The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools have started a nine-month, nursery school to high school educational program based on the American Epic films, music releases and book.

Robert Redford, T Bone Burnett and Jack White executive produced the films about the development of music in the early 20th century, much of it focused on country, blues and ethic music of the 1920s and ‘30s. Bernard MacMahon directed and co-wrote, with creative producer Allison McGourty, the films, which have helped foster a new understanding of American history. Sony Legacy released the soundtrack.

MacMahon and McGourty as the first two artists selected for the inaugural Kistenbroker Family Artist in Residence program set up to bring practicing artists to campus and work directly with Lab students.

“The most important aspect of American Epic is preserving and making accessible this vast archive for future generations to come,” McGourty said. “We are committed to making this vital history available to schools across America and this program will help to make that a reality. American Epic will foster an appreciation of the arts and technology in the younger generation, and will leave a lasting legacy for decades to come.”