World History   

This video presentation shows how WWII's success hinged on the scale and efficiency of war production. Mass production, especially in U.S. shipyards, allowed the Allies to outpace and overwhelm Axis powers, transforming the war into one between factories. Liberty ships were mass-produced cargo ships critical for transporting goods and troops. Henry J. Kaiser revolutionized shipbuilding by using assembly-line techniques, drastically reducing construction time, and enabling the U.S. to rapidly scale its merchant fleet. The war prompted the U.S. government to ease restrictions on industries, leading to unprecedented production levels. By WWII's end, American factories were churning out a staggering number of ships, planes, and submarines, far surpassing other nations' output. Mass production enabled the U.S. Navy to gain dominance over Japan by targeting supply lines and producing submarines and aircraft carriers. This production surge was pivotal in battles like Okinawa, highlighting the U.S.'s industrial advantage in sustaining prolonged warfare.

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.

This PowerPoint program traces the evolution of encryption by the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, British and Scotch royalty; unique use by Native Americans; Revolutionary and Civil War Leaders and Spies; how it brought America into WWI; the role it played prior to and during WWII; Navajo Code Talking, and including today's encipherment techniques used by the CIA and other Foreign Intelligence Services and their spies worldwide.

From the discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Balboa through the building of the Panama Pacific Railroad and the Great Canal, the history of this tiny country is filled with stories and images of villains, heroes, gold pirates, pearls, and Panama hats.

This video shows how China faced devastating atrocities during World War II, including the Battle of Shanghai and the Nanjing Massacre. The war forced around 100 million Chinese to become refugees in their own country. China's experience during the war had significant impacts on its population and its relationship with the United States.

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!

 

The people of the Korean Peninsula have never known a time of peace. Since the 12th c. BCE they have been divided into kingdoms that endured foreign invasions, internal power struggles and political rebellions. Using images and historical anecdotes, Prof. Didier explains the ancient traditions, religious influences, and political history of Korea and how it became 2 nations that share 1 ancient culture.

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.

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.

Come learn about the dreams, legends and lies that created the history of Spain, including anecdotes about Ferdinand & Isabella and their infamous Spanish Inquisition.

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.

When people think of World War II, they often picture Adolf Hitler's campaigns in Europe. However, as the war progressed, the Pacific theater grew increasingly pivotal as the Japanese Empire rapidly expanded across Asia. Culturally unique and highly resilient, Japanese forces posed a formidable challenge to the Allies, fighting with relentless tenacity in unforgiving jungles and on remote islands. This documentary, narrated by Liam Dale, presents a compelling account of the Japanese war strategy, from epic naval battles to brutal close-combat encounters. Through rare archival footage, witness the events that unfolded in the Far East, where the concept of "no surrender" defined Japanese resistance. Ultimately, it was this unyielding spirit that led America to take extreme measures to secure a lasting peace. Explore every aspect of Japan’s WWII role, and understand the impact on a global scale.

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.

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.

In the past ten years, countless pieces of fiction have been published that take place in France during the Second World War (The Nightingale, The Alice Network, All the Light We Cannot See, The Paris Library, and so on). Many of these books focus on the heroic efforts of the French Resistance to rid the country of the Nazis. But the story of the Resistance is so much more complex than these books can convey.

Join this discussion to talk about the different forms of resistance, who resisted and why, what kinds of struggles they faced, and how the extreme-right played a surprising role in some of France's largest resistance networks. This presenter will be teaching from a remote location.

About Dr. Valerie Deacon - Click Here

Dr. Valerie Deacon is the Manager of Academic Support and Curriculum Innovation in the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). In this role, she leads a team of Academic Support Coaches who provide individualized writing assistance and academic skills development to students .

Before returning to Canada, Dr. Deacon served as a faculty member at New York University (NYU) and NYU Shanghai, where she held positions including Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor of History. During her tenure at NYU Shanghai, she delivered lectures such as “Imagining France: Evasion Training and National Identity During the Second World War”

Dr. Deacon holds a Master of Arts from the University of Victoria and a Ph.D. from York University. Her scholarly work centers on the experiences of the Second World War in Europe and the United States, with a particular focus on the French Resistance and the involvement of extreme-right individuals and groups.

Her first book, The Extreme Right in the French Resistance: Members of the Cagoule and Corvignolles in the Second World War, published by Louisiana State University Press in 2016, examines the participation of men and women from the extreme right in the French Resistance and explores postwar narratives about resisters and the meaning of resistance . In addition to her book, Dr. Deacon has authored several articles, including:

• “Fitting in to the French Resistance: Georges Loustaunau-Lacau and Marie-Madeleine Fourcade at the intersection of politics and gender” (2015)

• “From 'femme d'officier, mère de famille' to 'grand dame de la Résistance': Marie-Madeleine Fourcade during the Second World War” (2017)

Her current research investigates the experiences of downed Anglo-American aircrew in Occupied France and the assistance they received from French civilians. She has published works on this topic, including:

• “‘A jolly romp we were always destined to win': The BBC's 'Allo 'Allo! and British memories of downed aircrew in Occupied France during the Second World War” (2017)

• “International cooperation, transnational circulation: Escape, evasion, and resistance in France, 1940–1945” (2019)

Dr. Deacon's contributions to historical scholarship provide nuanced insights into the complexities of resistance movements and the varied experiences of individuals during the Second World War.

When teaching about World War I (or any war), it can sometimes seem more engaging to explore the reasons that led to conflict rather than the harsh realities of the battlefield. However, World War I serves as a powerful reminder that focusing solely on the causes can sometimes overlook the true devastation and human cost of war.

There have been movies, television shows, books and articles devoted to the breaking of the German Enigma coding machine during WWII.   Codebreaking's role in the Pacific war is equally interesting and just as important, but other than the movie Midway less attention has been paid to it.  While the Enigma story is primarily British, this story is almost entirely American. The purpose of this series of related, but independent, classes is to give the history of American codebreaking, give the human stories involved, and describe its impact on the war in the Pacific.

Register to learn about the creation of the first American codebreaking unit shortly after World War I, led by the inimitable, poker-playing Herbert O. Yardley; its termination by Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson; Yardley’s tell-all bestseller The American Black Chamber; the role of codebreaking in the Washington Naval Treaty negotiations; the founding of the Army’s cryptographic group; and the cracking of Japan’s Purple encryption machine.

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.

This course explores a compelling collection of spies who operated on behalf of their countries during a time of global crisis. Motivated by hatred of the Third Reich, a desire for revenge, deep patriotism, or simply a life shaped by espionage, each served with unwavering commitment—until the war ended, or their own lives did. Their stories reveal the personal stakes behind the covert missions that shaped history.

 

Go back in time with this CBS Documentary "The Seeds of War" narrated by Walter Cronkite. This 90 minute made for Television presentation discusses the root causes of World War II. Come listen to this wonderful presentation that cannot be duplicated by anyone other than the great Walter Cronkite.

The Documentary zero's in on the many different circumstances going back to Word War I that really contributed to the outbreak of the WW II. If you are interested in World History of that era this show is a must for you.

Explore the beginnings of U.S. Navy codebreaking under the leadership of Laurence Safford, the critical role of Agnes Driscoll, who trained most Navy cryptanalysts before WWII, and the leadership of Joseph Rochefort at Station Hypo, whose team broke the Japanese naval code JN-25, leading to victories at Coral Sea and Midway—and to Rochefort’s controversial “reward. 

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.

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.

WW II created many heroes, some on the battlefields, others behind the scenes, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer who attempted to assassinate Hitler, was caught and executed. Come hear this riveting tale of intrigue and deception through the eyes of his twin sister.


 

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.

Since 1949, generations of Germans have reflected on the rise, rule, and remnants of Nazism. The people of East, West, and now-unified Germany have sought to come to terms with their nation's Nazi past through many avenues. This presentation will introduce some of the approaches taken to reckon with this past, including the judicial system, youth protests, and public exhibitions. The presenter will be speaking remotely.
 

About Amy Carney - Click Here

Dr. Amy Carney is an Associate Professor of History at Pennsylvania State University, the Behrend College, where she also serves as department chair and Assistant Director of the Honors Programs. She teaches courses on modern European and modern German history, including The Second World War, Fascism and National Socialism, and The Holocaust. Her research focuses on family history during the Third Reich, particularly the Nazi SS.

Her acclaimed book, Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS (University of Toronto Press, 2018), offers the first in-depth study of the roles SS men played as husbands and fathers, and how these roles were instrumental in shaping a racially elite community within the organization. Her work explores the intersection of gender, family, and ideology under National Socialism.

Dr. Carney holds a B.A. in English and History from Jacksonville University and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in Modern European and German History from Florida State University. She has previously taught at institutions such as Florida State University and Ohio University.

She is also active in public history initiatives. At Penn State Behrend, she led the college’s participation in the international “Long Night of the Digital Memorial” project, which helped digitize Holocaust-era documents related to Dachau concentration camp. In recognition of her scholarship, Dr. Carney was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award for the 2024–25 academic year to conduct research in Austria.

This presentation traces the history of the German medical system under Hitler from the rise of Nazism to the end of World War II.  Different aspects of the Nazi medical structure is covered including the implementation of their sterilization program, euthanasia program, shift in medical education, and concentration camp experiments. The role of Mengele is discussed as well as the relevance of Nazi medicine and experiments to our contemporary medical ethics. This lecture was based on the book "Nazi Medicine" by Robert Lifton, complemented by other references and enlightened by personal visits to the Dachau and Auschwitz concentration camps.

This is a unique story about a genius, musical prodigies, spying and spy gear; baffling inventions: politics and technology; perseverance and love, heartbreak to world success and separation and reunion.  It takes place in Russia and America prior to WWI, past WWII, on into the Cold War and beyond.

Believe it or not, World War II had an impact on many things, including healthcare. Join this class to learn how the war impacted the advancement of medicine, surgery, and clinicians' scope of practice.

This course teaches the use of codebreaking in US submarine warfare, the shooting down of Yamamoto, Japanese Army codes, MacArthur's use of signals intelligence in the New Guinea campaign, the Navajo codetalkers, the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, and did we have prior knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack- could we have had prior knowledge?

When people refer to World War I as the "War to End All Wars," the meaning of that sobriquet is a plea to humanity to never ever contemplate a conflict so terrible and barbaric. However, humanity will always find reasons to go to war. At least in this conflict, there were good ones, good versus evil. 

The Japanese fleet attacked the US base Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Shortly thereafter the Japanese Navy began construction of a new vessel with extremely long-range capabilities that carried an enhanced weapon designed to destroy the Panama Canal locks, dam system and US port along the West coast. Captain Puckett will outline this little known military secret of WWII. Each lecture is self-contained and can be attended individually.

The Holocaust is a topic that has been studied at length by historians in an attempt to understand how this could have occurred as it did under the Nazi regime. Through the lens popularized by historian Karl Schleunes this talk will trace the evolution of the Holocaust in Nazi Germany.

The Italian Renaissance lasted 200 years and gave the world man's most glorious artistic achievements. This program is not about art or beauty. Using 70 images and historical anecdotes, Prof. Didier explains what fueled the 1st Renaissance, who started it and how Rome became the center of the Renaissance in the 1400s. Discover the people, the power, the plots and the murders that fueled the dark side of the magnificent Renaissance.

While the evacuation of troops at Dunkirk in June, 1940 brought most of the men home, it left ALL of its military equipment behind, which left the British army in a perilous state.  In late summer, the German Luftwaffe attacked, trying to destroy the Royal Air Force (RAF), which would leave Britain vulnerable to invasion, or at least open to negotiation.  The resulting Battle of Britain was narrowly won by the British through the foresight, planning, leadership, and steadfastness of Air Marshall Hugh Dowding and the tremendous bravery of the RAF pilots.  The best of the RAF squadrons was the Polish Kosciuszko Squadron.  The purpose of this course is to tell the fascinating story of how the British won the battle and the role of the Polish squadron.

Alan Turing was an early pioneer in computer science and artificial intelligence. He worked as a code breaker during WWII. Though he achieved much, the bulk of his work was hidden as it was considered "classified." Later, his life was enmeshed in scandal and in the end he took his own life. Recently, the United Kingdom, his home land, has recognized his achievements and contribution to the country by placing his likeness on the 50-pound currency note. We owe much to his work with the technology we use in our lives every day. In this class, we'll look at his work and contribution to the modern society.

In this course, we will take a brief look at the major developments leading up to and through the catastrophe that was World War II. Obviously this is intended to be the briefest overview of some of the major political and military activities in the major theaters: Asia, Europe, North Africa, the Eastern Front and the Western Front. We'll focus on how these events impacted the conflict. For example, among the topics to be reviewed are the Japanese invasion of Manchuria; the Munich Agreement; September 1, 1939; December 7, 1941; battles at El Alamein; Midway; Stalingrad; Kursk; Saipan; and Normandy.

Using more than 90 images and historical facts/anecdotes, Prof Didier explains early Russian history from the 1st princes, kings and tsars to the last tsar. Along the way, discover the truth about if Ivan really was 'the Terrible' and if Empress Catherine deserved the title 'Great' and many other naughty secrets of the Rurik & Romanov Royal Houses of Imperial Russia.

When we think of the Revolutionary War, our minds gather on our Founding Fathers and Mothers and the Continental Army that fought to gain our freedom as a separate and independent country. Art is rarely mentioned, even though our national museums have much of it to show us. Come learn about the role art and artists played in the shaping of our national history.

In August of 1945 the leaders of Japan truly struggled with the decision to surrender. This course, using English language sources, reviews the debates and intrigues within the government that brought Japan to "bear the unbearable."

Florida had many military camps, fields and bases during WWII. One of the largest at 165,000 acres was Camp Gordon Johnston, a US Army camp for training infantry for amphibious assault located in Franklin County. This camp in its three phases hosted a quarter of a million servicemembers from 1942 to 1946. Soldiers that trained at CGJ served in both theaters of the war, from the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of New Guinea, from the liberated European ports to the landings at Iwo Jima.

Attend this presentation by Lisa Keith-Lucas, a volunteer at the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum, and learn how Florida’s forgotten coastline helped win World War II.

About Lisa Keith-Lucas - Click Here

Lisa Keith-Lucas is the dedicated archivist and president of the board at the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle, Florida. With a background in science education and degrees in chemistry and geosciences, she brings an analytical approach to preserving and interpreting the museum's extensive collection of over 1,500 artifacts. Her meticulous research has been instrumental in identifying and documenting the names, hometowns, and final resting places of soldiers who trained at the camp, often overcoming challenges posed by incomplete historical records.

Lisa's passion for WWII history is deeply personal. Her mother's experiences growing up in Nazi-occupied Norway and her husband's grandfather's service and death in World War I have profoundly influenced her commitment to preserving these stories. She has been a driving force in uncovering the contributions of African American service members who trained at Camp Gordon Johnston, including the 473rd, 471st, and 476th Amphibious Truck Companies, which played pivotal roles in the Iwo Jima campaign.

Under her leadership, the museum has expanded its facilities to better showcase its collection, including a new building to house vintage military vehicles and a permanent exhibit space . Lisa continues to share the rich history of Camp Gordon Johnston through public lectures, collaborations with local organizations, and educational outreach, ensuring that the sacrifices and stories of these soldiers are preserved for future generations.

On the eve of Pearl Harbor, Florida was the smallest state in the South (smaller than Arkansas or South Carolina). Today, Florida is the third largest state in the nation.

World War II represents a watershed and a revolution. Florida was home to hundreds of World War II military bases. The war left a legacy of a commitment to higher education (the GI Bill) and the beginning of the Sunbelt revolution powered by air conditioning, Interstate highways, and a flood of senior citizens who flocked to the Sunshine State.  Professor Mormino is writing a book on Florida and World War II and will be presenting remotely.

About Gary Mormino - Click Here

Gary R. Mormino, Ph.D. | Historian | Author | Professor Emeritus | Florida Humanities Scholar

Dr. Gary R. Mormino is one of Florida’s most respected historians and a leading voice on the state’s social and cultural evolution. He is the Frank E. Duckwall Professor of History Emeritus and former director of the Florida Studies Program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, where he taught from 1977 until his retirement. He currently continues to educate the public as a frequent columnist for the Tampa Bay Times and through numerous public talks and writings.

A graduate of Millikin University (B.A.) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Ph.D.), Dr. Mormino has dedicated his academic career to exploring the intersections of immigration, urban development, and Florida history. His acclaimed books include Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida (2005), widely regarded as a definitive work on the state’s postwar transformation. Michael Gannon, the noted “dean of Florida studies,” praised the book as “the standard against which all future such efforts in Florida will be measured.”

Dr. Mormino's early scholarly contributions include Immigrants on the Hill: Italian-Americans in St. Louis, 1882–1982, winner of the Howard R. Marraro Prize for outstanding writing in Italian history, and The Immigrant World of Ybor City (co-authored with George Pozzetta), which received the Theodore Saloutos Prize for excellence in ethnic and immigration history.

In addition to his historical scholarship, Dr. Mormino has written and co-authored works exploring Florida’s environment and conservation legacy, including The Everglades: An Environmental History, Waters Less Traveled, and Death in the Everglades: The Murder of Guy Bradley.

A prolific writer and public historian, Dr. Mormino contributes regularly to Florida newspapers, including The Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, and Miami Herald, and was named the first Humanist of the Year by the Florida Humanities Council in 2003. In 2014, he received the Florida Lifetime Achievement Award for Writing, honoring a career devoted to chronicling the complex, diverse, and ever-changing story of the Sunshine State.

Dr. Mormino is currently completing a long-anticipated book on Florida during World War II, continuing his lifelong mission to deepen our understanding of the state’s place in American history.

Malta, an island country located in the central Mediterranean Sea, is a strategically important group of islands. The archipelago has through its long and turbulent history played a vital role in the struggles of a succession of powers. Learn about this jewel from a Maltese citizen who will go into the history, culture, travel opportunities and many other facets of the island.

As the first World War ends in 1919, the infamous Treaty of Versailles is signed in France to impose global peace on the defeated nations of Germany and Austria-Hungary. Explore how the far reaching consequences of this move set in motion the inexorable march to another World War.

Using more than 90 images, historical facts and anecdotes, Prof. Didier takes you through 3,000 years of Egyptian history and explains where, why and how pyramids were built and who built them, the secrets of the Great Sphinx, why mummies were important, why it wasn't always good to be the King of Egypt and even the beauty secrets of the early Egyptians

We examine the life—warts and all—of one of the most influential men of the 20th century. Best known as a world leader, he was also a soldier, journalist, author, and orator, whose career included both remarkable triumphs and notable failures. This course explores not only his public legacy but also the personal convictions and controversies that shaped his complex journey.