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!

Relations between the United States and Russia date back to the time of the American Revolution and were critical throughout the 19th century from the U.S. Civl War through the building of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Little of this history is known and without it, it is almost impossible to understand the recent decade's dynamics. This six-week course will explore 245 years of Russian American engagement, concluding with a deeper look at the twists and turns of relations over the past two decades. Each lecture will be enhance by a  PowerPoint.

LECTURES:

1. The League of Armed Neutrality and the American Revolution; Abraham Lincoln and Czar Alexander II: A Critical Partnership.

2. The Bolsheviks and the American Industrial Revolution.  

3. The World War II Alliance that Defeated Hitler and the Axis Powers and the Eisenhower Effort to Demilitarize the Cold War.

4. Reagan and Gorbachev: The End of Soviet Communism. 

5. The Putin Era and Washington's Shift.  

6. A Look at the Future of the U.S.-Russia Relationship: A New Yalta Deal in the Works?

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!

In the world of great mansions, few capture the imagination like Mar-a-Lago. In this richly illustrated presentation, Richard René Silvin takes you on a fascinating journey through the estate’s glamorous history—beginning with its 1924 construction, funded by the Post Cereal fortune. Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress and visionary, enlisted famed architect and stage designer Joseph Urban to help create what her daughter Dina Merrill called “a theatrical set.” Through a virtual tour and vintage photos and video, Silvin explores the artistry, lifestyle, and charitable legacy of Mrs. Post, who called Mar-a-Lago home for 45 years. Learn how the estate narrowly escaped demolition and how it remains preserved today. This is a cultural and historical presentation, non-political and filled with elegance, opulence, and storytelling. 

Do you feel like you are constantly "on alert" or settling for less than your best life? Join Susan for a refreshing 4-week journey to reclaim your peace and energy. This course combines simple science with practical mindfulness to help you move from stress to strength. You will learn how to turn off your inner "fire alarm," transform difficult people into opportunities for growth, and flip the switch on worry. Whether you want to improve your health or find more joy, these tools will help you wake up to your highest potential and live with more intention. Space is limited.

LECTURES:

1. The "Self-ful" Life: We often feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. This week, we redefine self-care as "self-ful" living. Learn why prioritizing your own well-being is the best gift you can give to your family and friends.

2. Turning Triggers into Tools: Have you ever noticed that certain people "push your buttons"? Discover why these emotional triggers happen and learn a simple way to let that irritation melt away so you can stay calm in any situation.

3. Waking Up to Your Life: Are you moving through your days on autopilot? We’ll explore how to become a "witness" to your own thoughts. Learn how to observe your life without judgment to find more clarity and stop "missing the mark."

4. Flipping the Switch on Worry: Chronic worry is often just a bad habit of "negative goal setting." This week, we practice reversing that pattern to clear out anxiety and create the peaceful, happy life you’ve always imagined.

Historically, there are only a handful of Golden Age Hollywood stars who combined massive box-office success with profound acting talent.  Among the most obvious were Paul Muni, Henry Fonda, and Katharine Hepburn. Edward G. Robinson should sit atop that list. For “Manny” was both a first-rate actor and a box-office champion. Far from being the stereotypical cigar-chomping gangster he was, onscreen, he was also a sparkling comedian, overpowering tragedian father and uncle, and world-class collector of art. Let’s spend 8 weeks getting to know the man born Emmanuel Goldenberg and watch a wide range of his films . . . both the well-known and the unknown. You just might develop a greater love of the man’s overwhelming talent. Titles are subject to change.

LECTURES:

1. Little Caesar (1931): The film that turned Manny into an overnight star. Costarring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 79 min.

2. The Whole Town’s Talking (1935): A milquetoast clerk is mistaken for public enemy # 1. Directed by John Ford. 95 min.

3. Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet (1940) Based on the true story of the doctor who discovers a cure for syphilis. Screenplay by John Huston. 103 min.

4. The Sea Wolf (1941): Based on the novel by Jack London. Costarring the very young John Garfield. 100 min.

5. Larceny, Inc. (1942) A comedy in which 3 ex-cons buy a luggage shop in order to tunnel into the bank vault next door. With Jane Wyman and Broderick Crawford. 95 min.

6. Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945): A Norwegian famer raises his daughter on a farm in rural World War II-era Wisconsin. Costarring Margaret O’Brien. 105 min.

7. The Stranger (1946): An investigator from the War Crimes Commission seeks to find an infamous Nazi; costarring and directed by Orsen Welles. 95 min.

8. The Cincinnati Kid (1965): An up-and-coming poker player takes on the master of the game. Costarring Steven McQueen, from a screenplay by the blacklisted Ring Lardner, Jr. 102 min.

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!

Experience the history of the United States through the power of music with Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band. With vocals, guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass fiddle, this talented group brings old-time, pre-bluegrass, and folk traditions to life with energy and passion. Their multimedia program blends live music and striking images to explore key moments in American history—from the Revolution and Westward Expansion to Abolition, the Civil War, the Industrial Age, Women’s Rights, the World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. From Appalachian melodies and fiddle tunes to ragtime, blues, spirituals, cowboy ballads, and sea shanties, their performances honor history while captivating modern audiences. Favorites at festivals, concert halls, and cultural centers, the band has released three Ballad of America albums. The group features Matthew Sabatella, Jack Stamates, Chris DeAngelis, and Sean Edelson, delivering an unforgettable, foot-tapping journey through the American experience.

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!

In 1962, four teenage boys from Liverpool changed music forever. Who could have imagined that a band from a working-class English city would revolutionize rock ‘n’ roll worldwide? Join Dr. Tom Cimarusti, Professor of Music History at Florida Gulf Coast University, as he takes you on a captivating musical journey through the Beatles' rise from humble beginnings to superstardom. Discover the magic behind their unforgettable sound, their groundbreaking albums, and their lasting impact on the music world. With engaging stories, insights, and maybe even a surprise visit from Paul McCartney! This is a musical experience you won’t want to miss!

Thomas M. Cimarusti, Ph.D., is a Professor of Music History at Florida Gulf Coast University, specializing in 18th and 19th-century music. He has lectured at universities nationwide and published extensively on Mozart, Beethoven, Italian opera, and chamber music.

Experience the "buzz" of American Mahjong, a fast-paced game of pattern, probability, and perception. In this six-week beginner course, you’ll master the fundamentals in a welcoming, hands-on environment, no experience required. From your first class, you’ll handle tiles and build hands with step-by-step guidance. As the weeks progress, you’ll unlock deeper layers: mastering the National Mahjong League card, strategic passing during the "Charleston," and reading the table with confidence. What starts as a puzzle soon becomes an exhilarating rhythm. Beyond strengthening focus and memory, Mahjong is built on conversation and shared discovery. Whether you’re seeking a mentally stimulating hobby or a vibrant social community, you will leave this course ready to join any table with skill and confidence. Space is limited. No class scheduled on October 6th.

The Presidential Elections of 2000 and 2008 were both crucial turning point elections that have affected the nation long term. We shall examine the contested Presidential Election of 2000 between Al Gore and George W. Bush, which was decided after 36 days by the Supreme Court; and the historic election of the first African American President, Barack Obama, over John McCain in the Presidential Election of 2008. The short and long range impact of these two pathbreaking elections will be analyzed and evaluated for their long range effect on the nation.

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!

In the mid-20th century, the United States experienced a dramatic shift—from post-World War I isolationism to becoming the Arsenal of Democracy in WWII and a reluctant superpower during the Cold War. FDR’s leadership, despite isolationist pressures, helped lead the Allies to victory and set the stage for U.S. global leadership through the United Nations, the Bretton Woods System, the Marshall Plan, and the Japan Economic Miracle. Today, the U.S. faces increasing calls to step back from its global role. This course will explore these key moments, focusing on the presidencies of FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy, and the evolution of America’s superpower status.

 LECTURE:   

1. From Isolation to WWII: Explore Roosevelt’s mobilization for war, the New Deal, and America’s rise as a global power during World War II.  

2. Global Leadership Shift: Analyze the transition from British to American leadership, the Truman presidency, and the beginning of the Cold War.  

3. Kennedy, Johnson, and Vietnam: Examine the Kennedy-Johnson years, the Vietnam War, and Nixon’s historic opening to China.  

4. Carter, Reagan, Clinton: Explore Carter’s human rights shift, Reagan’s Cold War end, and Clinton’s NATO expansion.  

5. Bush-Cheney and the War on Terror: Study the impact of 9/11, the War on Terror, and America’s “unipolar moment” under Bush.  

6. The Great Disruption: Analyze America’s shift from Obama to Trump, examining Trump’s “America First” stance and its impact on global leadership.

This engaging, hands-on workshop invites students of all skill levels to create original art inspired by the masters. Each session begins with a brief presentation on a legendary artist’s unique technique, followed by a guided activity where you will design your own personal masterpiece. All materials are provided, and you will leave every class with a finished piece. Space is limited. 

LECTURES:

1. Georgia O’Keeffe: NOTAN

2. Matisse: Paper Cut-outs

3.  Henri Rousseau: Animals

4. Georges Braque: Cubism

5. Hundertwasser: Design and Architecture

6. Frank Stella: Abstraction

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!

Join us for an engaging class that combines music appreciation with a special focus on musical theater (MT). Led by a Concert Pianist, Musical Director, and Historian, this course offers an overview of the history of musical theater, from its vaudeville origins to the modern era of "movie musicals." Through lectures enhanced by PowerPoint slides, we’ll explore the compositional styles of major composers like Gershwin, Bernstein, and Sondheim, and their lasting contributions to the MT canon. The class will also feature live piano performances by the instructor, bringing the music to life. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the evolution of American Musical Theater through the lens of both history and performance.

Born in Kentucky, concert pianist Aaron Orin received a piano scholarship to the University of Kentucky at just 14 and graduated by 19, going on to perform at the White House and other prestigious venues. Now based in South Florida, he holds a Master’s in Piano Performance from FAU, is pursuing a second Master’s in History, and works actively as a sought-after Musical Director for regional theater productions.

From Guys and Dolls to Hamilton, many of Broadway’s most iconic stories are inseparable from the spirit of New York City. Join international theater historian Steve Friedman as he explores how the Big Apple sets the stage for musical theater history. We’ll dive into the world of "Musical Biographies"—from Annie Oakley and the King of Siam to Carole King and Alexander Hamilton—to discover where the historical facts end and the theatrical fiction begins. How accurate are these legends? Let’s find out.

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

 

What do ChatGPT and the human brain have in common? More than you might think. This course bridges the gap between neuroscience and technology, showing how the brain’s design inspired the latest AI breakthroughs. We will explore how "digital neurons" mimic our own and how human memory systems led to the creation of modern AI models. Whether you’re interested in biology, technology, or both, you’ll gain a clear conceptual framework for understanding how today's most advanced AI was developed and how it’s helping us unlock the secrets of our own minds.

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

Important Supreme Court decisions and multiple Presidential Executive orders in 2025 now substantially alter and affect our legal and Constitutional landscape. Long-standing, comfortable, oft-repeated Constitutional principles such as "no person is above the law" and "we enjoy three coequal branches of government" now require further examination. Frequent ongoing Supreme Court "split" decisions reflect ever-present disparate fundamental challenges between liberal and conservative views, as well as uncertainty as to continued adherence to many established long-standing Supreme Court precedents. Expect a dynamic semester, as this course will not be for the faint-hearted.

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

 

Curious about what neuroscientists are discovering right here in our community? Step inside Florida Atlantic University’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute for a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge brain research. This 90-minute experiential session begins with a brief overview of the institute’s history, mission, and three guiding pillars: research, education, and community engagement. Participants will tour the facility, visit active research spaces, and meet scientists studying neuroimaging, molecular neuroscience, and brain circuitry. Stops may include demonstrations of advanced technologies, specialized imaging equipment, and a glimpse into the institute’s youth and community programs. Discover how laboratory discoveries translate into real-world impact — and why brain science matters at every stage of life. The Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute is located at 5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458 on the Jupiter campus of FAU. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for check in. Space is limited.

Live In-Person Zoom 

Women have always been very active supporters of culture and education. In the U.S. especially, women were responsible for some of the most outstanding art collections, bringing Old Masters as well as modern Impressionist and Abstract works to the U.S.. They also ran the most influential salons, founded the first important museums and art organizations, ran galleries and introduced public art. Our talks will focus on the late 19th - mid 20th C. and explore the development of the art scene with these pioneering women as its main players.

LECTURES:

1. Catherine Lorillard Wolfe (Met), Isabella Gardner (Boston), Mary Cassatt, Louisine Havemeyer, (Met) Bertha Palmer (Chicago).

2. Hewitt Sisters, Gertrude Stein, Florine Stettheimer, Cone Sisters (Baltimore), Mable Dodge Luhan and Helena Rubinstein

3. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie Bliss and Mary Sullivan (the 3 founders of MoMA), Edith Halpert and Augusta Savage. 

4. Katherine Dreier, Hilla Rebay (Guggenheim Museum), Peggy Guggenheim, Betty Parsons, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney & Juliana Force (Whitney Museum of American Art, Doris Freedman (Public Art FUnd), Lynda Goode Bryant, and Marcia Tucker.

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.

Most people know Alice in Wonderland as the whimsical tale of a girl chasing a white rabbit into a magical world. But few know the fascinating story behind the story. This lecture explores the life of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson—the real name of the author—and the people, places, and experiences that inspired his timeless classic. Discover how Dodgson’s unique friendships, love of logic, and imaginative mind shaped the beloved adventures that continue to captivate readers of all ages. Join us to uncover the secrets behind one of literature’s most enchanting stories.

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

Many people worry that aging inevitably brings memory loss and cognitive decline. This lecture separates fact from fiction, exploring what science truly reveals about the brain across the lifespan. Participants will learn which changes are normal, which abilities often remain strong or improve, and how the brain adapts through neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve. Everyday forgetfulness will be placed in context, and practical strategies for supporting mental sharpness will be discussed. Accessible, research-informed, and reassuring, this session empowers participants to better understand their own cognitive health while highlighting the surprising strengths that often emerge with age.

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!

Join historian Ralph Nurnberger, Ph.D., for a powerful exploration of the Warsaw Ghetto’s harrowing history during World War II. Discover how over 400,000 Jews were confined to a tiny, overcrowded space under brutal conditions that led to starvation, disease, and deportations to death camps. Learn about the 1943 uprising, the largest Jewish revolt against Nazi occupation, and the devastating aftermath. Amid this darkness, hear the inspiring story of Irena Sendler, a courageous Polish social worker who risked her life to rescue more than 2,500 Jewish children. Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Dr. Nurnberger honors the resilience and heroism that emerged from one of history’s darkest chapters.

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.