semiquincentennial activities, the exhibition will feature the most important historical American objects of art, science, history, and achievement ever to be assembled in the greater Peoria area.

How did Ken Burns get involved with Peoria?

Known to PBS audiences for decades, Burns’ relationship with the greater Peoria community began in 2022, when the Peoria Riverfront Museum hosted thousands of visitors to see an exhibition of the filmmaker’s private quilt collection. Subsequently, under the direction of editor Laurie Baker and sponsorship of Flo and Sid Banwart, the museum produced "Uncovered: The Ken Burns Collection," the first book published about his quilts.

"My relationship with the Peoria Riverfront Museum began when my personal collection of American quilts visited their museum,” Burns said in a release. “We share an enthusiasm for the many American stories that make us one. It is exciting to be involved with this unique multidisciplinary museum as we use the stories of history to light the way to a brighter future."

Who is Ken Burns?

Credited with nearly 40 documentary films on subjects including the Civil War, jazz, baseball, and the national parks, Burns’ new six-part documentary entitled "The American Revolution" is set to be released by PBS next year as the country begins to prepare for this historic anniversary.

"Our Peoria perspective offers an important lens on America’s history, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum aspires to be the leader in helping build confidence and spark learning about the story of our nation," Riverfront Museum board chairman Todd Baker said in a release.

America 250: When will the Ken Burns exhibition open?

In his role as guest curator, Burns will serve as an advisor to Peoria Riverfront Museum chief curator Bill Conger and staff as they prepare for the original America 250 exhibition, which is scheduled to open in early 2026.

"Peoria is proud to be the one museum to call Ken Burns guest curator, representing Illinois with the only multidisciplinary museum exhibition of its kind in the country celebrating America 250," said John D. Morris, president and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

The board, staff, and members of Peoria Riverfront Museum are planning a series of programs, speakers, films, digital content, and themed activities anchored by the America 250 exhibition.

More information is available at America250Illinois.org.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Ken Burns: Documentary filmmaker guest curator at Peoria Riverfront Museum