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:9
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."
Instructor:Timothy TottenMembers: $20; General Public: $25
Course #: HIS622 | Room:Room 3 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 8/12/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:12
Captain Puckett introduces the lecture series with an in-depth look at the Age of Exploration, spanning the 15th to 18th centuries. He covers Columbus’s voyages to the Caribbean, the Spanish Conquistadors’ occupation of Central America, and the Frances's attempt of a canal across the Isthmus of Panama.
Each lecture is self-contained and can be attended individually.
Everyone loves a good pirate story and we all know the classic elements: buried treasure, the pirates' code and the all-essential "Arrr!" How much do such standards in pirate story-telling have in the original history of pirates and how did these stories develop into how we understand pirates today? This course will examine the history of pirates in the Caribbean and trace the history of how tales of infamous pirates have been told and developed across the years. From the 17th to the 21st centuries, we will have a swashbuckling adventure exploring the fiction, and surprising facts, of these legendary characters and their timeless adventures on the high seas.
Course #: HIS613 | Room: Cypress Hall Day of Week | Date | Time : F | 9/12/2025 - 9/26/2025 | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM This class meets 3 times Seats Available: 10
Captain Puckett will cover America's construction of a Canal across the Isthmus of Panama. He will introduce the engineers that actually built the Panama Canal, the design and location of a lake lock system, construction of a mammoth set of concrete locks, manufactured floating steel gates, electric locomotives that controlled the ships as they pass through the Canal. Each lecture is self-contained and can be attended individually.
Join us as we explore the exciting era of the 1960's, when innovative designers, skilled engineers, and bold personalities came together to create some of the most classic and collectible cars of all time. Participants will analyze these automobiles as works of art, reflecting a unique and transformative decade. Their enduring appeal is undeniable, as seen in their consistently high values. After class, bring your special ride to the back parking lot for a "show and tell" with fellow enthusiasts!
Instructor:Tom IdziakMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS620 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:W | 9/17/2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:21
Construction of the Panama Canal was completed in 1914 and immediately began taking ships through on a limited basis. There were numerous problems with topography, rockslides, electrical issues, channel depths, and operations in general. It would not be until 1920 that the Panama Canal was fully operational. Each lecture is self-contained and can be attended individually.
Join Alvin Ross for an unforgettable journey through the worlds of music, film, and pop culture. From the smooth sounds of Frank Sinatra to the electrifying energy of KISS, from Hollywood icon Tony Curtis to rock legend Elton John, and from deep-sea explorer Jacques Cousteau to the unmistakable voice of Rod Stewart- this presentation makes unexpected and fascinating connections across decades of entertainment.
Along the way, you’ll hear captivating stories about Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, REM, Jerry Lewis, The Beach Boys, Joe Cocker, Barry Manilow, Dave Matthews Band, Paul McCartney, Grand Funk Railroad, Three Dog Night, Ringo Starr, and the Everly Brothers- just to name a few. And there's more... but to find out, you’ll have to join the adventure. Don’t miss this lively, story-packed session that brings music history to life.
Instructor:Alvin RossMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: MUS163 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:W | 9/24/2025 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Seats Available:34
Captain Puckett will explain the overall requirements that enable a ship to pass through the Panama Canal. He will outline the sundry of requirements including ship measurements, monetary costs and payments, manpower assistance and detailed scheduling procedures. He will also share a Panama Canal Pilot's training and responsibilities and share some of the interesting, picturesque views of the landscape as it makes its eight-hour transit of the marvel of engineering of The Panama Canal. Each lecture is self-contained and can be attended individually.
Utilizing hundreds of photos and dozens of first hand accounts from the clients and Wright's apprentices, Master Storyteller Timothy Totten weaves together the fascinating story of the design and building of one of America's most famous and treasured houses, which almost did not materialize.
Instructor:Timothy TottenMembers: $20; General Public: $25
Course #: HIS623 | Room:Room 3 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 10/7/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:12
This lecture examines the history of U.S.-Panama relations regarding the Canal Zone. Captain Puckett discusses the political, economic, and diplomatic factors that led to President Jimmy Carter’s decision to transfer control of the Canal to the Republic of Panama. Each lecture is self-contained and can be attended individually.
Music plays an important role to inspire, educate, and entertain. The music and songs of World War II built the morale of a nation. Starting with "Remember Pearl Harbor, through "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition," to the jilting lyrics of "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" by the Andrews sisters, music played an essential role in leading to the most significant victory of all times.
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 Kroll Members: $34; General Public: $39
Course #: ARH129 | Room: Cypress Hall Day of Week | Date | Time : F | 10/10/2025 - 10/24/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM This class meets 3 times Seats Available: 21
In 2014, the Panama Canal underwent a major expansion to accommodate the world’s largest ships. The Panama Canal also instituted a new advanced vessel communication and accounting system, purchased a fleet of larger tugboats to assist in handling the larger ships that would be passing through the new Panama Canal Mega Lock and reorganized the Panama Canal Pilot training and advancement system. The new Mega locks would limit operation mostly to daylight hours and would take an average of 12 ships a day through those new locks. Each lecture is self-contained and can be attended individually.
With over 50 years in the entertainment industry, Alvin Ross has seen it all. Now he's pulling back the curtain to reveal the fascinating world of showbiz merchandising. From designing t-shirts, posters, hats, and books to creating unforgettable props for some of the world's greatest performers and traveling shows, this presentation dives into what it takes to turn a performance into a full-scale experience.
Hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories, learn the secrets of successful tour merchandise, and discover how even the smallest items can become iconic souvenirs. Whether you're a music lover, theater fan, or just curious about the business of entertainment, this is a show you won't want to miss.
Instructor:Alvin RossMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: THE125 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:W | 10/29/2025 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Seats Available:78
Discover the rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture that make Brooklyn one of the most legendary boroughs of New York City. From its Dutch roots to its rise as a cultural and industrial powerhouse, we’ll explore what made Brooklyn famous: Coney Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Jackie Robinson, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, and its role in music, film, and art.
Whether a history buff, a foodie, or just love a great New York story, this course will bring Brooklyn to life with fascinating tales and hidden gems. Don’t miss this exciting journey through one of America’s most dynamic and influential destinations.
Instructor:Alvin RossMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS625 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 11/17/2025 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Seats Available:50
Through photos and enthralling anecdotes and stories, Master Storyteller Tim Totten brings to life the 20+ year journey to bring forth a college campus in the sunshine state that now boasts the largest single-site collection of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright's work anywhere in the world. Special attention is also paid to an ancillary project that arose from Wright's Florida visits, the Spring House.
Instructor:Timothy TottenMembers: $20; General Public: $25
Course #: HIS624 | Room:Room 3 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 12/2/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:10
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:76
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