American History   

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.

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.

"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." 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.