Ken Burns Presents
Henry David Thoreau
Film Screening
September 11, 2026
Ken Olsen Science Center, Gordon College
6:30 p.m. Reception
7-9 p.m. Screening
Join local community members and Gordon alumni, faculty, staff, and students to celebrate Gordon College's involvement in the most recent historical documentary by Ken Burns: Henry David Thoreau. Featuring a one-of-a-kind Executive Director's cut of the three-part film series and Q&A with Executive Director Erik Ewers, a Walden Woods Project expert, and contributing Gordon scholar David Goss.
Featuring Campus Archives
The Gordon Connection
Professor David Goss '74, Associate Professor in the Practice of History, and Sarah St. Germain '17, College Archivist, and Mary-Ellen Smiley, Adjunct Professor of Museum Studies, played key roles in the production of Henry David Thoreau.
St. Germain made available 19th century books from Gordon's Vining Collection that were used in the historical film sets at Walden Pond, Concord and Sturbridge Village. Goss helped edit the scripts for the three one-hour episodes, replicated Thoreau's handwriting, and assisted in decorating the film sets with historically appropriate artifacts. Both attended the Boston premiere alongside executive producers Ken Burns and Don Henley. Smiley was integral in providing and placing many period-correct objects from her own collection in the film's Walden and Sturbridge sets.
Henry David Thoreau Trailer
Henry David Thoreau helped define modern environmentalism and nonviolent resistance, yet his life has been obscured by myth. The author of Walden and Civil Disobedience, he was brilliant but flawed, idealistic but opinionated. A writer, scientist and activist, his words resonate urgently with today’s challenges as humanity looks for ways to live in harmony with nature—and each other.
Directions & Parking
The film screening will take place at Gordon College, located at 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA 01984.
Parking is available in the A.J. Gordon Chapel Parking Lot. From the parking lot, follow the “Special Event” signs to the first floor of the Ken Olsen Science Center.