There are few species whose destinies have been more intertwined with humans as the horse. This class shall discuss the role of the horse in the development of ancient civilizations, highlighting the essential role they have played in our cultural and social development.
From their early domestication on the steppes of Eurasia to the cheering crowds at the races in the Circus Maximus and Hippodrome, we shall explore the fascinating and at times surprising impact the horse had on the ancient development of western civilization.
Humans have long had a deep connection with horses and this has contributed to them having a preeminent place in the stories we tell. This course shall explore horses as depicted in the ancient and medieval myths and folktales of Europe, highlighting both the semi-historical and the fantastical accounts to explore how people have thought of and talked about horses through the ages. From heroic horses to spectral steeds, we shall explore a range of fascinating tales and characters which have contributed to the rich lore of these creatures in the western tradition.
On August 14th, 1901, the S.S. Islander departed Skagway, Alaska for Victoria, British Columbia, filled to capacity with passengers and carrying a cargo of an estimated 1,200 pounds of gold bullion. Sometime after 2:00 am on 15 August 1901, the S.S. Islander struck an iceberg and within 20 minutes, the ship sank taking an estimated 40 people with her and the gold bullion.
Come and find out the history and events leading up to the sinking of the ship and whether any of the gold was recovered.
Instructor:Dennis LanhamMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:HIS672 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 10/13/2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Seats Available:16
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.
Instructor:Michael ArnoldMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:HIS632 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 10/20/2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Seats Available:77
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.
Instructor:Paul KrollMembers: $36; General Public: $41
Course #:ARH129 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time : W | 10/28/2026 - 11/11/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM This class meets 3 times Seats Available:15
Are you a historical sleuth? Your mission: identify the singular event in 1827 that has reshaped culture, politics, history, theology, and law- and whose impact is still unfolding. The instructor contends it is the most significant event in recorded history.
Before class, registered participants will search whatever resources they can to find this singular historical event that has been woefully and perhaps willfully ignored. During class, participants will present their discoveries. Then, the instructor will present his.
He will share how this singular event continues to impact our world going forward. A symbolic prize will be given to the participant(s) closest to what the instructor discovered.
Instructor:Emmett CoyneMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #:HIS676 | Room:Room 2
Day of Week | Date | Time: F | 11/6/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Seats Available:7
Dare to take on Friday the 13th? For centuries, this infamous day has been shrouded in superstition and a healthy dose of fear. In this lively and entertaining class, we will dive into some of the quirkiest, most curious superstitions from days gone by. From forbidden acts to bizarre rituals meant to ward off bad luck, discover the strange, and often hilarious, ways people tried to outsmart fate. Pro tip: tossing a pinch of salt over your left shoulder never hurts.
This program traces the development of Secret Writing from Byzantium to Al-Qaeda, and reveals the chemicals used to both produce the vanishing writing and then to the retrieval of the messages. The techniques were used for centuries by government officials, royalty, politicians, the military, lovers, and spies. See German Formula documents so advanced that they were held from the public for almost 100 years. How Royal heads were lost because of compromised messages written in invisible ink. See unique variations used by Greeks, Persians, Russians, French, Germans and the Confederacy. See what a Secret Writing Detection Station today uses to detect the presence of Secret Writing.
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #:HIS142 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: F | 12/4/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:41
There are few species whose destinies have been more intertwined with humans as the horse. This class shall discuss the role of the horse in the development of ancient civilizations, highlighting the essential role they have played in our cultural and social development.
Humans have long had a deep connection with horses and this has contributed to them having a preeminent place in the stories we tell. This course shall explore horses as depicted in the ancient and medieval myths and folktales of Europe, highlighting both the semi-historical and the fantastical accounts to explore how people have thought of and talked about horses through the ages. From heroic horses to spectral steeds, we shall explore a range of fascinating tales and characters which have contributed to the rich lore of these creatures in the western tradition.
On August 14th, 1901, the S.S. Islander departed Skagway, Alaska for Victoria, British Columbia, filled to capacity with passengers and carrying a cargo of an estimated 1,200 pounds of gold bullion. Sometime after 2:00 am on 15 August 1901, the S.S. Islander struck an iceberg and within 20 minutes, the ship sank taking an estimated 40 people with her and the gold bullion.
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.
Dare to take on Friday the 13th? For centuries, this infamous day has been shrouded in superstition and a healthy dose of fear. In this lively and entertaining class, we will dive into some of the quirkiest, most curious superstitions from days gone by. From forbidden acts to bizarre rituals meant to ward off bad luck, discover the strange, and often hilarious, ways people tried to outsmart fate. Pro tip: tossing a pinch of salt over your left shoulder never hurts.
This program traces the development of Secret Writing from Byzantium to Al-Qaeda, and reveals the chemicals used to both produce the vanishing writing and then to the retrieval of the messages. The techniques were used for centuries by government officials, royalty, politicians, the military, lovers, and spies. See German Formula documents so advanced that they were held from the public for almost 100 years. How Royal heads were lost because of compromised messages written in invisible ink. See unique variations used by Greeks, Persians, Russians, French, Germans and the Confederacy. See what a Secret Writing Detection Station today uses to detect the presence of Secret Writing. 
