Film Showing: John Brown's Holy War 

Adirondack History Museum June 19, 7:00 pm

A gripping documentary that explores the life, ideology, and violent crusade of abolitionist John Brown. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century America, the film examines how Brown’s unwavering belief in the moral righteousness of ending slavery drove him to radical action - culminating in the infamous raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859. Through dramatic reenactments, expert analysis, and historical accounts, John Brown’s Holy War portrays Brown as both a visionary and a fanatic - hailed as a martyr by some and a terrorist by others. The film delves into the moral and strategic debates surrounding his actions, questioning whether violence was a justified means to achieve justice. In the end, the documentary presents John Brown as a deeply complex figure - one whose radical zeal helped ignite a national reckoning, proving that the fight over slavery could no longer be settled with words alone.

Directed by Robert Kenner, 2000, 90 mins.

Free admission/Doors open at 6:30