World History   

In November 1978, Congressman Leo Ryan from California visited the People’s Temple Agricultural Project in Jonestown, Guyana. The visit ended tragically. With orders from the group leader, Jim Jones, armed members from Peoples Temple killed Mr. Ryan and members of his party. This event sparked a forced mass suicide of most of the people living in Jonestown and became a momentous event.

Jim Shook, who at the time was an enlisted U.S. Army medic, was part of the mission to recover the remains of those who died. He will offer his memories and perspectives of his experiences there and the effect on his life and others who were part of the mission.  

NOTE: This course deals with subjects that may be disturbing to some participants. Topics include suicide and murder, the handling of decomposing human remains, and frank discussions of poison, death and genocide.

Uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt from how and why the pyramids were built to the surprising beauty routines of early Egyptians. Discover the fascinating purpose behind mummies and why ruling as King of Egypt wasn't always as glamorous as it sounds. It's a fun, intriguing journey into the wonders and weirdness of the ancient world.

Experience the dramatic story of Victoria Island and the city of Vancouver, where majestic mountains, bustling harbors, and stunning gardens set the stage. Discover colorful characters, surprising twists, and legendary tales of the island’s first settlers. It's history brought to life, full of adventure, charm, and unforgettable West Coast stories.

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Lisbon's strategic location has made it a gateway to the continent and launching point for empires.  This class will explore Lisbon's distinct culture, influential history and beautiful hilly location.  Designed for travelers, history enthusiasts and admirers of timeless beauty, this look at Lisbon's charm will captivate those who have visited the city and those who have yet to.

Two hundred years after his death, Napoleon Bonaparte remains one of the most controversial figures of all time. An unmatched military genius, he revolutionized military tactics and organization.  To some, he was an aggressive egotist bent on conquering Europe. To other, he was a liberator replacing a corrupt system with equality for all. This three-week course will consider Napoleon's rise, his military campaigns and his eventual defeat and exile, examining the questions of his ultimate impact on Europe.

The Allied landings on Leyte set in motion the long-anticipated return to liberate the Philippines and triggered the last, and largest, surface fleet engagement in military history. They also marked the beginning of a terrifying new phase of the war, as Japan introduced special suicide squadrons, known to the Allies as kamikazes. Although Leyte was declared secure on December 25, 1944, it proved to be only the opening chapter of a prolonged, arduous, and bloody campaign across the Philippines.

This presentation explores the significance of the Leyte campaign within World War II. Participants will learn about the military units involved, hear firsthand eyewitness accounts, and view a display of original artifacts and high-quality reproduction items from the period. The instructor will appear in an authentic U.S. Army uniform and present period-correct equipment and gear for an immersive, hands-on classroom experience.

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.

Grab your kilt and join Prof Didier for a whirlwind journey through Scotland’s epic past! From the mysterious Pict tribes and fierce Highland clans to the cobbled streets of modern Edinburgh, you’ll explore castles, sip into the story of whisky, and maybe even meet a ghost or two. History has never worn so much tartan.

Step back in time and experience history brought to life through the voices, memories, and treasured artifacts of our community. "Honor Your Heroes" invites participants to explore personal exhibits featuring uniforms, medals, letters, photographs, and heirlooms that tell powerful stories of service and sacrifice from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and beyond. Guests are also encouraged to contribute photos and memories of loved ones who served, helping create a living tribute that preserves their legacy and honors the courage of generations past.

Two registration options are available: participants may register to exhibit memorabilia and personal stories or to attend and view the exhibition, ensuring everyone can take part in honoring those who served.

Step back in time and experience history brought to life through the voices, memories, and treasured artifacts of our community. "Honor Your Heroes" invites participants to explore personal exhibits featuring uniforms, medals, letters, photographs, and heirlooms that tell powerful stories of service and sacrifice from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and beyond. Guests are also encouraged to contribute photos and memories of loved ones who served, helping create a living tribute that preserves their legacy and honors the courage of generations past.

Two registration options are available: participants may register to exhibit memorabilia and personal stories or to attend and view the exhibition, ensuring everyone can take part in honoring those who served.

During World War II, espionage involved covert operations by all major powers, including Germany, Japan, and the Allied nations, Britain, France, and the U.S. This collection of spies acted on behalf of their countries through hatred of the Third Reich, revenge for the killing of a loved one, love of their country or a habitual way of life. But all served faithfully until the crisis ended- or they did.

 

The Italian Renaissance gave the world breathtaking masterpieces, but behind the beauty lay ambition, rivalry, and ruthless power plays. In this gripping course, Prof. Didier pulls back the curtain on the real story of the Renaissance. Through 70 vivid images and unforgettable historical anecdotes, uncover what truly fueled this explosive era, who set it in motion, and how Rome rose to dominate the 1400s.

This isn’t a tour of pretty paintings. It is a journey into the plots, power struggles, betrayals, and even murders that shaped the most magnificent (and dangerous) cultural revolution in history.

Why did the Japanese attack? Why was the U.S. caught by surprise? On the 85th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, this course will examine the reasons for the attack and the almost unbelievable process, the back and forth, that led to the approval of the attack in Japan. This almost torturous process also sheds light on why the U.S. was caught off guard.

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.

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.   

Step into a city of gleaming white marble where history, faith, and legend meet. Walk the streets once home to the Evangelist John and, according to tradition, Mary the mother of Jesus. Marvel at the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and uncover what daily life was really like in this extraordinary ancient city. From sacred rituals to bustling marketplaces, discover the beliefs, customs, and vibrant rhythms of a world long gone, but far from forgotten.

This unique, little known program contains revelations about one of the greatest inventors of the 20th Century, two musical prodigies, a 70+ year love affair, a cutting-edge spy device that baffled the United States for eight years, and the invention of a musical instrument that is played without ever touching it, and has been used in movies and hit songs in America and around the world. You may even get to play it if you wish, many have already.