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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 04-19-2024 to 04-19-2024Day(s) of the week: FridayTime: 12:00 PM-01:30 PM Central TimeInstructor: Blaine Davies, M.A., Professor of U.S. HistoryTerm: OELocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisThomas Jefferson remains the greatest enigma of all U.S. Presidents. How could the man who penned the words, “all men are created equal” own slaves? While doubting whether the Constitution allowed him to do it, he authorized the Louisiana Purchase. Blaine Davies explores the life and contradictions of the scientist, architect, farmer, astronomer,... read moreThomas Jefferson remains the greatest enigma of all U.S. Presidents. How could the man who penned the words, “all men are created equal” own slaves? While doubting whether the Constitution allowed him to do it, he authorized the Louisiana Purchase. Blaine Davies explores the life and contradictions of the scientist, architect, farmer, astronomer, scholar and statesman, author of the Declaration of Independence and our third President. The lecture includes highlights of Blaine’s visit to Jefferson’s Monticello. -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 04-23-2024 to 04-23-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 10:30 AM- 11:30 AM Central TimeInstructor: Johnny RabbitTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisThis class will learn about what went on in the 1950s and 1960s. Instructor Johnny Rabbitt hopes you'll be up for some serious back-in-time travel, plus he'll bring along a special guest. You'll get the inside stories of Gaslight Square's birth, life, and death. We'll look around downtown before the Arch was constructed, refresh with Pinky Pevely, Velvet... read moreThis class will learn about what went on in the 1950s and 1960s. Instructor Johnny Rabbitt hopes you'll be up for some serious back-in-time travel, plus he'll bring along a special guest. You'll get the inside stories of Gaslight Square's birth, life, and death. We'll look around downtown before the Arch was constructed, refresh with Pinky Pevely, Velvet Freeze and 3V cola—of which the 3 Vs stood for vim, vigor, and vitality. Hear the story of KXOK Radio Park and when the Globe-Democrat was the morning paper. We had the Star-Times and the Post-Dispatch fighting it out in the afternoon! Shopping at Crestwood Plaza —"where the big stores are!" and the Wellston loop. Household radio and TV stars included Jack & Jerry, Prince Knight, Spider Burks, and Charlotte Peters. This is going to be good!
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 04-25-2024 to 04-25-2024Day(s) of the week: ThursdayTime: 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM Central TimeInstructor: Parks SmithTerm: OELocation: Zoom- St. Louis OasisBletchley Park was once the top-secret home of the World War II “Codebreakers”—a term coined about the over 9,000 men and women who worked at the facility intercepting and cracking German communication during the war. We will focus on the lesser-told stories of the women who worked at Bletchley Park from 1939 to 1946. And learn how the German messages... read moreBletchley Park was once the top-secret home of the World War II “Codebreakers”—a term coined about the over 9,000 men and women who worked at the facility intercepting and cracking German communication during the war. We will focus on the lesser-told stories of the women who worked at Bletchley Park from 1939 to 1946. And learn how the German messages were intercepted and decoded during the battle of the Atlantic, breaking the German Enigma and Lorenz codes and leading to the development of the Colossus computer. Women played an integral role in it all. Join us for this fascinating exploration of the history of the women codebreakers. -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 04-25-2024 to 04-25-2024Day(s) of the week: ThursdayTime: 01:00 PM- 2:30 PM Central TimeInstructor: Steve Tamari, Ph. DTerm: OELocation: Zoom- St. Louis OasisJoin instructor Steve Tamari, Professor of Middle East and Islamic History at SIUE, to learn about how women of the Ottoman imperial harem exerted power over the palace and the empire. Ancient Turco-Mongolian traditions and Ottoman succession patterns allowed women of the imperial harem to all but run the empire during the 17th century behind closed doors.... read moreJoin instructor Steve Tamari, Professor of Middle East and Islamic History at SIUE, to learn about how women of the Ottoman imperial harem exerted power over the palace and the empire. Ancient Turco-Mongolian traditions and Ottoman succession patterns allowed women of the imperial harem to all but run the empire during the 17th century behind closed doors. This history challenges deeply held assumptions about how elite women exerted power in ways that Western scholars—until relatively recently—could not see. -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 04-26-2024 to 04-26-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 12:00 PM-01:00 PM Central TimeInstructor: Javier Gonzalez-Meeks, Associate Professor of History, San Diego Miramar CollegeTerm: OELocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisThe fall of the Roman Empire was a complex and multifaceted event that marked the end of an era and ushered in a period of significant change in European history. While the empire's decline was a result of a combination of factors, its legacy continues to shape the modern... read moreThe fall of the Roman Empire was a complex and multifaceted event that marked the end of an era and ushered in a period of significant change in European history. While the empire's decline was a result of a combination of factors, its legacy continues to shape the modern world. -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 04-30-2024 to 04-30-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM Central TimeInstructor: Bonnie VegaTerm: OELocation: Zoom- St. Louis OasisThe Vatican’s history as the seat of the Catholic Church began with the construction of a basilica over St. Peter’s grave in Rome in the 4th century A.D. Having embraced Christianity with the Edict of Milan in 313, Emperor Constantine I began constructing a basilica over St. Peter’s tomb in 324. St. Peter’s Basilica became a spiritual center for... read moreThe Vatican’s history as the seat of the Catholic Church began with the construction of a basilica over St. Peter’s grave in Rome in the 4th century A.D. Having embraced Christianity with the Edict of Milan in 313, Emperor Constantine I began constructing a basilica over St. Peter’s tomb in 324. St. Peter’s Basilica became a spiritual center for Christian pilgrims, leading to housing for clergy members and forming a marketplace that became the thriving commercial district of Borgo. The area was abandoned following the move of the papal court to France in 1309. After the Church returned in 1377, famous landmarks such as the Apostolic Palace, the Sistine Chapel, and the new St. Peter’s Basilica were erected within the city limits. -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-01-2024 to 05-01-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Central TimeInstructor: Karl KindtTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisEmbark on a captivating journey through time as we step into the grandeur of the 1904 Fair. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the era by venturing inside the remarkable buildings that once stood as magnificent testaments to human innovation and creativity. Transport yourself to a bygone era, allowing you to see, touch, and experience the Fair just as our... read moreEmbark on a captivating journey through time as we step into the grandeur of the 1904 Fair. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the era by venturing inside the remarkable buildings that once stood as magnificent testaments to human innovation and creativity. Transport yourself to a bygone era, allowing you to see, touch, and experience the Fair just as our ancestors did 120 years ago. This immersive exploration promises to unveil the cultural and architectural marvels that defined the 1904 Fair, offering a unique opportunity to connect with history on a personal and sensory level. Join us for an enchanting encounter with the past, where every step reveals the echoes of a momentous event that shaped the course of history.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-02-2024 to 05-02-2024Day(s) of the week: ThursdayTime: 01:00 PM-02:00 PM Central TimeInstructor: Bev SchuetzTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisDelve into the lesser-known love saga of Winston and Clementine Churchill in this captivating class. Uncover the intricacies of their intimate history, marked by the emotional imprints of challenging childhoods, episodes of failure and disdain, and a shared ascent to remarkable triumphs. Explore the intriguing question: Would Winston's extraordinary... read moreDelve into the lesser-known love saga of Winston and Clementine Churchill in this captivating class. Uncover the intricacies of their intimate history, marked by the emotional imprints of challenging childhoods, episodes of failure and disdain, and a shared ascent to remarkable triumphs. Explore the intriguing question: Would Winston's extraordinary leadership during WWII have been achievable without Clementine's profound influence? Join us to unravel this compelling tale!
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 05-06-2024 to 05-13-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: OELocation: Zoom - Rochester OasisThe Battle Against Blunders. No general ever sets out to be a failure. So, it’s a bit of a surprise to find so many of them who ended up that way. Especially because you normally have to work your way up through the ranks to get to the position where you can be a poor general. But one truth of military history is that it is one thing to take orders and... read moreThe Battle Against Blunders. No general ever sets out to be a failure. So, it’s a bit of a surprise to find so many of them who ended up that way. Especially because you normally have to work your way up through the ranks to get to the position where you can be a poor general. But one truth of military history is that it is one thing to take orders and carry them out. It’s another thing entirely to give orders. Here will examine just a few of those who gave less than successful orders during their service.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-07-2024 to 05-07-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeInstructor: Richard Bell, Professor of History, University of MarylandTerm: OELocation: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThe Constitution is a much beloved document, a charter that many Americans regard with pride, reverence, and awe. Yet, over the past half-century, several historians have argued that many of its innocuous-sounding articles offered a dramatic giveaway to slaveholders. This program will help you determine where the truth lies. We’ll follow the framers of... read moreThe Constitution is a much beloved document, a charter that many Americans regard with pride, reverence, and awe. Yet, over the past half-century, several historians have argued that many of its innocuous-sounding articles offered a dramatic giveaway to slaveholders. This program will help you determine where the truth lies. We’ll follow the framers of the federal Constitution into their closed-door convention in Philadelphia in 1787 to see how northern delegates and southern delegates wrangled over whether or not slavery could continue to thrive in a nation founded on the principles of liberty and equality.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 05-07-2024 to 05-14-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Central TimeInstructor: Joan MusbachTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisIn the long hot summer of 1787, fifty-five men convened in Philadelphia to write a plan for governing the United States of America. This endeavor marked a second attempt, initially conceived as an improvement upon the original plan. However, faced with insurmountable challenges, the participants grappled with thorny issues, engaging in heated debates and... read moreIn the long hot summer of 1787, fifty-five men convened in Philadelphia to write a plan for governing the United States of America. This endeavor marked a second attempt, initially conceived as an improvement upon the original plan. However, faced with insurmountable challenges, the participants grappled with thorny issues, engaging in heated debates and eventual compromises to reach a consensus on the final document. As the summer drew to a close, the rush to return home left numerous details unresolved, with trust placed in the belief that these issues would find resolution in due course. Yet, this was not the end of conflict and compromises, as the document required ratification by nine of the thirteen states through specially convened conventions. These ratification debates stirred further disputes and calls for change.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-07-2024 to 05-07-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 01:00 PM-03:00 PM Central TimeInstructor: Richard VennTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisLed by Richard Venn, a Master of History from the University of Missouri--St. Louis, Part II of the three-part series on World War One will be explored. This segment will delve into the transformation of the Archduke's assassination into the bloodiest conflict witnessed by Europe up to that point. Students will gain insights into the factors that led to a... read moreLed by Richard Venn, a Master of History from the University of Missouri--St. Louis, Part II of the three-part series on World War One will be explored. This segment will delve into the transformation of the Archduke's assassination into the bloodiest conflict witnessed by Europe up to that point. Students will gain insights into the factors that led to a four-year murderous stalemate, examining the intertwining dynamics of technology and strategy during this historic period. -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-08-2024 to 05-08-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 01:00 PM-02:00 PM Central TimeInstructor: Gloria JenningsTerm: OELocation: Zoom - San Antonio OasisOnly within the last 70 years has it become socially acceptable for women to wear pants. Until the mid-1960s, the average American woman wouldn’t dare leave her house wearing dungarees. But as early as the mid-1800s, a few pioneering women had started quite literally making strides toward more practical women’s wear. In this class we will discuss the... read moreOnly within the last 70 years has it become socially acceptable for women to wear pants. Until the mid-1960s, the average American woman wouldn’t dare leave her house wearing dungarees. But as early as the mid-1800s, a few pioneering women had started quite literally making strides toward more practical women’s wear. In this class we will discuss the revolution of the suit/pantsuit and the women who wear them. -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-09-2024 to 05-09-2024Day(s) of the week: ThursdayTime: 01:00 PM-02:45 PM Central TimeInstructor: Carol DiazTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisCarol Diaz-Granados, PhD, RPA (Register of Professional Archaeologists), invites you to delve into the captivating world of American Indian artifacts. While these relics are often admired, few can interpret the symbolism behind the art. Over the past two decades, scholars have made momentous progress in unraveling the significance behind the motifs found in... read moreCarol Diaz-Granados, PhD, RPA (Register of Professional Archaeologists), invites you to delve into the captivating world of American Indian artifacts. While these relics are often admired, few can interpret the symbolism behind the art. Over the past two decades, scholars have made momentous progress in unraveling the significance behind the motifs found in various American Indian arts and artifacts. Join Dr. Diaz-Granados, who recently published a book on this subject, as she showcases slides featuring a plethora of fascinating artifacts and provides insightful explanations of their meanings. -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-10-2024 to 05-10-2024Day(s) of the week: FridayTime: 01:00 PM-03:00 PM Central TimeInstructor: Carol Diaz GranadosTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisThe 1904 World's Fair provided so many things to see that it was hard to decide just where to go first. A compelling option was the American Indian exhibits, showcasing the original inhabitants of our land. The exhibits provided extensive insights into various aspects of Native American culture, including different dwellings, traditional clothing, arts,... read moreThe 1904 World's Fair provided so many things to see that it was hard to decide just where to go first. A compelling option was the American Indian exhibits, showcasing the original inhabitants of our land. The exhibits provided extensive insights into various aspects of Native American culture, including different dwellings, traditional clothing, arts, crafts, and activities. The captivating Wild West shows added an extra layer of excitement. The Indian School played a crucial role in acculturating young individuals, and notable figures like Geronimo were present among the many others at the fair.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-14-2024 to 05-14-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeInstructor: David B Lindauer, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), US Army Signal CorpsTerm: OELocation: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisWith all of the recent WWII presentations that focused on various campaigns in Europe, we sometimes lose track of an equally hard-fought war in Asia. For nearly four years British and Indian forces fought a very arduous campaign in southeast Asia, not only against the Japanese but against hunger, disease, jungle conditions, mountains, and monsoons. And they... read moreWith all of the recent WWII presentations that focused on various campaigns in Europe, we sometimes lose track of an equally hard-fought war in Asia. For nearly four years British and Indian forces fought a very arduous campaign in southeast Asia, not only against the Japanese but against hunger, disease, jungle conditions, mountains, and monsoons. And they did this in remote areas where there were hardly any roads, railroads or airports, and where the most reliable means of transporting supplies was sometimes on the back of an elephant! Often overlooked by the British press, the British Fourteenth Army, became known as “The Forgotten Army.” This is their story and the story of their very remarkable commander, Field Marshal William Slim.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-14-2024 to 05-14-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 12:00 PM-01:30 PM Central TimeInstructor: Gary A. Rendsburg, Distinguished Professor, Jewish Studies, Rutgers UniversityTerm: OELocation: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisLearn the story of the groundbreaking discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, including the explorations of the caves and the excavations at Qumran, and the progress of scholarly work in the subsequent 75 years. We also will look at the key documents themselves, with an eye to uncovering the salient features of the Essene community which produced these... read moreLearn the story of the groundbreaking discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, including the explorations of the caves and the excavations at Qumran, and the progress of scholarly work in the subsequent 75 years. We also will look at the key documents themselves, with an eye to uncovering the salient features of the Essene community which produced these texts. Special attention will be paid to their unique theological positions, their relationship to other Jewish groups at the time, and their connections to early Christianity.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-14-2024 to 05-14-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 01:00 PM-02:30 PM Central TimeInstructor: Bonnie VegaTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisEmbark on a learning journey with Bonnie Vega as she delves into the lives of three influential First Ladies: Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, and Sarah Polk. Despite the absence of a written “job” description for the role of the First Lady, these women served as noteworthy role models for those who would later assume this position. Throughout... read moreEmbark on a learning journey with Bonnie Vega as she delves into the lives of three influential First Ladies: Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, and Sarah Polk. Despite the absence of a written “job” description for the role of the First Lady, these women served as noteworthy role models for those who would later assume this position. Throughout history, First Ladies have played a prominent and visible role in American society, and the three individuals highlighted in this program paved the way, leaving an enduring legacy for those who followed in their footsteps.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-14-2024 to 05-14-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 01:00 PM-03:00 PM Central TimeInstructor: Richard VennTerm: OELocation: Zoom - St. Louis OasisParticipate in a session with Richard Venn, Master of History from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. This marks the concluding segment, Part III, of a comprehensive three-part class on World War One. In this installment, we will delve into the U.S. entry into the war and its consequential effects on the war's ultimate outcome. Additionally, students... read moreParticipate in a session with Richard Venn, Master of History from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. This marks the concluding segment, Part III, of a comprehensive three-part class on World War One. In this installment, we will delve into the U.S. entry into the war and its consequential effects on the war's ultimate outcome. Additionally, students will gain insights into the impact of the Russian Revolution and explore how the Treaty of Versailles potentially set the stage for the Second World War.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-22-2024 to 05-22-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeInstructor: Daryl Davis, MusicianTerm: OELocation: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThis singer/songwriter icon introduced the Caribbean music known as Calypso to the U.S. and went on to become an ardent activist for Civil Rights. From the front line of music fame to the front line of marches and protests, Belafonte was an intense entertainer and leader. We will explore some of the many interesting facets of this complex man, who died at... read moreThis singer/songwriter icon introduced the Caribbean music known as Calypso to the U.S. and went on to become an ardent activist for Civil Rights. From the front line of music fame to the front line of marches and protests, Belafonte was an intense entertainer and leader. We will explore some of the many interesting facets of this complex man, who died at the age of 96 in 2023.