Washington’s Defense of Philadelphia: The Battle of Brandywine
| Posted By DeAnne O'Brien, Indian Valley Public Library, 215-723-9109, dobrien@ivpl.org, Thursday, September 15, 2022 |
|
Library Type Public Description: Between September 2020 — April 2022, Michael Jesberger presented a series of Virtual Local Revolutionary and Civil War Programs for our Adult patrons. Prior to the pandemic, Mr. Jesberger provided in-person programs at IVPL that Our valued partnership continued and prospered throughout. Mr. Jesberger was very easy to communicate and work with regarding possible themed programs he could present, adaptability to dates and times, and planning well in advance to ensure we could effectively market and publicize his programs ahead of time. His virtual offerings provided quality adult programs when the pandemic made virtual programming the only viable option. This inspired patrons to learn how to use Zoom technology to view his programs to continue learning about local history inspiring continued curiosity and advancing information literacy with the presentation of his innovative programs. Attendees are encouraged to connect with IVPL to pursue further topic information by reading books, listening to audio, or viewing a movie. Effectiveness was measured by high patron attendance (the average attendance for the 12 programs presented was 65 attendees/program) as well as more audience comments and participation, excellent question & answer and positive comments for the presenter (as well as verbal appreciation for our virtual program offerings during the pandemic): "Mike - I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to share your passion for our local history. It's so great to see you inspiring the next generation in your son by bringing history to life...l gave your info to the History teacher at my school and he said he was going to contact you about talking to his US History I class. Glad I "Hi Mike - I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your presentation yesterday dealing with the impact of World War I on Philadelphia. This is the third of your lectures that I have attended, and like the others I found the discussion most informative and interesting. I always enjoy your insertion of anecdotal situations and experiences integrated with the relevant story line. Gary" "Mike - THANKS for sharing your time, energy, experience and passion for Lincoln (and history) with us in Souderton last night...Again, an hour well-invested...Kevin"
These programs were funded through budgeted monies of $100/program charged by the presenter, As our program budget is $300/month, this allowed us to offer a wide variety of other virtual programs which incorporated different literacies for our adult patrons. IVPL welcomed all adults to have access to our virtual programs which were open to anyone who expressed interest in attending them. We did not require registrants to have an IVPL library card for admittance, so adults could join these programs from anywhere they could connect via Zoom technology. We made registration easy using links whenever possible in our marketing efforts or fully assisted when patrons had challenges with utilizing our website or during Zoom presentations. Tags: Adults Information |
were popular due to patron interest in historical topics. Shifting to virtual 
presentations provided opportunities for him to update existing programs and develop new ones presenting in entirely new ways utilizing Zoom technology. His updated power points included engaging, unique pictures and his discussions were enhanced by his storytelling abilities which brought local history alive through his passion and interest in the topics he discussed. He included a very 
large background flag representing his discussion topic. As host, I actively participated which allowed him to focus on the content being delivered resulting in a richer experience for everyone. He enthusiastically answered audience questions and engaged with them throughout. He connected with attendees through knowledgeable researched topics utilizing credible sources for content which fostered relationships and built community virtually.
could pass it along. Regards..."
These programs were marketed using Constant Contact to send out email blasts one week before each program's date to over 5,000 patrons and on IVPL's Facebook page to inform the widest audience of upcoming programs. Program information was included in our monthly electronic and print newsletters.
