AMERICA 250
This year marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, when 56 delegates declared independence and set a new nation in motion. Since then, the United States has been shaped by change, challenge, innovation, and progress, and by the many people who call it home.
This July and August, we invite you to reflect on and explore the stories, milestones, and movements that have shaped the past 250 years.
EXPLORE 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN HISTORY & LITERATURE
CELEBRATE AMERICA AT GPLD
Book Discussion: American Creation by Joseph J. Ellis
Thursday, July 2 • 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join us at this special library book club to celebrate 250 years of America. We will be reading and discussing American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic by Joseph J. Ellis. Books will be available for pick-up in the lobby book club holds section beginning June 4.
Friday, July 3 • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a star-spangled craft at the library! Drop in and create your own festive 4th of July bookmarks.
Happy Birthday Mini Pinwheel Cakes
Saturday, July 11 • 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the United States' semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with sweet treats! This is an exciting and fun-filled (and tasty) workshop you don't want to miss! All supplies are provided to create delicious jam-filled mini cakes topped with buttercream swirls and your own sculpted red, white, and blue pinwheels.
Martha Washington - Our Founding Mother
Tuesday, August 4 • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Everybody knows George Washington is called the Founding Father of our nation, but what about his wife, Martha? Discover the story of how she met and married George Washington and their life at Mount Vernon. Hear her tell the true stories about George’s wooden teeth, his chopping down the cherry tree, his love of books, and farming. She will tell how George helped in America’s fight for independence during the Revolutionary War and how he became our first President, the Founding Father of our nation, and she our Founding Mother.
Tuesday, August 4 • 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Explore one of the most fascinating eras of American history in The Oregon Trail Card Game! In this darkly hilarious role-playing game, your wagon party will travel the trail, work together to overcome calamities, stop to rest, decide which of your friends will die of dysentery, and write your (Library-friendly!) name on your tombstone. What is your choice?
The Risk Takers: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Wednesday, August 5 • 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
In 1776, signing the Declaration of Independence was not an act of patriotism. It was an act of treason against Great Britain. Who were these fifty-six men who risked it all to make the strike for independence? Some of their names are familiar, like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Others — like Button Gwinnett — are not. There are some good stories of lesser-known Americans in this talk: who they were, what role they played in independence, and what consequences they suffered after they signed the Declaration.
Viking Beliefs and Their Comparison to the Declaration of Independence
Saturday, August 22 • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This presentation explores the fascinating similarities between Viking and American values, such as personal freedom in belief and action, respect for earned status and property rights, and the rejection of absolute monarchy. This program will be presented by David Nordin, Vice President and Chair of Museum Affairs for Friends of the Viking Ship, NFP.
Wednesday, August 26 • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
From oaks to sugar maples to the American chestnut, trees changed the course of American history. Trees built our railroads, influenced our literature and poetry, and even our music! Discover the roles of a few of our favorite garden trees in building our nation as you remember and celebrate the trees influential in your personal history and your garden.