America 250: Revolution & Constitution, Class 6 - Siege and Surrender -1781-1782

July 30, 2026
7:00pm - 8:00pm

As the Revolutionary War continued, our leaders developed and implemented our first national government, The Articles of Confederation. Replaced in less than a decade, a discussion on the strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly, lessons learned is still valuable in understanding the time period. Analyzing the consequential siege and battle of Yorktown, Virginia must be addressed when examining 1781. Our discussion will look closely at various accounts of the surrender and roles of individuals such as Alexander Hamilton and General Cornwallis. Effects of this American victory will be seen in both England and in America for many years to come as we discuss “the world turned upside down."

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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.