Ken Burns will speak at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the University’s Forum Speaker Series. The event will be free, although a ticket is required for admission. Burns is a highly-regarded documentary filmmaker who has won 15 Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and two Oscar nominations. Burns has been called one of the “most influential documentary makers” of all time by RealScreen Magazine for his works such as “The Civil War,” “Baseball,” and “Jazz.”

Burns was selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as its Jefferson Lecturer for 2016. This honor, the highest the federal government confers, is granted for “distinguished intellectual achievements in the humanities.” The NEH stated Ken Burns “has conveyed more history to more Americans than perhaps anyone.”

Burn’s future projects include films on Muhammad Ali, the history of crime and punishment in America, Leonardo da Vinci, and many others.

Current University students, faculty and staff may receive up to two free tickets at the Weis Center box office between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of the event.  A valid University ID is required to receive advanced tickets. Tickets will be available to the general public at 6 p.m. at the Weis Center on the evening of the event.