This presentation goes into great detail on the steps that a CIA Case Officer employs in acquiring someone in a foreign country with access to valuable information unavailable in any other way, to spy for the USA. It reveals the meticulous planning and clever techniques used to communicate that intelligence safely and securely without compromising it, or jeopardizing both parties over long periods of time.
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $11; General Public: $16
Course #: HIS421 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 8/1/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:47
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
This program details the characteristic traits of people who are typical candidates for spying. Then, it delves into the four major triggers that cause them to actually do it. Finally, it gives an example from the most notorious spies in World History, foreign and domestic, demonstrating how the patterns of behavior can help us to identify them.
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS578 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 8/15/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:48
Before George Floyd, the death of Emmett Till energized the Civil Rights movement. His mother's brave decision to have an open casket for the world to view how savagely he had been brutalized was a significant catalyst for the Civil Rights movement.
Instructor:Emmett CoyneMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HBL116 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 8/26/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Seats Available:17
This two-part presentation explores the life and work of Thomas Nast, known as the "Father of American Political Cartoons." It highlights his influential illustrations from the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, his depictions of political campaigns, his critiques of "Boss" Tweed and Tammany Hall, and his takes on other national issues. The presentation also delves into his iconic Christmas illustrations and lasting legacy.
Instructor: John DahowskiMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS608 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 9/4/2025 & 9/11/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM This class meets 2 times Seats Available:29
This true-life PowerPoint presentation gives a brief biography of two senior military officers during the Cold War. It tells what they did, and what happened because of their actions. They risked their careers - even their very lives - to follow their consciences and convictions. We should all be grateful because they saved our countries, world, and every one of us.
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $11, General Public: $16
Course #: HIS422 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 9/12/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:45
The back-story about famous, or infamous, people seldom reveals the truth about their 'Mommy Dearest.' This program uses examples such as Ma Barker, Pauline Einstein, and Gladys Presley to answer questions such as: can a 'Tiger Mom' change a dullard into a genius; does smothering a child with constant attention produce a totally dependent, dysfunctional adult; or can maternal influence create a future criminal? Also included in the program are some surprising quotes from famous/infamous people regarding their 'Mommy Dearest.'
Instructor:Lisa DidierMembers: $16; General Public: $21
Course #: HIS259 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 9/22/2025 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:20
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:33
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.
Instructor:Valerie DeaconMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: SPE287 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 9/25/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:65
This PowerPoint program relates the life and prowess of one of the most enigmatic personalities of the twentieth century. Berg was brilliant, had a penchant for languages, mastering 15 of them, loved the game of baseball, but had a thirst for adventure that was satisfied by the OSS and the CIA who put his knowledge and daring to good use for America during WWII and beyond.
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $11; General Public: $16
Course #: HIS202 | Room:Cypress Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 9/26/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:48
While our men fought in the armed forces in WWII, millions of women in America joined the workforce in factories and shipyards. Women surprised themselves and the country being able to produce aircraft, warships, tanks, guns, ammunition and kept the country running. These women were referred to as "Rosie the Riveter". But was she an actual person or just a symbol of these women? What happened to these women after the war? How have these women changed life on the home front forever? Find out these answers and more as Dee collier portrays Rosie the Riveter.
Instructor:Dee CollierMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS570 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 9/30/2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Seats Available:30
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.
Instructor:Dee CollierMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS448 | Room:Cypress Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 10/14/2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Seats Available:45
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.
Instructor:Amy CarneyMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: SPE288 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 10/16/2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:86
Take a thrilling trip down Memory Lane with Alvin Ross as class participants celebrate the stars, songs, and stories that made Broadway legendary. From the show-stopping tunes of George M. Cohan to the timeless magic of Rodgers & Hammerstein- all the way to Barry Manilow's Harmony- this journey through the Great White Way will have participants singing in the aisles.
Instructor:Alvin RossMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: MUS201 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 10/17/2025 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Seats Available:23
These three spies kept authorities and security departments fooled into thinking they were loyal employees, above suspicion. They were even given awards by their governments for outstanding performance, all the while knifing their employers in the back. How and why did they do it?
Instructor:Dr. Don WymanMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: HIS618 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:F | 10/31/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:46
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.
Instructor:Jim ShookMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS303 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:W | 11/5/2025 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Seats Available:14
Explore the rise and fall of America’s most notorious gangsters, from post-Civil War outlaws to the birth of the Mafia. Discover their influence on cities, the rise of Las Vegas, and the reign of Florida’s Cocaine Queen. Come learn how they built empires.
Instructor:Lisa DidierMembers: $16; General Public: $21
Course #: HIS551 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 11/24/2025 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:10
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.
Instructor:Jim CullenMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: HIS611 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Tu | 12/2/2025 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Seats Available:16
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:74
Discover the history, culture and craft of Costa Rica plus a virtual tour of the rainforests to learn about the bizarre and beautiful creatures that inhabit the most diverse ecosystem on earth.
Instructor:Lisa DidierMembers: $16; General Public: $21
Course #: HIS260 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 12/8/2025 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:19
This class is full. Click the "Add to Wait List " button below to be placed on a wait list.
Devil's Island, Pantelleria, Château d'If of Île d'If, and Alcatraz are all famous island prisons, but what is the back-story behind what life was like in these prisons? Discover who were their most famous prisoners, why they were sent, and the truth about the men who actually succeeded in escaping.
Instructor:Lisa Didier Course #: HIS444 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 7/28/2025 - 7/28/2025 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Note: Students are not charged when placed on a waiting list, and will be notified by MTP staff if a seat becomes available.
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If class is cancelled by the participant because of COVID positive results, there will still be a processing fee incurred by the participant.
This presentation goes into great detail on the steps that a CIA Case Officer employs in acquiring someone in a foreign country with access to valuable information unavailable in any other way, to spy for the USA. It reveals the meticulous planning and clever techniques used to communicate that intelligence safely and securely without compromising it, or jeopardizing both parties over long periods of time.
This program details the characteristic traits of people who are typical candidates for spying. Then, it delves into the four major triggers that cause them to actually do it. Finally, it gives an example from the most notorious spies in World History, foreign and domestic, demonstrating how the patterns of behavior can help us to identify them. 
This true-life PowerPoint presentation gives a brief biography of two senior military officers during the Cold War. It tells what they did, and what happened because of their actions. They risked their careers - even their very lives - to follow their consciences and convictions. We should all be grateful because they saved our countries, world, and every one of us.
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.
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.
These three spies kept authorities and security departments fooled into thinking they were loyal employees, above suspicion. They were even given awards by their governments for outstanding performance, all the while knifing their employers in the back. How and why did they do it?
Explore the rise and fall of America’s most notorious gangsters, from post-Civil War outlaws to the birth of the Mafia. Discover their influence on cities, the rise of Las Vegas, and the reign of Florida’s Cocaine Queen. Come learn how they built empires.
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.
Discover the history, culture and craft of Costa Rica plus a virtual tour of the rainforests to learn about the bizarre and beautiful creatures that inhabit the most diverse ecosystem on earth.
Devil's Island, Pantelleria, Château d'If of Île d'If, and Alcatraz are all famous island prisons, but what is the back-story behind what life was like in these prisons? Discover who were their most famous prisoners, why they were sent, and the truth about the men who actually succeeded in escaping.
