WASHINGTON – August 8, 2022 – Patrick Butler, president and chief executive officer of America’s Public Television Stations (APTS), made the following statement today on the passing of David McCollough.
“America’s Public Television Stations join the many other friends and admirers of David McCollough in mourning the loss of this premier historian and a simply wonderful man.
“Public television viewers will fondly recall Mr. McCollough’s appearances on many episodes of American Experience and Smithsonian World and as the narrator of Ken Burns’s masterpiece, The Civil War.
“But his much-honored writings were also the inspiration for Ken Burns’s first documentary, “Brooklyn Bridge,” for the HBO series John Adams directed by Tom Hooper and executive produced by Tom Hanks, and for other memorable productions that brought American history vividly to life in our homes.
“Perhaps most impressive was his humility and friendly air with everyone he encountered. He was intensely and relentlessly curious, wanted to know your story, and asked perceptive questions that gave people a whole new way of looking at their own lives.
“It was my honor to be associated with him not only in public television but in the work of the National Archives, which Mr. McCollough treasured as a priceless resource for historians and citizens alike.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to his family, and we celebrate a long life exceptionally well lived.”
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About APTS
America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization ensuring a strong and financially sound public television system and helping member stations provide essential public services in education, public safety and civic leadership to the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
Contact:
Stacey Karp
202-654-4222
skarp@apts.org