Why did Spanish ships refuse to land on this tropical paradise for almost 200 years? How did a resident of Key West become Florida's first millionaire? Even if you have visited Key West, this presentation offers many surprises and amusing anecdotes.
Instructor:Lisa DidierMembers: $16; General Public: $21
Course #: HIS331 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 7/14/2025 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:17
Glider pilots were towed in flimsy, noisy, unarmed, fabric-covered gliders at about 130 mph at the end of a 300-foot, 1-inch nylon rope in air made turbulent by the tow planes. They sometimes crash-landed at night in small fields behind enemy lines, carrying troops and/or cargo. Glider pilots received training in infantry combat tactics since after landing, they often fought as infantry. This session will share stories and insights about these members of "the greatest generation."
About Edith Gandy - Click Here
Edith “Edie” Gandy is a lifelong educator, leadership consultant, and equestrian expert whose career has been defined by a deep passion for teaching and empowering others. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and formerly served as President of a consulting firm that provided leadership workshops throughout the United States and Latin America, working in partnership with the University of Florida’s Executive Education Program. Through these programs, she helped shape the leadership capabilities of professionals from diverse industries, blending academic rigor with practical insights to foster personal and professional growth.
Her passion for teaching extends beyond the corporate world. Whether mentoring individuals, developing curriculum, or facilitating group discussions, Edie is known for her engaging, thoughtful approach that encourages curiosity and meaningful learning. She believes in creating inclusive spaces where learners can explore ideas, build confidence, and connect with others.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Edie is a respected breeder and judge of Champion Peruvian Horses. Her breeding program has produced numerous award-winning horses, and she is widely recognized for her expertise in the unique gait and conformation of this elegant breed. As First Vice President of the North American Peruvian Horse Association (NAPHA), she continues to serve the equestrian community, offering her experience and insight to promote excellence and education in the field.
Throughout all her endeavors, Edie’s commitment to teaching—whether in leadership, horsemanship, or life—remains at the core of everything she does.
Instructor:Edith GandyMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: SPE290 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 7/17/2025 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:47
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.
Instructor:Bruce SeamanMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS467 | Room:Room 3 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 8/5/2025 | 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Seats Available:19
Three boat-building brothers from Long Island, all raised as Quakers, came of age during the Second World War.
John Seaman, the eldest, would be a conscientious objector. First assigned to building PT boats in a local shipyard, he protested the assignment. Eventually he would be transferred to making bandages and medical packs.
Fred Seaman, the middle brother, would be drafted and serve in the Army Air Corps piloting a C-47 cargo plane between China and India, over "The Hump," the treacherous Himalayas.
Bert Seaman, the youngest brother, would enlist in the Army Air Corps, learning to fly in Ocala, then serving as a pilot trainer in Georgia before opting for combat duty to expedite his term of service. He became a Captain at 22 years old, piloting a B-24 for over 20 combat missions from Italy to targets into Central Europe and southern Germany from the Fall of 1944 to the end of the war.
That youngest brother was my father. He kept a diary starting from the beginning of his combat tour as he left muggy summertime Georgia in 1944 on a B-24, flying first to Long Island, then Gander, Newfoundland, then the Azores, then Marrakech, Morocco, before arriving at their home base at the heel of Italy near Foggia.
Accounts of Dad's piloting antics are not exactly recounted in the diary. Details have been filled in by a crew member's daughter who eventually connected with my sister. Dad never talked much about the war, but this crew member - the nose gunner, I believe - loved to talk about my dad and what they did during the war. It turns out that my dad - MY dad! - was quite a hot dog pilot.
Great stories!
Instructor:Bruce SeamanMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS743 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 8/21/2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:34
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.
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS616 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 8/29/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:45
This two-part presentation explores the life and work of Thomas Nast, known as the "Father of American Political Cartoons." It highlights his influential illustrations from the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, his depictions of political campaigns, his critiques of "Boss" Tweed and Tammany Hall, and his takes on other national issues. The presentation also delves into his iconic Christmas illustrations and lasting legacy.
Instructor: John DahowskiMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS608 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 9/4/2025 & 9/11/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM This class meets 2 times Seats Available:33
The Founding Fathers' fatal flaw was allowing slavery; they couldn't condemn or condone it. Sadly, most had inadequate teaching of a subject foundational to America. Our domestic tranquility today is affected by the Founders indecision. Understanding the past is a prelude to the future. "A nation cannot choose its past; it can only choose its future." Or as Faulkner said, " The past is never dead, it's now even past."
Instructor: Emmett CoyneMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #: CUR159 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 9/9/2025 & 9/16/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM This class meets 2 times Seats Available:16
Join us in honoring the 24th anniversary of 9/11 through a powerful 30-minute pre-recorded film featuring first-person accounts from individuals who lived through the attacks and their aftermath. Registered students will hear personal reflections from the following speakers:
Naveed Shah was a middle school student on 9/11 and later served in the U.S. Army, deploying to Iraq. He now continues his advocacy for veterans as a board member of the Virginia War Memorial.
Tim Brown, a 20-year FDNY firefighter and 9/11 first responder, was detailed to the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and survived the collapse of the South Tower.
Jan Demczur, a window washer in the North Tower on 9/11, used his squeegee to help escape a trapped elevator just before the building collapsed.
Christine Fiorelli Epstein lost her father, Stephen Fiorelli, in the attacks. Her memoir, Wednesday Morning: Growing Up in Grief, traces her journey through loss and healing.
After watching the film, MTP will attempt to connect to a live virtual chat with Education staff from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on what they’ve learned.
Instructor:MTP StaffMembers: Free; General Public: Free
Course #: SPE293 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 9/11/2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Seats Available:74
"Constitution Day" is held every September 17th. For this year's celebration, attorney Jerry Colen will be here to discuss the most amazing document in all American history, our Constitution, as well as some of its Amendments. Jerry understands that some may disagree with his points of view. As he says: "That's good. Freedom of Speech is right there, in the First Amendment."
Instructor:Jerry ColenMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS197 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 9/16/2025 | 3:00 PM - 4:20 PM Seats Available:43
This presentation is aimed at sharing information about a population of men who engaged in military service to this country with duties involving aviation. The era that this book addresses is one during which there was considerable racial turmoil in America. So, these were stalwart men who entered into a career field dominated by white males who did not readily embrace them. More specifically, the book is about black helicopter pilots who experienced combat duty in Vietnam (among the first were Tuskegee Airmen), some making the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives, and who certainly have a place in U.S. history. It is also a story of the uncommon fortitude, perseverance, and triumph of black men who were often compelled to fight multiple battles against multiple enemies simultaneously (the enemy overseas and racial discrimination at home).
About Dr. Joe Ponds - Click Here
Dr. Joe Ponds is a distinguished educator, author, and military veteran based in Beverly Hills, Florida. He served as a U.S. Army combat helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and, following his honorable discharge in 1975, made history by becoming the first Black Direct Commissioned Aviator in U.S. Coast Guard history.
Dr. Ponds is the author of The 600 m.o.l. – Black Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam: Tuskegee Glory, a book that chronicles the experiences of Black helicopter pilots in Vietnam, highlighting their courage and the racial challenges they faced.
Beyond his military and literary contributions, Dr. Ponds is the founder and President of Memory College, LLC, where he offers memory enhancement training to various organizations, including the University of Central Florida and The Villages Lifelong Learning College . He is also the founder of Ponds Consulting, providing human resource consulting, facilitation, and training services to clients such as the American Lung Association and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
In his community, Dr. Ponds serves as the Pastor of Beverly Hills Bible Church . He is also the President of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida . Additionally, he is the Executive Director of Remember Vets Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and their families.
Dr. Ponds has been recognized as an outstanding educator, facilitator, and trainer by organizations such as the American Lung Association, the American Association for Respiratory Care, and the Florida Attorney General's Office. He has delivered keynote speeches for numerous organizations, including the Citrus County School Board, Florida Women in Government, and the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention. His contributions have also been acknowledged through his induction into Morgan State University's ROTC Hall of Fame.
Dr. Ponds continues to inspire through his multifaceted career, combining military service, education, authorship, and community leadership.
Instructor:Dr. JoeMembers: $13; General Public: $18
Course #: SPE286 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 9/18/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:69
Reconstruction and its aftermath in America today is under scrutiny, now perhaps more than ever, especially regarding the birthright issue. The greatest achievement of Reconstruction was the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. The first time to spell out in the Constitution the implications of "All men are created equal."
Historically, the interpretation of Reconstruction was dominated by the Dunning school which supported "The Lost Cause" of the Confederacy and sought to undermine these amendments and the imposition of Jim Crow.
Instructor: Emmett CoyneMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #: HIS188 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 10/7/2025 & 10/14/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM This class meets 2 times Seats Available:16
The history of famous and infamous Madams continues in Part II, but the location shifts from the old west to the wild side of San Francisco's crib rows, cow yards, and Chinese sex slaves during the Alaskan gold rush and the madams who established their houses of joy in the last, great wild frontier of America.
Instructor:Lisa DidierMembers: $16; General Public: $21
Course #: HIS446 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 10/13/2025 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:20
This presentation will look at the geopolitical tensions leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, go into the details of the December 7, 1941 attack, and examine the immediate and lasting repercussions it caused. The presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the event that reshaped world history.
Instructor:Frank DiPieroMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS610 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 10/14/2025 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:62
The Eldred World War II Museum, founded in 1996, has for almost three decades strived to educate the youths of today on the subject of the Second World War. Based in the small town of Eldred, Pennsylvania, the museum was created in honor of the National Munitions Corporation, which manufactured ordnance for the United States and its allies. The presentation, hosted by Curator Kyle Dunn, will discuss the origins of the plant, the museum, and its mission. Dunn will be presenting remotely from the museum.
Florida remained a loyal British Colony during our Revolutionary War. Learn of the colorful characters involved in the conflict, the struggles of Tory refugees, and how Maryland and Pennsylvania Loyalists, German, British, French, Spanish, Native American, and African American soldiers ended up fighting and dying here.
Instructor:Jack CiottiMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS549 | Room:Cypress Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:W | 10/29/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:27
Florida historically was a refuge for enslaved people, escaping the slave states to be welcomed by native people here and eventually the Spanish. Florida entered the Union as a slave state, 1845, and the last state to be infamously designated. Currently, descendants of slaveholders and enslaved people often share the same surname of residents in Marion County.
Instructor:Emmett CoyneMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS187 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 11/4/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Seats Available:16
Learn all about the different types of national public lands throughout the Sunshine State. From national parks to remote islands, Florida's public lands are worth exploring in every corner of our state. Learn the difference between national parks, preserves, and other types of public lands and how to visit them.
Instructor:Cathy SalustriMembers: $15; General Public: $20
Course #: TRV265 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 11/7/2025 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:56
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.
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS587 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 11/14/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:47
The 1790 Naturalization Act allowed any free white person to become a citizen of the new republic; all others need not apply. Since then, there was a protracted effort to keep America white. This session examines the many efforts to maintain a white America despite the diversity of its immigrants. How does one interpret "e pluribus unum?"
The rise of a militant white supremacy today is not new. It was present throughout our history. It remains contentious today, particularly regarding new immigrants.
Instructor:Emmett CoyneMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: CUR158 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 11/18/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Seats Available:18
The world of 1945 was as different from the world of 1928 as night is from day. These 2 catastrophes rapidly accelerated the pace of change. This session will look at the the whole new post- World War II world and discuss how it differed from that of 1928.
Instructor:Jim CullenMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS318 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 11/20/2025 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Seats Available:4
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.
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS619 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 12/5/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:52
Join Len Ferman, The Sports Time Traveler™, for a fascinating look at professional sports during World War II. Many famous athletes were drafted, including baseball legend Hank Greenberg, who served four years and saw combat. Others, with medical deferments, continued to compete—encouraged by President Roosevelt to help lift national morale. This engaging presentation tells the powerful stories of these athletes as they served and played during the pivotal 1945 season. Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Len reveals how sports became a source of hope and resilience during one of America’s darkest times.
About Len Ferman - Click Here
Len Ferman: Innovator, Educator, and Sports Time Traveler
Len Ferman is a multi-faceted professional with a distinguished career in innovation, education, and sports history. While he is known for his groundbreaking work in the field of business innovation, Ferman's passion for sports, particularly the history of athletics, has also significantly influenced his career and teaching endeavors. As the founder of Ferman Innovation, he helps organizations navigate customer needs and foster creativity through cutting-edge innovation practices. But it's his unique perspective as The Sports Time Traveler™ that truly sets him apart.
The Sports Time Traveler™
As The Sports Time Traveler™, Len Ferman brings the magic of past sports eras to life through immersive storytelling and historical analysis. His exploration of sports history takes audiences on virtual journeys back in time to witness iconic moments and influential athletes. Ferman’s depth of knowledge and captivating presentations bridge the gap between sports history and contemporary relevance, making his talks both entertaining and educational.
Professional Background
Beyond his role as The Sports Time Traveler™, Len Ferman is a respected leader in the field of business creativity and innovation. With over 35 years of experience, he has held leadership positions at major organizations such as Bank of America, AT&T, and Barnett Bank, where he was instrumental in driving innovation in customer experience. Len founded Ferman Innovation in 2013, offering consulting services focused on generating breakthrough ideas and improving customer experience.
Len is also an educator, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of North Florida, where he developed courses on business creativity and innovation. He has received numerous accolades for his teaching, including the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award in 2022. Additionally, Len is a faculty member of the American Management Association and a global educator for Duke Corporate Education.
Published Works
In 2019, Len authored Business Creativity and Innovation: Perspectives and Best Practices, a textbook that provides a comprehensive foundation in innovation principles, exploring how to generate, evaluate, and design ideas to solve business challenges. This work is widely used in academic settings for courses in business innovation, product development, and strategic management.
Len also shares his love of sports history through his book The 1973 Mets: You’ve Got to Believe, which takes readers on a journey through the iconic Mets season that ended with their unexpected appearance in the World Series.
Legacy of Innovation and Education
Len’s contributions to both the fields of business and sports history continue to resonate with audiences around the world. His dynamic presentations, whether on the topics of business innovation or the golden eras of sports, make him a sought-after speaker at major conferences. Whether it's helping companies innovate or transporting audiences back in time to witness sports history, Len Ferman’s work continues to inspire and educate.
Instructor:Len FermanMembers: $13; General Public: $18
Course #: SPE285 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 12/8/2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Seats Available:79
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If class is cancelled by the participant because of COVID positive results, there will still be a processing fee incurred by the participant.
Why did Spanish ships refuse to land on this tropical paradise for almost 200 years? How did a resident of Key West become Florida's first millionaire? Even if you have visited Key West, this presentation offers many surprises and amusing anecdotes.
Glider pilots were towed in flimsy, noisy, unarmed, fabric-covered gliders at about 130 mph at the end of a 300-foot, 1-inch nylon rope in air made turbulent by the tow planes. They sometimes crash-landed at night in small fields behind enemy lines, carrying troops and/or cargo. Glider pilots received training in infantry combat tactics since after landing, they often fought as infantry. This session will share stories and insights about these members of "the greatest generation."
Three boat-building brothers from Long Island, all raised as Quakers, came of age during the Second World War.
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.
The Founding Fathers' fatal flaw was allowing slavery; they couldn't condemn or condone it. Sadly, most had inadequate teaching of a subject foundational to America. Our domestic tranquility today is affected by the Founders indecision. Understanding the past is a prelude to the future. "A nation cannot choose its past; it can only choose its future." Or as Faulkner said, " The past is never dead, it's now even past."
This presentation is aimed at sharing information about a population of men who engaged in military service to this country with duties involving aviation. The era that this book addresses is one during which there was considerable racial turmoil in America. So, these were stalwart men who entered into a career field dominated by white males who did not readily embrace them. More specifically, the book is about black helicopter pilots who experienced combat duty in Vietnam (among the first were Tuskegee Airmen), some making the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives, and who certainly have a place in U.S. history. It is also a story of the uncommon fortitude, perseverance, and triumph of black men who were often compelled to fight multiple battles against multiple enemies simultaneously (the enemy overseas and racial discrimination at home).
The history of famous and infamous Madams continues in Part II, but the location shifts from the old west to the wild side of San Francisco's crib rows, cow yards, and Chinese sex slaves during the Alaskan gold rush and the madams who established their houses of joy in the last, great wild frontier of America.
The Eldred World War II Museum, founded in 1996, has for almost three decades strived to educate the youths of today on the subject of the Second World War. Based in the small town of Eldred, Pennsylvania, the museum was created in honor of the National Munitions Corporation, which manufactured ordnance for the United States and its allies. The presentation, hosted by Curator Kyle Dunn, will discuss the origins of the plant, the museum, and its mission. Dunn will be presenting remotely from the museum.
Learn all about the different types of national public lands throughout the Sunshine State. From national parks to remote islands, Florida's public lands are worth exploring in every corner of our state. Learn the difference between national parks, preserves, and other types of public lands and how to visit them.
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.
The 1790 Naturalization Act allowed any free white person to become a citizen of the new republic; all others need not apply. Since then, there was a protracted effort to keep America white. This session examines the many efforts to maintain a white America despite the diversity of its immigrants. How does one interpret "e pluribus unum?"
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.
Join Len Ferman, The Sports Time Traveler™, for a fascinating look at professional sports during World War II. Many famous athletes were drafted, including baseball legend Hank Greenberg, who served four years and saw combat. Others, with medical deferments, continued to compete—encouraged by President Roosevelt to help lift national morale. This engaging presentation tells the powerful stories of these athletes as they served and played during the pivotal 1945 season. Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Len reveals how sports became a source of hope and resilience during one of America’s darkest times.
