By George — Documentary World Premiere at Big Screen at The Battery
About this Event
On the evening of July 9, 2026—exactly 250 years after New Yorkers toppled the statue of King George III at nearby Bowling Green following the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence—The Battery Conservancy invites you to a special outdoor waterfront screening of the new documentary By George.
Gather on the lawns of The Battery, just steps from where this pivotal moment in American history unfolded, for an evening of film, conversation, and reflection on the events that helped shape a nation.
The program begins at 8:00 PM with the world premiere of the one-hour documentary, followed by a conversation with Ivan Schwartz of StudioEIS, Abby Suckle of cultureNOW, and director H. Paul Moon.
By George tells the remarkable story of July 9, 1776, when New Yorkers gathered downtown to hear the Declaration of Independence read publicly for the first time. In one of the Revolution's earliest and most symbolic acts, the crowd marched to Bowling Green and pulled down the equestrian statue of King George III.
The film traces the statue's extraordinary afterlife: its iron was melted down into musket balls to support the revolutionary cause, while the severed head was reportedly smuggled back to England, where it may remain hidden to this day.
Set against contemporary conversations about monuments, memory, and public space, By George explores how societies choose to commemorate history and how public symbols shape civic identity. Richly researched and accessible to audiences of all ages, the film combines historical detective work, expert insight, and period-authentic music.
This special screening is part of Big Screen at The Battery, a two-week outdoor series of free films, cultural events, and community gatherings presented on a large waterfront screen in New York City's most historic park. The program is also part of The Battery Conservancy's America250 programming, commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary and the central role Lower Manhattan played in the story of American independence.
Free and open to the public. Registration is strongly recommended, as seating is limited.
For more information about the film and its director H. Paul Moon, visit: https://july9th.com
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