The brilliant Mark Twain once wrote that if he’d had more time, he would have written a shorter letter. That’s a wonderful insight into how to write a great short story, too. Stories take a certain sort of genius to write, and a certain kind of luck to find. And you’re in luck! Here are some of the most thought-provoking, moving and entertaining short, and they are short, stories of the past 100 years. They may not take long to read, but they are sure to generate memorable discussion, important learning and terrific camaraderie. All stories will be emailed to you as pdfs and/or available on hard copy. Space is limited to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Liquor Makes You Smarter by Anita Loos, 1927

2. Greatest Man in the World by James Thurber, 1931

3. A Red-Letter Day by Elizabeth Taylor, 1948

4. The Swimmer by John Cheever, 1964

This series explores how secrets, greed, and historical upheaval resonate across generations. Whether it is a stolen inheritance in rural Provence a grand deception in post-WWI Paris, or a history as farce, these films examine how characters must reckon with the choices made, and the lies told, in their youth. Titles are subject to change.

 

LECTURES:

 

1. Jean De Florette, 1986: Tragic irony and the crushing weight of human greed against the beauty of the French landscape tell the story of an idealistic city tax collector who moves to the Provence countryside to build a revolutionary rabbit farm, unaware that his neighbors have plugged the local spring to sabotage his success. 122 min.

 

2. Manon of the Spring,1986: Ten years later, Jean’s daughter, now a wild shepherdess, discovers the source of the water and the truth of the conspiracy, leading her to exact a silent, crushing revenge on the entire village. 113 min.

 

3. See You Up There, 2017: A visually stunning, surrealist look at the trauma of WWI and the resilience of the human spirit through art and friendship. Two veterans, one a disfigured artist, launch a spectacular, fraudulent scheme involving war memorials to expose the society that abandoned them. 117 min.

 

4. Return of the Hero, 2018: In a comedy of imposters, a cowardly officer returns from the Napoleonic Wars to find that the sister of a young woman he was to marry has killed him off in forged letters in his name, turning him into a celebrated—but fake—war hero. 90 min.

 

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Welcome to our Mah-Jongg class! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this is the perfect place to dive into the exciting world of Mah-Jongg. In this fun, relaxed setting, you'll learn the basic rules, including identifying tiles, rules of the game, how to read the card, along with tile combinations to advanced strategies that will elevate your play. With over 25 years of experience, Diane Engel will guide you step-by-step, making sure you feel confident and comfortable at every stage. With plenty of hands-on practice and opportunities to ask questions, you'll be playing like a pro in no time. Join us for a fun and engaging experience—come for the game, stay for the community! Space is limited.

In the early eighteenth century, porcelain was Europe’s most coveted material, fragile, luminous, and worth more than gold. German Historian Anette Isaacs tells the dramatic true story of how an imprisoned alchemist, an ambitious ruler, and several artistic innovators at Meissen unlocked the secret of true porcelain and transformed it into a symbol of power and prestige. Through dazzling objects and surprising stories, we will see how Meissen porcelain reshaped European taste, luxury, and the pursuit of perfection.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

When most hear Oskar Schindler’s name, they recall Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. But the real Schindler was far more complex: a German spy, businessman, and Nazi Party member who profited from forced Jewish labor in Krakow. Yet, as Nazi atrocities escalated, he transformed his factory into a refuge, using bribery and determination to save nearly 1,200 Jewish workers from death. Schindler’s extraordinary courage earned him the rare honor of burial at Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Join historian Ralph Nurnberger, Ph.D., as he delves into Schindler’s complicated life, exploring his flaws and failures alongside his remarkable heroism, revealing how one man in extraordinary times made a profound difference.

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

When most hear Oskar Schindler’s name, they recall Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. But the real Schindler was far more complex: a German spy, businessman, and Nazi Party member who profited from forced Jewish labor in Krakow. Yet, as Nazi atrocities escalated, he transformed his factory into a refuge, using bribery and determination to save nearly 1,200 Jewish workers from death. Schindler’s extraordinary courage earned him the rare honor of burial at Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Join historian Ralph Nurnberger, Ph.D., as he delves into Schindler’s complicated life, exploring his flaws and failures alongside his remarkable heroism, revealing how one man in extraordinary times made a profound difference.

Despite family tragedies, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë became literary legends. Raised in 19th century Haworth, Yorkshire, they emerged from this village as groundbreaking writers. The Brontës will be introduced through portraits, photographs, and illustrations of significant locations and artifacts from their histories. We’ll explore their friendships, loves, and rivalries, gaining insights into the larger-than-life characters, intricate plots, and evocative settings they created. This interactive experience will uncover their famous works and place them in historical context.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Get ready to dive into the delicious world of Italy’s regional wines and foods! This course takes you on a mouthwatering journey through Italy's rich history, vibrant culture, and the story behind its iconic wines and cheeses. Learn the art of savoring every bite and sip, from the perfect swirl to that first glorious taste. We’ll explore the unique traditions of each region, including local history, patron saints, and cultural gems. The goal? To make your Italian food and wine experience unforgettable and, most importantly, fun! Expect plenty of tastings, lively lectures, and interactive PowerPoint sessions—this isn’t your typical classroom experience! The deadline for enrollment is Wednesday, Augustst 12th. Space is limited.

"Because I Could Not Stop for Death - He Kindly Stopped for Me." This is the beginning of Emily Dickinson's most famous poem. Although written in the late nineteenth century, it could have been written today. Although we all must eventually encounter death, too many of us avoid thinking about this final journey. This class will look at both practical and spiritual preparations. Why must we die? What should we do to prepare for death so we are not a burden on our families? And what happens to our soul or consciousness after we die? The questions may be uncomfortable, but they are questions we all must face. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.