American History   

This PowerPoint program opens a door into the Native American's world of Art, Time, Peace Pipes & Treaties, Dwellings, Music & Instruments, Dances, Bows & Arrows, Numerology and Sacred Rituals & Ceremonies. Then, it reveals the hardships they had to endure, over and over, from the “Manifest Destiny” incursions on their homelands, hunting grounds, food sources, pony express, telegraph lines, settlers, gold-miners and soldiers building their forts and carrying out of their frequent, surprise massacres.

Trace the fascinating evolution of Mardi Gras- from the raucous carnivals of Ancient Rome to today’s vibrant, music-filled celebrations in New Orleans. Explore the history, traditions, and cultural influences that shaped this festive season, blending revelry, pageantry, and spirituality into one of the world’s most colorful spectacles.

Most know Benjamin Franklin as a witty statesman and wise Founding Father, but fewer recognize his groundbreaking role as one of the 18th century’s most influential scientists and inventors. In this recorded video presentation from the History Channel, explore Franklin’s inventive mind and how his scientific curiosity changed the world.

From the practical Pennsylvania Stove to the revolutionary lightning rod, Franklin’s creations weren’t just clever, they were life-changing. Join us as we delve into the story of a man who blended reason, resourcefulness, and imagination to solve real-world problems and shape the future.

Note: This is a recorded video (no live presenter).

Experience history brought to life as two performers step into character as Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. The Lincolns are one of the most intriguing First Couples. Abe, a man with no formal education, had to hold the union together and lead it through its most troublesome internal period, the War Between the States. Mary, besides carrying the burden of running the mansion, was also suffering deep personal tragedies. The positive and negative qualities of both are shown in this 60 minute presentation. Mary's tragic life after Abe's death, which few are aware of, fills the final emotionally charged 7 minutes of the performance.

 

 

The Oak tree was named our National Tree in 2004, but why? What makes these majestic and diverse trees found in all 50 states so unique and important? Could it be their amazing life spans or size? Could it be their incredible importance to pollinators? Join us as we learn all about and celebrate our National Tree. "The Oak".

Reconstruction and its impact on America today are being closely examined, especially around issues of citizenship and rights. Reconstruction’s biggest achievement was the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which for the first time clearly put into the Constitution the idea that "all men are created equal."

For many years, Reconstruction was interpreted mainly through the "Dunning School," which supported the Confederate “Lost Cause” narrative. This view tried to weaken these amendments and justified Jim Crow laws. In effect, Reconstruction became a time when the South lost the war but gained control afterward.

The raid on March 10, 1865 was the only Civil War military action in Marion County. Misrepresented and inaccurately portrayed, this risky raid came only weeks before the war's end. A unit of mostly Black combatants, led by a Black Sergeant Major, traveled 100 miles behind enemy lines to conduct the raid, and then had to walk 80 miles to safety, knowing that a crack Confederate cavalry unit would be hot on their trail. A gripping adventure awaits.

Discover the fascinating story of how the Bald Eagle became the national symbol of the United States. This lecture explores its ecological role, behaviors, cultural significance, historical myths, and legacy. From Native American lore to America’s Great Seal, we will unravel the mysteries of our nation’s symbol.

Horses are engrained in or American Heritage and remain a symbol of the American West and a reminder of their profound impact on shaping the nation's history and culture. This class explores breeds of horses uniquely American.

Sexpionage is the entrapment of a target into a clandestine liaison and then blackmailing the person to gain covert intelligence. Agents are trained in specific seduction techniques to set up vulnerable men and women to commit treason against their will. Actual case histories will show the steps involved in compromising people with access to state secrets, including a marine, a diplomat, and a former U.S. president who had more than an eye for the ladies. Children under 18 are not permitted.

 

In 1774, naturalist William Bartram called it the Great Alachua Savanna. Today, we know it as Paynes Prairie, which is a vast wetland rich in history and wildlife. In this chapter of our Bartram’s Florida series, we’ll take a leisurely three-mile stroll into the landscape that captivated the young explorer. Along the way, Lars Andersen, author of Paynes Prairie: A History and Guide, will share the prairie’s fascinating story, from its early days to the present.

Details:

• Meeting Time: 9 a.m. at the park entrance
• Park Fee: $5, payable at entrance on the day of the trip
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain. Out-and-back route; participants may turn back at any time< br>
• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

   

George Washington was our nation's greatest military leader, the man who won the Revolutionary War and secured independence. As a combat veteran dating from his experiences in the French and Indian War, he also understood the costs and sacrifices of warfare. As president, he drew on his deep understanding of warfare to secure our nation's future by securing peace.

Award-winning historian and educator Edward G. Lengel, Ph.D., former director of the Washington Papers Project at the University of Virginia, brings Washington's story to life. Author of fourteen books, including General George Washington: A Military Life, Lengel is a National Humanities Medal co-recipient, two-time Army Historical Foundation award winner, and frequent media commentator. His expertise offers a vivid portrait of Washington as both soldier and statesman. Lengel will be presenting remotely.

Despite its importance, the Emancipation Proclamation is frequently misunderstood. The goal here is to explain why it was issued, when it was issued, what was its intent, what it did and did not accomplish.

Learn the history of the Florida peninsula before it joined the United States of America following the Seminole Wars of the early nineteenth century. Native tribes, conquistadors, frontier alligator hunters, cattlemen and pirates all have had a long and intriguing impact on the history of the peninsula. This course is designed for those with no previous knowledge of the subject, as well as for history enthusiasts.

Florida played an interesting role in the Civil War.  The instructor, dressed in a Marion County uniform, tells that story, not only about the armies, navies, and battles, but also of the civilian life.  The people not only dealt with shortages, but with the death and destruction the war bought to Florida's sparsely populated towns, from Fernandina to Key West.

This PowerPoint program reveals the most prominent Native American Chiefs who led their tribes during the best - and the worst - times for them and all their followers. It reveals some customs, obstacles, deceptions, mistreatment and massacres suffered as Manifest Destiny became the law, and the Indians stood in the way, and were therefore to be eliminated and the land taken away from them.

The American Civil War was the most momentous event in all American History, even more so, than the Revolutionary War. There were more than ten thousand military and naval engagements, large and small, lasting four years, costing over 600,000 dead, and leaving untold misery throughout the land. The War was too complex to define it as “slavery versus freedom.” Imbedded in the War were opposite visions of government policies, economic structures and most importantly, National identity.

  What this country was going into the War and what it became when the War ended, is still up for debate. But what should not be debated is that the profound changes the War imposed on the country and its citizens are ongoing today. In a 3-part series, Attorney and amateur historian Jerry Colen will be here to tell us about the War, its battles and leaders and the meaning the War may have for us now.

Travel through the rich and diverse soundscape of American history in this 4-week course taught by Dr. Sarah Satterfield, Senior Professor of Music and Humanities at the College of Central Florida. From the rhythms of Native American traditions to the melodies of the modern era, participants will explore a wide range of musical styles that reflect the cultural, social, and historical evolution of the United States. Each session offers immersive listening experiences designed to transport you across time—from spirituals and folk tunes to jazz, rock, and beyond.

Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious about America’s sonic heritage, this course promises a journey that both enlightens and inspires.

This program features spy personalities, little-known operations, many unique artifacts and a new combination of operational missions. Some were highly successful; some wound up on the cutting room floor. All were creative, cutting edge, and even humorous. Plus, a thought provoking journey into a creative collection category.

This presentation looks into the dynamics of the Cold War, shows how politics and ideology interacted with one another, shaping the course of history. It highlights the significance of societal changes alongside governmental shifts, emphasizing that transformations within society were as crucial as those within the corridors of power. The presentation also examines how concepts of morality influenced the decisions and actions of leaders, and how both policymakers at the top and everyday people at the bottom played pivotal roles in the unfolding of Cold War events.

The longest running espionage program in American history from WWII to the present and one so secretive that its existence was withheld from two American presidents to protect its security and benefits. Its reach was global, and its discoveries unbelievable. It was responsible for uncovering the deception, betrayal and misplaced trust in countries around the world that led to the death of thousands of people.

Concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have become increasingly visible in recent years. Today, 39% of white adults believe DEI increases discrimination against white people. However, the roots of discomfort with racial and cultural change in America go back to colonial times. This presentation traces a consistent historical pattern of efforts to preserve a narrowly defined national identity, which stretches from early immigration fears to present-day debates.

Figures like Benjamin Franklin voiced concerns about immigrants, including Germans, whom he viewed as too "swarthy." This reluctance to fully welcome those seen as racially or culturally different is not new, and yet it remains underexplored. This presentation offers original research on how these attitudes have shaped, and continue to influence, American society.

Susanna Dickinson was one of the few survivors of the Battle of the Alamo, spared so she could carry the chilling message of the Texan defeat to General Sam Houston. Imagine hearing that brutal battle firsthand while attempting to shelter your infant daughter from the chaos. Susanna Dickenson's courage and resilience thrust her into a unique role in Texas history. Her story is both heartbreaking and heroic.  Dee Collier's 1st person portrayal of Susanna will transport you to that 1836, battle and its ramifications, “Remember the Alamo.”

Explore the political origins of John F. Kennedy in Into the Political Jungle (1946-1956), a pre-recorded documentary from The History Channel. Returning from WWII, a young JFK embarks on a bold new mission: winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. This episode traces his rise through Massachusetts politics as he lays the foundation for a national future.

Note: This is a recorded video (no live presenter).

In this compelling course, acclaimed historian and author Paul Sparrow explores the groundbreaking themes of his book, Awakening the Spirit of America: FDR's War of Words With Charles Lindbergh And the Battle to Save Democracy. Drawing on his years as director of the FDR Presidential Library, Sparrow offers a powerful, insider’s look at how Franklin Delano Roosevelt overcame deep political opposition and isolationist sentiment to lead the United States into World War II and onto the world stage.

Through storytelling and expert analysis, Sparrow tells participants about how history was made, revealing how Roosevelt’s masterful use of language, media, and persuasion reshaped the American identity and redefined global leadership. This course will shed light on the strategies, struggles, and triumphs of FDR’s presidency, offering timely lessons on resilience, vision, and the enduring power of words.

Join Paul Sparrow for an unforgettable journey into the heart of American history and discover how the "spirit of America" was awakened at one of its most critical turning points. Sparrow will be presenting remote.

This course is an in depth, four-part, presentation of the battle at Gettysburg featuring battlefield photographs, maps and illustrations. Part 1 will present the campaign proposed by Robert E. Lee, its goals, preparation, army movements north into Pennsylvania and the last minute Union command change.  Parts 2 through 4 present the engagements that occurred on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Included will be short biographical sketches of selected individuals and battlefield events and decisions that impacted its outcome.

In the fifty years spanning 1870 to 1920, America saw the greatest economic boom in human history, vaulting our nation to the pinnacle of prosperity. Men whose names remain familiar today, like Cornelius Vanderbilt, Henry Ford, Cyrus McCormick, John Deere and Thomas Edison all contributed to America’s ever-growing wealth and productivity.

But it was essentially the efforts of four men who took America to undreamed of heights through their genius, their drive, and their determination.  The names Rockefeller, Carnegie, Morgan and Gould are all synonymous with the traits that made America the greatest nation in history. That they accomplished great things is unquestioned. Yet the methods they employed often caused critics to refer to them collectively with the unflattering term "Robber Barons." This presentation focuses on the lives and actions of these men who essentially built the America we know today. Instructor will be presenting remotely.

Historically, Florida served as a refuge for enslaved people escaping from other Southern states. Many were welcomed by Native American communities and, later, by the Spanish, making Florida a kind of "sanctuary" long before it became a slave state in 1845. Today, in places like Marion County, descendants of both enslaved people and slaveholders often share the same surnames. U.S. Census records document who the slaveholders were and how many people they enslaved.

As American as apple pie? How about as American as beer? Much better.

Indigenous people were brewing beer long before the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. Oh, and why did the pilgrims land there? Beer. Actually, the impending lack thereof caused a bit of a detour to the original plan.

Our country is a melting pot of nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures, and our food and drink reflects this wide-ranging composition. We'll explore the development of beer as it weaves through the history of America, and, of course, there will be samples.

Note: Students must 21 or older. All registered participants are fully aware alcohol will be distributed in the classroom for possible consumption and will accept full responsibility for transportation to and from the classroom.

Discover the remarkable evolution of U.S. military small arms during the First and Second World Wars. This course will explore how the United States became the "Arsenal of Democracy," supplying not only its own forces but also those of its allies through industrial innovation and mass production.

You'll learn about the design, function, and history of the weapons that helped shape the modern battlefield—from bolt-action rifles and semi-automatic pistols to revolvers and carbines. Topics include:

 

• Weapon types and their intended battlefield roles
• Caliber, dimensions, and technical specifications
• Manufacturing origins, including production years and facilities
• Distribution to various military branches and theaters of war
• Total production numbers and historical context

The instructor will present a curated selection of original U.S. small arms from the era. At the conclusion of the class, participants will have the unique opportunity to view—and carefully handle—some of these authentic historical artifacts.

Whether you're a military history enthusiast, collector, or simply curious, this course offers an unforgettable hands-on journey through America's wartime armament legacy.

Come trace the reasons for the origins of the World's Largest Fraternal Organization with over two million members worldwide. Know that the three most important documents in American history, were written by Masons, and of the many Presidents who were among its members. Learn of the generosity and service from the membership that has assisted veterans and civilian groups; and from the very young to the most Senior populations, throughout their communities.

The American Revolution was not solely caused by tea taxes, but they were a significant factor contributing to the growing tension between the American colonies and Great Britain. The core issue was the principle of "taxation without representation.”  

As Master the Possibilities celebrates America’s 250th birthday, it is fitting to discuss the past, present, and future of taxes. This class will describe ways that Americans have been taxed since the U.S. was formed, current methods of taxation, and projections about taxes in the future. Included topics will be marginal tax rates, progressive tax rates, and new tax laws in effect in 2026.

Join us as we explore the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota from the perspective of family legacy. Presentation to include a personal gold mining history dating back to 1912. Explore the Hills including discussion of local folklore/tips, Custer State Park, Mt Rushmore, Historic Deadwood, backdrop to movies such as "North by Northwest," and "Dances with Wolves."

Explore the story of the Space Shuttle Columbia’s final mission and the tragedy that unfolded in the skies above Texas. This course examines the critical mistakes made by NASA, the shocking details revealed in the aftermath, and the investigation that uncovered why Columbia broke apart during reentry.

Tourism has been an integral part of Florida's identity and economy since it became part of the US in 1821.  This presentation delves into the variety of Florida tourist attractions throughout the state's history, looking at how natural Florida was marketed to visitors. It examines how things changed dramatically in October 1971 with the opening of Walt Disney World and how tourism affects the state today. 

This course will cover the history of the railroad industry from its inception in the 1800's through today's modern era.  Topics will include freight service, passenger service, and the economic impact upon the development of the United States. The eras to be covered will be the early years, the Civil War, World War I, the Golden Years, World War II, the demise of steam, and the rise of the diesel. The presentation will include lecture, power point, models and memorabilia.

This compelling pre-recorded video presentation from NBC News features a rare and insightful interview conducted by renowned journalist Tom Brokaw with legendary reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

Together, they reflect on the pivotal investigation that exposed the Watergate scandal and ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The interview revisits key moments of the investigation, the role of their mysterious informant "Deep Throat," whose true identity is finally revealed, and the lasting impact the scandal had on American journalism and politics. A must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in the power of investigative reporting.

Note: This is a recorded video (no live presenter).

From the Declaration of Independence, through war and depression; from rural life to city life; from Trumbull to Popeye to Warhol - become enlightened by the impact American history has had on art, and how art has influenced Americans for 250 years. Every painting has a story (or stories), and every painting in this course is a story of us.

As the 1990s was ending, organizations realized that many if not most of worldwide computing systems had a problem. The method of storing and computing dates had a fundamental flaw. The date values did not account for dealing with dates beyond 1999!

The possibility of catastrophic consequences was exacerbated by the media creating fear that any number of problems from inconveniences to outright disasters might happen. We will review this problem and results as the new millennium began.

The JFK assassination has been a 60-year-old mystery of history. Did Oswald do it? Did he act alone? If not, who else was involved? What led up to the murder and who were the people involved? Was it a single mastermind or the work of a cabal? Was it the first attempt on this President's life? Was it a foolproof operation, or were there mistakes and coverups that occurred? Were there any warnings or indications?  If so, who knew and when? Was the Warren Commission Report factual or part of the cover up?  Come learn the truth about this shameful murder of an American President on US soil.

How do scholars rate the presidents of the United States? This session will examine the manner in which the first 41 U.S. presidents have been rated by historians. While some are ranked fairly consistently, some have moved up, some have moved down, and others have done both.

This PowerPoint presentation reveals the depth and types of skills needed by CIA personnel to use clandestine operations to collect intelligence in difficult - to near-impossible - situations in foreign countries.  All this while under 24-hour surveillance by anti-espionage professionals.  It also reveals a variety of those secret (now unclassified) successes that were accomplished against all odds by the clever use of tradecraft, imagination and creativity.

Hear the 'back-story' concerning movie studios, the stars they created, and the murders, mysteries and mayhem of Hollywood's Golden Age.

From the founding of our country to the Civil War, World War II and the Cold War, this lineup of treasonous Americans put personal ambition, financial gain, misplaced loyalty, ego, or fame above and against the country that gave them freedom and opportunity.