Online Course Catalog

American History   

Selling the Sunshine State: Florida Tourist Attractions Before and After Disney NEW!

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. 
Instructor: Steve Noll Members: $8; General Public: $13
Course #: SPE295 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: W  5/6/2026  3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Seats Available: 55
 
 

A Virtual Tour of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum NEW!
Registering for a remote instructor class means the student will attend in a classroom at MTP, but the instructor(s) teach(es) from a remote location. These classes are scheduled for a specific date and time. The instructor's presentation is displayed for students to see and hear in the classroom. Questions to and interaction with the remote instructor is usually available.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, take in panoramic views of the 9/11 Memorial Museum in this 60-minute interactive virtual tour led by 9/11 Memorial & Museum staff. Tours offer a deeper understanding of 9/11, the continuing significance of the attacks, and the stories and artifacts within this globally renowned institution. The tour will be offered via Zoom, with time for questions throughout.


Instructor:  9/11 Memorial & MuseumMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:
SPE306 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: M   5/11/2026   3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Seats Available: 54
 

The History of Trains in the United States NEW!

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.
Instructor: James Lynam Members: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS629 | Room: Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu  5/12/2026  1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Seats Available: 14
 
 

The Secret Cold War of Norman Cousins: Peacemaker in the Atomic Age NEW!
Registering for a remote instructor class means the student will attend in a classroom at MTP, but the instructor(s) teach(es) from a remote location. These classes are scheduled for a specific date and time. The instructor's presentation is displayed for students to see and hear in the classroom. Questions to and interaction with the remote instructor is usually available.

In the shadow of the nuclear arms race of the early Cold War, Norman Cousins, the prominent anti-nuclear activist and editor of the Saturday Review, engaged in secret missions behind the Iron Curtain to conduct high-stakes negotiations directly with the Soviet leadership on behalf of the American government. This talk will explore the culture and international politics of the 1950s & 60s, and take a fascinating look at the enormous impact one individual had on the course of American public debate, international humanitarianism, and Cold War diplomacy in the decades after World War Two. The speaker will be presenting remote.

Dr. Allen Pietrobon is an Associate Professor of History and Program Chair of the Global Affairs department at Trinity Washington University. His book, Norman Cousins: Peacemaker in the Atomic Age, explores the secret diplomatic missions the prominent journalist and anti-nuclear activist Norman Cousins conducted behind the Iron Curtain at the height of the Cold War. 


Instructor:  Allen Pietrobon, Ph.D.Members: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:
SPE312 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu   5/12/2026   1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Seats Available: 65
 

Deep Throat: The Watergate Story NEW!

watergate imageThis 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).

Instructor: MTP Staff Members: Free; General Public: Free
Course #: HIS633 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: W  5/13/2026  1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Seats Available: 80
 
 

Famous American Artists in American History from 1776 Onward NEW!

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.
Instructor: Paul Kroll Members: $30; General Public: $35
Course #: ARH132 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th   5/14/2026 & 5/21/2026   10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
This class meets 2 times
Seats Available: 23
 
 

The JFK Assassination: Did Oswald Really Do It?

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 U.S. soil.

Instructor: Dr. Don Wyman Members: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS587 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: F  5/15/2026  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Seats Available: 22
 
 

U.S. Presidents: The Good, the Bad, and Those in Between NEW!

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.

Instructor: Jim Cullen Members: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS639 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu  5/26/2026  3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Seats Available: 27
 
 

Reassessing Vietnam: New Revelations from Geoffrey Wawro's The Vietnam War: A Military History NEW!
Registering for a remote instructor class means the student will attend in a classroom at MTP, but the instructor(s) teach(es) from a remote location. These classes are scheduled for a specific date and time. The instructor's presentation is displayed for students to see and hear in the classroom. Questions to and interaction with the remote instructor is usually available.

The Vietnam War left a lasting mark on the American psyche. It triggered budget deficits, ignited campus protests, and weakened U.S. influence abroad. Even decades after the final helicopter lifted off from Saigon, Americans remain divided over whether the war was justified or even winnable.

 Attend this remote presenter presentation to hear directly from the author as he explores the war’s complex legacy, enduring impact, and his use of recently declassified government archives in the US and UK to gain a fuller understanding of all aspects of the Vietnam War — political, military, economic, financial, and cultural.  Geoffrey Wawro is an eminent historian and author of seven books.  He is University Distinguished Research Professor and Founding Director of the Military History Center at the University of North Texas. He was previously Professor of Strategy & Policy and Professor of Strategic Studies at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island from 1996-2005. He has hosted multiple shows on History Channel, and appears regularly as an expert on History, Netflix, Discovery, and other outlets.


Instructor:  Geoffrey WawroMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:
SPE307 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th   5/28/2026   11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Seats Available: 48
 

Espionage Tradecraft: Tricks of the Trade

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.

Instructor: Dr. Don Wyman Members: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS343 | Room: Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: F  5/29/2026  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Seats Available: 41
 
 

Hollywood's Golden Age: Stars, Secrets, Scandals

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

Instructor: Lisa Didier Members: $16; General Public: $21
Course #: HIS257 | Room: Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: M  6/1/2026  1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Seats Available: 12
 
 

Rogue's Gallery of America's Betrayers

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. Benedict Arnold was only one of four of our early betrayers. See more who deserve infamy.
Instructor: Dr. Don Wyman Members: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS619 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: F  6/5/2026  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Seats Available: 48
 
 

About This Tour
Duration: 9 days | Travel Style: Classic
Trek across the Southwest as you take in the sienna-colored canyons, towering spires, and desert landscapes found in Utah’s five national parks. Explore the kaleidoscope of colors found in America’s rocky western landscapes.

Collette provides a complimentary hometown pickup service to the airport for those who elect to include air transportation with their package for groups 10 or more.

Click “Learn More” to explore the full details including the overview, itinerary, price, what to expect, and registration information for this unforgettable adventure.
Learn More »

Trip registration, payments, and scheduling are managed directly through Collette. However, Master the Possibilities is always here to support you with any questions or assistance you may need along the way.

 

Rethinking the Great Crash of 1929 NEW!

Instructor:  Julia Ott
Course #:
SPE304 | Room: Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Start Date | Time:  
Th   4/30/2026   1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

 

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