By Barbara Sonnefeldt
Cobb County Public Library got a jump start in November on programming for America 250 when North Cobb Regional Library offered The American Revolution in Georgia: 1775-1783. The event launched what will be a year-long lecture series organized by Circulation Supervisor Barbara Sonnefeldt to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Andrew Bramlett, a well-known local historian, lecturer, and full-time student at Kennesaw State University (KSU) introduced featured speaker Gerald Flinchum. Flinchum, a history instructor in Kennesaw State University’s College of Professional & Graduate Studies Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), delivered an engaging and deeply informed presentation exploring Georgia’s pivotal, yet often overlooked, role in the American Revolution. His expertise and dynamic storytelling resonated strongly with attendees, sparking thoughtful discussion and a renewed appreciation for the state’s early American history.
We were thrilled to partner with North Cobb Library to offer The American Revolution in Georgia lecture to the community. Programs like this reflect OLLI at Kennesaw State University’s mission to provide enriching and accessible lifelong learning opportunities to adults of all ages. The strong turnout and engagement from participants show just how meaningful these collaborations can be. We look forward to continuing to support the library’s efforts to bring high-quality educational programs to the community. - Melissa Conners, OLLI Program Manager
Attendance exceeded expectations, and the program generated enthusiastic engagement from community members of all ages. Theprogram not only highlighted Georgia’s rich revolutionary-era history but also strengthened the community’s connection to both local heritage and the broader national narrative.
We are grateful North Cobb invited KSU’s OLLI to join with them for the America 250 series and provide the kickoff lecture. This is a model of education through community partnership. While attending and listening to the lecture, I know many of us in the audience were learning much of this history for the first time or being reminded of things we were taught decades ago in school. It sparked a curiosity in me to do additional reading and learn more about how the Revolution affected the South and who our own heroes were. I’m looking forward to exploring the topics presented in the rest of the series! - Jennifer Hoosier, Kennesaw State University Director Of Community and Professional Programs
The lecture also garnered national attention from C-SPAN. A crew filmed the event for inclusion in its America 250 programming.
The energy and interest sparked by this kickoff event have set a strong foundation for the America 250 Lecture Series, which will continue throughout the upcoming year. The library looks forward to offering additional programs that educate, inspire, and invite the community to reflect on America’s past as we approach this historic anniversary.
To learn more about the Cobb County Public Library, go to https://www.cobbcounty.gov/library.
