Library chosen for founding era public programming grant

(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / Feb. 19, 2020) – The Stillwater Public Library has received a “Revisiting the Founding Era” grant to implement public programs and community conversations that explore the founding of America and its enduring themes. Upcoming public programs include a Hamilton Musical Sing-Along on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 1-3 p.m., and a Town Hall Discussion about Immigration on Tuesday, March 24, from 6:30-8 p.m.

“Revisiting the Founding Era” is a three-year national initiative of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, presented in partnership with the American Library Association and the National Constitution Center, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant provides 100 public libraries across the country the opportunity to use historical documents to spark open conversations about the founding era’s enduring ideas and how they continue to influence our lives today.

One focus of the grant is to engage youth in discussions about the Founding Era, which led to the library kicking off the grant with a debate at Stillwater High School last week. The debate featured students from Connie Parker’s AP history classes who focused on freedom of speech and states’ rights.

Teen Services Librarian, Amanda Bell, wanted to get young people engaged in historical topics that are still relevant today.

“It was wonderful to see high school students engage with these ideas,” Bell said. “The library was given readers that include excerpts of founding documents from the Gilder Lehrman Collection that the students were able to reference for the debate. Many of those copies will stay at the high school for future use.”

The books also play an essential role in the two upcoming public programs hosted by the library.

The Hamilton Sing-Along event takes place on Sat. Feb. 29, from 1-3 p.m. Attendees will sing along with their favorite tunes from the musical. Dr. Richard Boles, an OSU history professor with expertise in the founding era, will help the audience make connections from the musical to specific documents found in the readers. 

“I love this musical and cannot wait to nerd out with others in the community that feel the same way,” Bell said. “We are fortunate that in addition to enjoying the music, we’ll have a local scholar to give us further insight into the time period and the historical accuracy of the musical.”

Adults and teens will get the most out of the program. Parents are welcome to bring children ages eight and up if they feel that the content is appropriate and if the children can sit comfortably through the program.

The final event, a town hall-style discussion, will take on a more serious note. Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m., the library will host a moderated discussion on the topic of immigration. The goal is to highlight an issue relevant to the community within the framework of founding-era documents.

“We want the library to be a safe space for Stillwater to openly discuss topics that are important to our community,” said Stacy DeLano, library director. “We want to make sure multiple viewpoints get heard.”

Dr. Boles will moderate the discussion and select questions that relate to critical founding documents. Four to six panelists will address questions from the moderator, and the audience will have an opportunity to engage with the panelists at the end of the program. The Friends of the Library will provide light refreshments.

Get more information about “Revisiting the Founding Era” programs and register to attend at http://library.stillwater.org/founding_era.php. Participants may also register in person at the Help Desk or by calling (405) 372-3633 x8106.

Learn more about the grant program and get links to videos, primary source documents, and more at www.foundingera.org.

Get more information about “Revisiting the Founding Era” programs and register to attend at http://library.stillwater.org/founding_era.php. Participants may also register in person at the Help Desk or by calling (405) 372-3633 x8106.

Learn more about the grant program and get links to videos, primary source documents, and more at www.foundingera.org.