The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC), in partnership with PBS Western Reserve, will host The American Revolution: Screening, Panel, and Digital Exhibition on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Library in downtown Youngstown.
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC), in partnership with PBS Western Reserve, will host The American Revolution: Screening, Panel, and Digital Exhibition on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Library in downtown Youngstown.
The free public event will feature an abbreviated screening of The American Revolution, the latest documentary by filmmakers Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The film explores how thirteen British colonies along the Atlantic coast rose in rebellion, won independence from Great Britain, and created a new form of government that reshaped the continent and inspired democratic movements around the world.
The evening will also include a digital exhibition featuring materials from the American Revolution era and a panel discussion led by experts examining the roles of women, literature, and the Revolution. Light refreshments will be provided.
Traci Manning from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and one of the panelists said, "The American Revolution was a transformational time in history with images that linger in our minds, like George Washington crossing the Delaware River. The Ken Burns' documentary opens up a much larger picture of that era with stories that most people have never heard of. We're going to highlight some of those stories with a focus on women's history at the time - a topic that is often very overlooked in early American history."
Erin Phemester, Chief Experience Officer for PLYMC, said the event reflects the library’s commitment to connecting the community with history through engaging programming. “Programs like this bring history to life and help people see how the stories of the past continue to shape the world around us today,” Phemester said. “We’re especially excited to highlight perspectives that are often overlooked, including the important roles women played during the American Revolution. Partnering with PBS Western Reserve allows us to combine film, historical materials, and expert discussion to give our community a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.”
Community members are encouraged to register for the event through the PBS Western Reserve ticket link.
Programming like this is generously supported by donors to The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. To make a donation, please visit www.libraryvisit.org, opens a new window.
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The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) has served the Mahoning Valley since 1880 when the Youngstown Library Association was officially created. With 14 branches across Mahoning County, including Main Library in downtown Youngstown, PLYMC is well known for its signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. PLYMC serves our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses.