Fun Facts   

Explore the rich origins, history, and health benefits of three of life’s greatest pleasures—tea, coffee, and chocolate. Professor Didier will guide you through their discovery, cultivation, and complex processing, while highlighting how these beloved treats have shaped cultures around the world. Learn how indulging in them not only delights the senses but can also offer surprising health benefits.

Master storyteller Timothy Totten takes you on a whirlwind tour of the life and work of America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. With insightful architectural analysis, and hundreds of photos, Totten weaves a tale of love, adultery, murder and the Emperor of Japan to illustrate the genius and personal foibles of "The Greatest American Architect."

People of Scottish ancestry have been a part of the history of America for well over 250 years. The Highland Games are among the centuries-old traditions Scottish immigrants brought to America. In this session, you will learn about the games, their history, and where in Florida you can go to see these powerful symbols of Scottish heritage and cultural pride.  

The optional second class will be a field trip meeting on Saturday 2/14/26 in Mt. Dora- Instructor will be giving the final details on the 1st day of class. Student will pay for the field trip on own.

Uncover the strange and often shocking history of medicine from the 1700s to the 1950s. Explore bizarre potions, risky remedies, and deadly practices once thought to be cures. Along the way, examine how some so-called “medical miracles” emerged- and how they shaped the treatments we know today.

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.

Every painting tells a story. How do you look at paintings? What do you see? Would the historical context matter? Would you like to develop observational skills for describing and interpreting paintings? Can you appreciate art even if it doesn't appeal to you? Come and explore art in history, especially if this is something new for you.

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.

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.

Ever heard of Frogs? How about Sharkansas Women's Prison? This fun look at Florida's relationship to some of the (often intentionally) worst science fiction movies showcases Florida’s B-movie glory, starting with Creature From the Black Lagoon and moving through not-quite-classic sci-fi “masterpieces” like Devil Fish and 2-Headed Shark.

See clips from films made in Florida - and films made about Florida. From Sunshine State to Where the Boys Are to Gone Fishin', you'll get an overview of what Florida-made and Floridacentric films say about our state. Expect lots of movie clips, discussion and a question and answer period.

Whether you were once watching Jack LaLanne in your living room, sweatin to the oldies, donning your leg warmers, going to the club to lift weights like Arnold, or are currently taking advantage of the many opportunities to live an active lifestyle, come join this one-hour lighthearted conversational look at the history of fitness in America.

<p>Brave enough to face Friday the 13th? For centuries, people have feared this famously unlucky day, and the curious superstitions that surround it. In this lighthearted and intriguing class, participants will explore some of the most peculiar and entertaining superstitions from days gone by. From forbidden acts to quirky rituals meant to reverse bad luck, this session offers a fun look at the odd beliefs that once shaped everyday life. Just in case, don&#8217;t forget to toss a little salt over your left shoulder before attending.</p>

Over the course of eight years, Architect Frank Lloyd Wright built an impressive hotel for the Emperor of Japan. Through hundreds of historic photos and eyewitness accounts, Master Storyteller Timothy Totten recounts the origins of the project, reveals the extensive design work that detailed the enormous hotel, and reconstructs with a digital artist this masterpiece of Tokyo architecture lost to history and the wrecking ball.

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.

Every painting tells a story. How do you look at paintings? What do you see? Would the historical context matter? Would you like to develop observational skills for describing and interpreting paintings? Can you appreciate art even if it doesn't appeal to you? Come and explore art in history, especially if this is something new for you.

A controversial design for an unusual art collection, the Guggenheim Museum took famed American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright more than 2 decades to realize, with his death coming 6 months shy of the unique building's completion. Storyteller Timothy Totten will bring to life the tortured and unique story of the controversial museum through 100+ pictures and more than a dozen fascinating accounts by the players involved.

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.

Hollywood and the motion picture industry looms large in our lives. We've seen great movies, mediocre movies and flat out bad ones. Jerry Colen will be with us not to discuss any movie, but to talk with us about some of the sex, scandals and murders with which some of our famous, or is it infamous movie stars have been involved. Jerry says that this lecture will be a bitter-sweet, perhaps, funny and always entertaining look at the "other side" of the camera.

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. 

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