Ken Burns is Grand Marshal of Rose Parade

Ken Burns, the award-winning documentary filmmaker, has a new assignment: He's the Grand Marshal for the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

The parade's theme is "Find Your Adventure," and Burns, who has directed and produced highly acclaimed historical PBS documentaries, including The Civil War; Baseball; and The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, is expected to be at the 127th edition of the annual event on Jan. 1.

“Ken Burns is a legendary figure and a great fit for this year’s Rose Parade theme, ‘Find Your Adventure,’” Tournament of Roses President, Mike Matthiessen, said in a statement released Tuesday. “We’re so honored to have someone like Ken, who has devoted his life to capturing historic moments in American culture, lead the Rose Parade – America’s New Year’s celebration that provides hope and joy to millions around the world.”

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the U.S. National Park Service, which marks its centennial in 2016, are partners for the "Find Your Adventure" theme. Burns produced The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, a 2009 series focused on the ideas and people that helped develop the park system. The series was filmed over more than six years at locations including Acadia,  Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and the Everglades.

“The Rose Parade is an annual tradition woven into the fabric of America, so it’s such an honor to be chosen as the Grand Marshal,” said Burns in a statement. “I’ve never been to the parade in person, so this will be a new adventure for me. I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with my family and all the fans of the Rose Parade who will be watching on New Year’s Day.”

Among Burns' upcoming projects: films on Jackie Robinson, the Vietnam War, the history of country music, Ernest Hemingway and the history of stand-up comedy. Jackie Robinson, a film Burns made with his daughter Sarah Burns and her husband David McMahon, will air on PBS on April 11 and 12, 2016.