Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Cancelled

Special Author Presentation: Between War and Peace

The Remarkable True Story of Deborah Sampson

Join author Pat Patten for an inspiring presentation on Deborah Sampson, the woman who fought disguised as a man in the Revolutionary War, and the true history behind the novel Between War and Peace.

Drawing on more than two decades of research, Pat brings Deborah’s courageous journey vividly to life, exploring the dangers she faced on the battlefield, the strength required to protect her
secret, and the lasting impact of her service. The program highlights the often-overlooked role of women in America’s fight for independence and offers insight into the real experiences of
soldiers during the Revolutionary War

Pat Patten is a U.S. Navy veteran, MFA graduate in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts, and historical novelist whose work brings overlooked American history to life. Her novel
Between War And Peace is inspired by the documented story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the American Revolution and served in an
elite Ranger unit.

After completing her military service and raising three daughters, Pat returned to storytelling later in life, proving it is never too late to claim a powerful second act. Her writing reflects a
deep respect for history, courage, and the human spirit, and she is passionate about preserving stories of fearless women who were determined to follow their own path.
Pat lives in Florida and continues to write, speak, and advocate for female veterans through her work, guided by her belief that courage knows no gender. Her life reflects a simple truth: it is never
too late to follow your calling and use it in service to others. She believes history remembers ordinary people who dare to do extraordinary things.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History - Culture - Genealogy |

TAGS: | bb-genealogy |

West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center

Phone: 407-835-7323

Hours
Skip Opening Hours widget
Mon, Aug 31 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Sep 01 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Sep 02 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Sep 03 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Sep 04 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 05 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Sep 06 Closed
(Closed in observance of Labor Day.)

About the branch

LYNX Bus Link 125 Silver Star Rd.
LYNX Bus Link 27 Ocoee / Winter Garden

West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center is located in the historic city of Ocoee near the intersection of Silver Star and Clark Roads. The branch opened in August 2001 and was designed by Harvard, Jolly, Clees, Toppe Architecture Firm. West Oaks Branch provides exceptional library services to the nearly 50,000 residents of Ocoee and surrounding areas. In January 2015, the branch became the new Genealogy Center for Orange County, housing a collection of over 30,000 genealogy books. The Library is the official repository of the Florida State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The construction of West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center was funded by the Library System and a Florida Library Construction Grant.

Genealogy Resource Guide

Upcoming events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Tue, Sep 01, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Come and sew at the West Oaks Library and bring your sewing projects. All the tools are here for you. Participants are required to bring their own materials. Machine sewing skills are required.
Registration is now closed

Wed, Sep 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
West Oaks - Back of Branch
Silly and fun yoga poses designed for kids! Flow-through an imaginative journey filled with puppets, parachute games and relaxing rest time! Recommended for families.

Wed, Sep 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Discover the world of art! Together, we'll learn something new, get inspired, and create a masterpiece. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Discover colors, textures, and materials through stories, songs, and creative art activities. Recommended for ages 18–36 months. Registration required.

Thu, Sep 03, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Start using Excel today. Input, format and save data in spreadsheets. Calculate data with basic formulas. Save your data and learn how to share workbooks with collaborators.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 03, 1:15pm - 2:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Customize and organize worksheets with sheet names, color coding, headers, themes, and more. Protect your worksheets with a password and learn how to print your data.

Thu, Sep 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Get ready for an hour of crafting fun with friends! Registration Requested. Recommended for ages 6-12.

Thu, Sep 03, 5:00pm - 6:45pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Practice beginner crochet stitches with this cute and functional market bag! Students must know how to chain, single crochet, double crochet, and turn. Adults 18+.
This event is full

Sat, Sep 05, 1:15pm - 2:45pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Build and program machines with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime. Apply STEAM concepts and the engineering design process with hands-on learning. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
This event is full

Sat, Sep 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Test your spelling skills at this afternoon of friendly competition. See if you have what it takes to become the spelling champion of the West Oaks Library!

Sat, Sep 05, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Build and program machines with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime. Apply STEAM concepts and the engineering design process with hands-on learning. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Practice bag construction techniques with this adorable and portable tiny tote!
Registration is now closed

Tue, Sep 08, 10:15am - 10:40am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Through picture books, songs, and stories, preschoolers (ages 3–5) build early literacy skills and prepare for reading and writing by talking, singing, reading, and playing.

Tue, Sep 08, 10:45am - 11:10am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Through movement, storytelling, and songs, toddlers (ages 18–36 months) build early literacy, listening, and verbal skills while developing motor coordination and discovering the joy of books.

Tue, Sep 08, 11:15am - 11:30am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Featuring rhythm, rhymes, and repetition, this lap-time program supports early literacy, motor skills, language development, and a love of books for babies (ages 0–18 months).

Tue, Sep 08, 11:30am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little ones, ages 0-5, explore imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for families.

Tue, Sep 08, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
West Oaks - Genealogy Area
Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the Genealogy Specialist. Sessions are available Tuesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and are designed focus on your particular genealogy question.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 08, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the Genealogy Specialist. Sessions are available Tuesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and are designed focus on your particular genealogy question.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 08, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Come and sew at the West Oaks Branch Library and bring your sewing projects. All the tools are here for you. Participants are required to bring their own materials. Machine sewing skills are required.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 08, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the Genealogy Specialist. Sessions are available Tuesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and are designed focus on your particular genealogy question.

Tue, Sep 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Discover the game of chess while having fun and making friends. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.

Tue, Sep 08, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Genealogy Area
Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the Genealogy Specialist. Sessions are available Tuesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and are designed focus on your particular genealogy question.