South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will premiere Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War on March 19 at 8 p.m. on ETV, with additional broadcasts on the South Carolina Channel on March 23 at 8 p.m. and ETV WORLD on March 27 at 3:30 p.m. The historical documentary explores the often-underrepresented contributions and experiences of women, Native Americans and African Americans whose lives and choices helped shape the fight for independence during the American Revolutionary War.
While many stories of the American Revolution focus on well-known military leaders, Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War broadens the narrative by examining the people who are less frequently highlighted in traditional accounts. Through expert insights, historical analysis, reenactments and dramatic storytelling, the program presents individuals with ties to South Carolina whose sacrifices and motivations influenced the outcome of the Revolutionary War.
The documentary highlights stories such as those of Native American tribes navigating alliances during the conflict, with the Cherokee largely supporting the British and the Catawba backing the Patriot cause. It also includes accounts of African Americans who sought freedom through various paths, including service with the British in units such as the Carolina Corps, while others remained loyal to Patriot masters in hopes of eventual emancipation. The program also explores the many roles women played in supporting the war effort, from managing farms and families to gathering intelligence and assisting military operations.
Notable figures featured in the documentary include John Kizell, an enslaved man who fought for the British to gain his freedom, Tony Small and Thomas Carney; King Hagler, an influential Catawba leader; and South Carolina women such as Emily Geiger, Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, Rebecca Motte, Jane Black Thomas and Phillis Wheatley, whose courage and actions helped influence key moments of the war.
Interviews with historians and subject-matter experts filmed at historical sites across South Carolina are complemented by reenactments and archival materials from museums, historic sites and state and national parks.
Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War is produced by SCETV with production funding provided by the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commissions (SC250).
A public screening event for Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War will be held April 21 at the Newberry Opera House. The evening will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by a screening of the documentary along with selected clips from The American Revolution, a documentary series by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. The clips highlight themes related to the perspectives explored in Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War and provide additional historical context about the Revolutionary War. The American Revolution is a six-part, 12-hour documentary series that examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down as thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence and established a new form of government that reshaped the continent and inspired democratic movements around the globe. The screening event is free and open to the public. Separate registration is required for the reception and the screening.
Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War is part of SCETV’s broader efforts to highlight South Carolina’s pivotal role during the American Revolution in honor of the 250th anniversary milestone. In partnership with SC250, SCETV continues to develop content recognizing the moment. SC250’s mission is to commemorate and highlight South Carolina’s role in the conflict by educating, engaging and inspiring both residents and visitors, with programming that spotlights untold stories of individuals whose experiences helped shape America’s future.
In addition to the broadcast, viewers can also stream Our Story, Too: Women, African Americans and Native Americans in the Revolutionary War on SCETV.org and PBS.org, as well as through the SCETV app and the PBS app. To view additional SCETV content recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, visit SCETV.org/250.
QUOTES
“Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War helps broaden our understanding of the Revolutionary War by sharing stories that are often missing from the traditional narrative. By highlighting the experiences of women, Native Americans and African Americans with ties to South Carolina, this documentary provides important historical context and underscores SCETV’s role in sharing stories that help illuminate the state’s history.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“This documentary aims to give voice to individuals whose contributions are essential to understanding the Revolutionary War. Their stories reveal the complexity of the conflict and show how people from many backgrounds played important roles in shaping the nation’s path to independence.” –Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War Producer Mark Adams
"It has been a privilege to take part in this documentary and share the lesser-known story of the Catawba people and their contributions to this vital part of history. These types of projects help to ensure the history and resilience of the Catawba and other Indigenous peoples will be remembered and their legacies maintained.” –Catawba Nation Cultural Programs Coordinator Kassidy Plyler
“The stories of African Americans during the Revolutionary War reveal both the promise and the contradictions of the fight for independence. Understanding these experiences shows that while the war was a struggle for liberty, its ideals and transformative power were experienced very differently depending on one’s circumstances.” –College of Charleston's Center for the Study of Slavery in Charleston Director Bernard Powers
“Women played central and essential roles in the Revolutionary War. Boycotting tea and British-made cloth were the first overtly political actions many women took. They smuggled messages about troop movements, spied on the enemy and took up arms in defense of their homes and families.” –Converse College Emerita George Dean Johnson, Jr. Professor of History Dr. Melissa Walker
“SC250 is proud to support Our Story, Too which highlights the vital contributions of women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War. We’re honored to partner with SCETV and the Newberry Opera House to share these important stories with communities across South Carolina.” –SC250 Chief Executive Officer Molly Fortune
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will premiere Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War on March 19 at 8 p.m. on ETV, with an additional broadcast on the South Carolina Channel on March 23 at 8 p.m.
- The historical documentary explores the often-underrepresented contributions and experiences of women, Native Americans and African Americans during the American Revolutionary War.
- A public screening event for Our Story, Too: Women, Native Americans and African Americans in the Revolutionary War will be held April 21 at 6 p.m., with a reception at 5 p.m., at the Newberry Opera House. The screening event is free and open to the public. Separate registration is required for the reception and the screening.
- The program is part of SCETV’s broader efforts to highlight pivotal role during the American Revolution in honor of the 250th anniversary milestone. To view SCETV content recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, visit SCETV.org/250.
- Viewers can also stream the program at SCETV.org and PBS.org, as well as through the SCETV app and the PBS app.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
