Trailer
Preview: 6/15/2026 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
“Becoming American” explores the nation’s founding through untold Philadelphian stories.
“Becoming American” explores the founding of the United States through the lens of Philadelphia, America’s first capital. From indigenous people and enslaved Africans to lawmakers and artisans, the film reveals how diverse communities shaped a new nation. Though rooted in Philadelphia, this is a shared American story whose debates, ideals, and consequences still resonate today.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Trailer
Preview: 6/15/2026 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
“Becoming American” explores the founding of the United States through the lens of Philadelphia, America’s first capital. From indigenous people and enslaved Africans to lawmakers and artisans, the film reveals how diverse communities shaped a new nation. Though rooted in Philadelphia, this is a shared American story whose debates, ideals, and consequences still resonate today.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Becoming American: Philadelphia's Story
Becoming American: Philadelphia's Story is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
- Here we are 250 years after our great Nation's founding in the city of Philadelphia.
- The documents that are written in this city, they create the Nation - Progress is not something that goes on without people fighting for it.
- There's no negotiating with freedom.
It is either freedom or not.
Support for PBS provided by: