America 250: Revolution & Constitution, Class 3 - The Double Sevens - 1777

July 09, 2026
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Princeton to Valley Forge

In the war for our nation’s independence, all of the years were significant in many ways. One year, 1777, stands out as exceptionally pivotal with its high and low points that would shape the remainder of the war. Our class will examine how the year begins with the Battle of Princeton as the Americans expand on Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River. Other major events discussed will range from the British campaign to take Philadelphia leading to the winter encampment at Valley Forge and the American siege and weighty victory at Saratoga. The Fall of 1777 would also bring action to the upper Ohio Valley as the first siege and defense of Wheeling’s own Fort Henry opened the month of September. We will discuss Major Samuel McCulloch’s famous leap to escape capture and the often overlooked fighting in the western frontier region. Interesting roles of individuals and various accounts will be discussed as we explore “The Double Sevens."

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Instructor Michael Giorgianni is a lifelong western Pennsylvania resident with a deep passion for American history, particularly the Civil War and the role of Pittsburgh in our nation’s development. He has taught middle school social studies in the Hempfield Area School District for over 25 years, inspiring generations of students with his enthusiasm for the past. Michael is especially drawn to human interest stories found throughout history and is excited to share his research and meet fellow history enthusiasts. He has also seen his research extend beyond presentations with several articles published onto the website Emerging Civil War.

Education: Bachelors in Secondary Education - Social Studies - Clarion University of PA - 1998; Masters in Education - Curriculum and Instruction - University of Pittsburgh - 2002

Don't miss our new exhibit: "AMERICA 250: A Republic If We Can Keep It" in the main exhibit area from late June through September, 2026.  Experience period artifacts and an amazing amount of information about our Founding Fathers, Founding Mothers, and Founding Docments.

PLUS--> The New America 250 Spring/Summer Edition of the Upper Ohio Valley Historical Review will explore "Wheeling and the Ohio Valley in the National Story."

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ABOUT THE OCPL'S PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY SERIES:

In 1951, the Ohio County Public Library's librarian, Virginia Ebeling, referenced British historian Thomas Carlyle, who said, “the public library is a People’s University,” when she initiated a new adult education program with that name. Miss Ebeling charged the library with the responsibility of reaching “as many people in the community as possible.” In keeping with that tradition of public libraries as sanctuaries of free learning for all people, the Ohio County Public Library revived the series in 2010.

The People’s University features courses (taught by experts in each subject) that enable patrons to pursue their goal of lifelong learning in classic subjects such as history, music appreciation, philosophy, and literature. Patrons may attend as many classes as they wish. There are no tests of other requirements and all programs are free and open to the public. For more information about PU: Fairy Tales for Grown-Ups, EMAIL US,  visit ohiocountylibrary.org or call the library at 304-232-0244.