People   

The only tribe that has never signed a so-called peace treaty with the United States, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has perhaps the most unique history of any tribe in North America. Their fight to hold on to their culture, land and freedom, even as other tribes fell to Euro-American violence, is part of a larger story of an amazing people. This talk tells only part of their story, but what a story it is.

This panhandle born girl rose from obscurity to be a giant in aviation and in business. Though not receiving the publicity that Amelia Earhart is accorded, she accomplished much, much more in a life filled with triumphs and heart break. At one point she held every woman's aviation record, was instrumental in forming the WAAC (Woman's Auxiliary Army Corps), the WASP (Woman's Airforce Service Pilots), was an acclaimed test pilot, was the first woman pilot to break the sound barrier, and was the driving force in forming the first woman's astronaut group.

The poignant story of how, together two Americans faced and conquered red tape, engineering obstacles, corruption and personal trials to train and equip the US Marines for their greatest challenges. The story of the LVT, an amphibious vehicle the Marines used to win the war in the Pacific. Two historical figures fight technical and bureaucratic party, and a magazine article can alter history and save 100,000 lives. 

FWA Royal Palm Literary Award winner – Runner-up Best Historical Novel.

These artists have become so well known in the US. However, one will appreciate them more after visiting their homes in Mexico. In a suburb of Mexico City is Casa Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Dr. Kelly will tell the story of her troubled life as participants scout her home and gardens via presentation. Likewise, participants will go to the home of Diego Rivera in Guanajuato and study the paintings of these two as they fall in and out of love.

This PowerPoint 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.

In June of 2013, Edward Snowden, an employee of the National Security Agency, released to the media many thousands of documents that showed the extent that our government was spying on not only national security targets, but ordinary American citizens. Some claimed he committed treason and others called him a great patriot. We will investigate both sides of the issue and attempt to determine where the truth lies.

This course will include more Hollywood secrets, scandals, suicides and murders. Topics include items like what happened to Errol Flynn? Who was Clark Gable?

Ulysses S. Grant and the Winning of the War. President Abraham Lincoln needed help. He had appointed a series of generals to command his armies and yet, as the War continued dreary year after dreary year, the War was not ending. To not win, meant to lose.

Then, in the Western theater of the War, a rumpled-looking major general of volunteers began winning battles. Lincoln liked what he saw. This rumpled general just might be the answer to winning the War. Civil War history buff, Jerry Colen will be here on June 20, to speak with us about the rise and success of Ulysses S. Grant and how he brought the Civil War to Union victory.