Yogi Berra – The Yankee Great
Lawrence Peter Berra was born in St. Louis in 1925. He grew up in a neighborhood with lots of boys and they played all kinds of sports. He got up in baseball in 1934 because the St. Louis Cardinals won … Continued
September 11 th , 2001 – The day etched in America’s memory forever
It started like any other day. It was a quiet normal day and then the radio announcers started talking about some strange events happening in New York City. Did a plane really hit the North Tower and then another plane … Continued
Elvis Presley –The King of Rock and Roll
During some people’s lifetimes, they become so well known that they are identified by one name. Elvis certainly is in that category. He began life in an obscure corner of Mississippi and came from a background that did not inspire … Continued
Admiral Chester Nimitz – WW II Allied Pacific Commander
On December 7th, 1941, the world changed for America. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The next day, President Roosevelt declared war. In response to the attack, Admiral Chester Nimitz was sent to Pearl Harbor to help put together what America had … Continued
Joe DiMaggio – the Yankee Clipper
He came from very obscure circumstances. His father was a fisherman who expected all of his sons to follow in his footsteps. In growing up, Joe did not like the smell of dead fish that surrounded him as he scrubbed … Continued
Mount Rushmore and the 4 Presidents
One of the most interesting sculptures to see in America is located in the southwest corner of South Dakota. How did those incredible faces get carved into the Black Hills? Who did it? Why those 4? How long did it … Continued
Hannukah & Christmas
Those two terms inspire an incredible amount of feeling and emotion and connection. Those two terms represent the most profound holidays that connect their respective believers to the core tenets that define them. Hannukah came about as the results of … Continued
George Frideric Handel – Handel’s Messiah
He was born in Haile in the Duchy of Magdeburg, Germany in 1685. His musical talent was discovered very early, much to the chagrin of his father. His education included some musical training, but his father withdrew him from that. … Continued
Roberto Clemente – The Ball Player & The Humanitarian
He came from Puerto Rico with mixed heritage (latino & black). As a child, he was raised in difficult circumstances. In his youth, it was obvious that he had incredible physical talent & he was proficient in several sports. He … Continued
Woodstock 1969 – The Event & The Music
It began as an idea to raise funds to create a music studio. John Roberts & Joel Roseman were friends who were looking for investment opportunities. They advertised in the New York Times. Artie Kornfeld & Mike Lang answered with … Continued
Walt Disney – The Man & His Magic
Walt Disney was born and grew up in the Chicago area. He started drawing by the age of six. That unleashed a lifetime of artistic expression. He was too young to enlist in W. W. I, so he joined the … Continued
Jackie Robinson – the American Legend
His accomplishments were very public. He broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947. He became the Rookie of the Year in 1947. He became the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1949. He led the Dodgers to … Continued
The Decade of the 1950s
When you hear the term, the 1950s, people often think of a simpler time. They think of the explosion of television and rock and roll music. TV shows that dominated that era include: “I Love Lucy”, “Leave it to Beaver”, … Continued
Ernest Shackleton – Explorer Extraordinaire
In the Spring of 1914, Antarctic explorer, Ernest Shackleton put an ad in the London Times which said: “Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful, honor and recognition … Continued
Washington & Lafayette
Sometimes in history, there are friendships that transform circumstances. Where two people who were strangers, get acquainted, work together and accomplish wonderful things. Such a friendship took place in early American history. The American Commander in chief was George Washington. … Continued
Stonehenge
The very name conjures images of ancient times and unknown events and the modern struggle to explain all of that. When was Stonehenge constructed? Who were the Druids? What is the purpose of the concentric circles of stone? Is Stonehenge … Continued
Clara Barton – The American Nurse
She came from a background that wouldn’t have implied greatness. She was very persistent and maybe that was the first clue as to how she would be in her life. Clara Barton was the type of person who just did … Continued
Westminster Abbey
That beautiful building has stood for over a 1000 years. Its walls ring with history. You walk among the famous kings and queens and prime ministers and politicians and poets who are all buried there. The building has been remodeled … Continued
The Appalachian Trail
Where can you hike across America? Where can you see the backwoods of America that the early pilgrims and pioneers saw? Where can you communicate with Nature and History all at the same time? What is the Appalachian Trail? What … Continued
Vincent Van Gogh
He was born in 1857 in the Netherlands. He was born to a family that was long on love and short on many of the blessings of life. His father was a minister and so Vincent wanted to try that … Continued
John Wayne
He was born in Iowa in 1907 and as a small child, the family moved to California. His childhood dog was named Duke and that stuck to him a whole lot better than his birth name, Marion Morrison. He was … Continued
Galileo Galilei
Here is a man who still ranks as one of the most brilliant scientists who ever lived. He lived his entire life (1564 – 1642) in Italy and moved forward the concept of concise observation. He didn’t accept what had … Continued
Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum
His name conjures up images of interest and entertainment and the wonder of … is it all real. He was born July 5, 1810 in Connecticut to a middle class family and started out owning a grocery store. He decided … Continued
Will Rogers – “The Conscience of America”
He came from obscure beginnings, out in the badlands of Oklahoma. He was born in 1878, a time when the Wild West was still a great deal of that description. He grew up with a lesser interest in education, if … Continued
The Olympics – Ancient and Modern 776 BC – 1960
The very term, the Olympic Games generates a spirit of competition and the desire to do your very best. That desire to succeed comes from Mt. Olympus, the revered home of Zeus, the head of the Greek Gods. The Olympics … Continued
The Events of January
In looking at the months of the year, January obviously begins the year, but it also has had profound events take place in that month. It is a month that saw the opening of Ellis Island (1892). It is a … Continued
The Events of November
The month of November is known for many things. It is the month of memories and celebrations: Veteran’s Day (the 11th) and Thanksgiving (the 4th Thursday) and the opening of the Vietnam War Memorial (1982) come to mind. It is … Continued
The Events of September
As we look at the events of the month of September throughout history, it is once again a vast array of diversity. We saw the worst terrorist attack on America (2001). We saw war (1939). We saw the ending of … Continued
The Events of July
As we view the events of the month of July, many are very well known. The 4th of July of 1776 is imprinted strongly in our minds as the nation’s birthday. The 20th of July in 1969 is also a … Continued
Edith Cavell
She was born to a family in England and her father was the local rector. She was very creative in growing up, even an accomplished artist, but she was drawn to a career of service in medicine. She had one … Continued
The Events of May
In looking at the events of the month of May, I was struck once again at the incredible variety of significant items that have taken place during that month. Interestingly enough, they include the following and many more: 1519 – … Continued
The Events of October
The month of October has always held special interest because the last day of the month is Halloween. That day alone conjures up images of fun and craziness and trick or treating. However, there were many other events that took … Continued
The Events of March
As we look at the events of history that took place during the month of March, it is amazing to know of the prominent events and the not so prominent events that have greatly impacted our lives. The prominent events … Continued
The Events of August
The month of August reminds us that summer still has a ways to go. Many events have taken place during the month of August that dramatically have impacted American and world history. Some of those events include: 1492 – Columbus … Continued
The Events of June
Any time you review the events of a specific month, an array of known and unknown subjects come up. Such is true when looking at the month of June. We have well known holidays, such as Flag Day on the … Continued
Madame Marie Curie
Her name speaks of great accomplishment. Born in 1867, she lived in a time that did not allow women to do a whole lot outside the home, and yet she went on and became a scientist of the first order. … Continued
The Events of February
During the month of February, as we celebrate the beginning of a new year, there are many other events of note that also take place. Some are well known, such as Valentine’s Day and many are quite obscure, such as … Continued
The Events of April
Sometimes in looking back at history, we focus on individuals or an event or a series of circumstances and we don’t necessarily look at a larger time frame. In this presentation, we will look at the historical events during the … Continued
The Events of December
The closing month of the year has no shortage of unique items that take place and represent the spectrum of history. Some we know a lot about: December 1st, 1955 – Rosa Parks sat in the wrong bus seat, December … Continued
Dwight D. Eisenhower
posted in: 20th Century America, American History, June Topics, March Topics, Sports, The World at War, US Presidents |
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He was a farmer’s son from Kansas. He loved sports more than academics. He went to West Point and played football until he had a major knee injury. He was noticed by several generals in positions of power because of … Continued
John Adams
He was born in somewhat obscure circumstances. His father helped him get a great education. He became one of the best known lawyers of his generation. After he won the case supporting the British at the Boston Massacre, he was … Continued
Eli Whitney
He was born and raised in the North and was a young man (11) when the Revolutionary War started. From his earliest years, he had an intuitive sense of designing and building. Traveling to the South, he encountered the issue … Continued
Stephen Foster
He was born on the 50th anniversary of America. He came from a family who lived in the North and had strong feelings regarding the issue of slavery. He did not have the opportunity of formal musical training, but became … Continued
World War II Acknowledgements
On December 7, 1941, the world changed for America. We went from a nation of people who didn’t want to get involved in a war half way around the world to a nation that had been attacked and now wanted … Continued
Ellis Island, and The Statue of Liberty
From the vantage point of people throughout the world, two of our most iconic symbols are Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Both of those terms capture the imagination of foreigners because both terms represent the idea of freedom … Continued
Harriet Tubman
The American Moses. She was born in poverty and slavery. She never had the benefit of a formal education. She had what we call street smarts. She inspired many slaves that freedom not only was better, but it was an … Continued
Heinrich Schliemann
He had a difficult childhood, but had an extraordinary gift for languages, which paved the way for business opportunities, immense wealth and a different career prospect: archaeology. From his early childhood on, the ancient world always fascinated Schliemann. He was … Continued
Leonardo Da Vinci
Arguably the greatest artist ever. The story has obscure beginnings that include illegitimacy. His opportunities were limited, but his talent was not. He became well known and could pick and choose projects, but his interests were so varied that his … Continued
Marshall & MacArthur
The aftermath of the war. During the autumn of 1945, the world finally was starting to catch its breath. We had just endured the largest man-caused cataclysm the world had ever known. Countries around the world were decimated. Economies were … Continued
The Art of Christmas
The stories about Jesus’ birth in the nativity begin with the opening chapters of Matthew and Luke. Artists throughout history have tried to recreate those momentous times. Come and see the works of the masters such as: Durer, Da Vinci, … Continued
Shakespeare and His Contemporaries
There have been rumors that the greatest writer did not do his own writing. Is so, then who did? Was it Ben Jonson? Christopher Marlowe? Sir Francis Bacon? The Earl of Essex?Others? Come and hear the discussion of what was … Continued
Alexandre Dumas
For someone who wrote such incredible stories, how close did fiction replicate the truth? This Alexandre had his father die when he was 4. The father was a banished and ignored war hero from the Napoleonic wars. The son recreated … Continued
Rudyard Kipling
He came from a privileged background. He began writing and became the patriot voice of the British Empire. His words and his stories inspired generations. His children’s stories became classics (just ask Disney). Come and hear about him and his … Continued
1847 – The California Gold Rush
In a valley in northern California on January 24, 1847, a man named James Marshall discovered flakes of gold in a creek at a place called Sutter’s Mill. That discovery set off a worldwide explosion of interest. Men and women … Continued
The 19th Amendment
One hundred years ago, the 19th Amendment was ratified and put into effect. It was an accumulation of years of effort and involved a multitude of people that helped bring about that change. Come and hear the stories of various … Continued
NASA – the 1960s
posted in: 20th Century America, American History, Explorers, Inventors, January Topics, July Topics, Science, The Space Race |
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Beginning with Sputnik, how did America respond to the challenge of space? NASA was founded, the Original 7 Astronauts were selected, Alan Shepard went into space, John Glenn orbited 3 times, Kennedy gave his challenge and the technological developments continued … Continued
History of Valentine’s Day
This holiday traces to the 4th Century and a priest named St. Valentine. Come and follow the history of the man and subsequent literary and business people who have impacted that holiday into our time. What did Chaucer say? What … Continued
Thanksgiving Through The Years
As a nation, we very early on realized the value of gratitude and acknowledging help from a higher source. The Pilgrims began the practice of Thanksgiving and the tradition has continued through the years. The art of Thanksgiving is a … Continued
Jewish History & Traditions
We have a great deal of information about early Jewish history and culture because of the Old Testament. Where did their traditions come from? How did those traditions tie into the events of the Old Testament? What is the background … Continued
20th Century American Literature
During the first two decades of the new century, our nation struggled with development and then with war. When the 1920s began, many were disillusioned with the world and migrated to Paris and became the Lost Generation. Hear the stories … Continued
19th Century American Literature
As we started this century, some very distinctive American voices began to take shape. Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller and other Transcendentalists let it be known that this country had a voice and a purpose. Lincoln and Twain later added a point … Continued
18th Century American Literature
During the developmental century of the founding of our country, there were very distinctive voices that spoke of a people trying to find their identity. Some of the voices were political, some were pragmatic and all were looking for who … Continued
Nikola Tesla
His name evokes wonder, magic, and curiosity. Who was he? What did he do? What is his impact on the modern world? A life-long bachelor that brought electrical power to the state of New York, he was prescient beyond belief, … Continued
History of the Christmas Theme
In the early 1800s, the celebration of Christmas had pretty diminished into something that was mostly ignored. What brought about the change? How did one small story of Charles Dickens change our perception? What did Thomas Nast do that made … Continued
William Wilberforce
In England, they abolished the slave trade by passing laws. In America, we fought our bloodiest war. Come and hear the story of the man who was the driving force behind banishing slavery in England. Come and hear about William … Continued
Eleanor of Aquitaine
This woman dominated her century (the 1100s). She became the queen of France and later the queen of England. Two of her four sons became Kings of England. She and her husband (Henry II) did not get along, and yet … Continued
The 1920s & 30s
The art, music, and literature. Those two decades defined the highest highs and the lowest lows in America. How did the creative world respond to those events? Come and hear about the art (Picasso & Dali). Come and hear about … Continued
The Wright Brothers
Wilbur & Orville Wright – Their very names inspire the imagination. From modest beginnings, to the bicycle shop in Dayton, to the windy isolation at Kitty Hawk; they had a vision of the future like no others. They actually believed … Continued
Corrie Ten Boom
She came from the Netherlands and grew up at a time of persecution. How do you and your family and your culture survive against the Nazi juggernaut? She not only survived the unimaginable, but she became a voice of reason … Continued
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Do your life plans always turn out the way you expect? His certainly did not. What were his life expectations? What caused the changes? Come and hear the stories of the man who helped shepherd the country through some of … Continued
The 1850 Compromise
In the spring of 1850, three of the most prominent men of the time united one last time to help hold the country together. Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun and Henry Clay had spent their adult lives in the legislative … Continued
Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr
These two men will be forever tied together because of the duel. Both created lasting impressions and both made people wonder about them. Both had friends in high places and both had many who had no use for them. What … Continued
Thomas Jefferson
posted in: American History, April Topics, Founding of the United States, July Topics, US Presidents |
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For all of the credit that we give this man in our country’s history, during its formative years, I have often wondered if we give him enough credit. He created a vision in the minds of Americans about what we … Continued
George Washington
George Washington was a great man by all accounts. Perhaps the strongest tribute to him was given by his friend General Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee. General Lee said that Washington was: “First in war, first in peace, and first … Continued
Discovering America
posted in: American History, Discovery & Colonization of America, Explorers, October Topics, World History |
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Marco Polo through Columbus’ generation. What inspired a generation to seek beyond what was known? How did a family’s journey (the Polos) to China in the 1200s effect a generation 2 1/2 centuries later? What effect did Prince Henry the … Continued
The 20s Into The Depression
Our country went from great accomplishments to the depths of financial ruin in one decade. What happened? Come and hear about Prohibition, the Flappers, the 19th Amendment, the agricultural struggles and what got us into the Great Depression. Who was … Continued
Norman Rockwell
The sound of his name inspires images of the art of Americana. His life and times and art redefine how we view our world and how we feel about a variety of subjects. His art chronicles a time of more … Continued
Mary Shelley and Frankenstein
She was born to literary royalty. She married literary royalty. She lived a life of ‘great expectations.’ As a teen-ager, as a result of a late night dare, she wrote a book that helped launch 2 different genres in literature, … Continued
The Rosetta Stone & King Tut
In 1798, in an obscure village in Egypt, during the Napoleonic War, a wall was destroyed and a stone fell out of the wall, face up. The soldiers looked at it and saw writing on the stone. Someone recognized that … Continued
Michelangelo
The man and his art. His very name inspires awe and almost reverence in seeing what he did. His art transcends time and culture and perception. His greatest masterpiece (arguably) was the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel ceiling was done … Continued
The Hidden Figures of Our Space Race
posted in: 20th Century America, American History, Inventors, July Topics, Science, The Space Race |
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This presentation is entitled “Hidden Figures,” using the same name as the book by Margot Lee Shetterly. That book is the story of the African-American female scientists that joined forces with NASA and helped get us into space. This is … Continued
The Beginnings of Our Space Program
posted in: 20th Century America, American History, Inventors, July Topics, Science, The Space Race |
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The earliest attempts to get into space with any kind of a realistic approach were primarily carried out by Dr. Robert H. Goddard. Dr. Goddard shot gas powered rockets into space in the 1920s. For his efforts, he was ridiculed … Continued
Harry Truman
posted in: 20th Century America, American History, August Topics, May Topics, September Topics, The World at War, US Presidents |
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From farmer to the white house. Harry Truman was born in obscure circumstances. He was the last person to serve as president who had worked as an adult farmer. He served in World War I. He came home to make … Continued
Hitler & Stalin
Their very names invoke hatred, fear and loathing. They ruled their respective countries with an iron fist. Millions of their countrymen were killed at their orders. Their backgrounds were remarkably similar. They both grew up in abusive situations. Both had … Continued
Generals of World War II
World War II; the defining military conflict in world history. As expected, such a cataclysmic event brought the sharpest military minds on all sides, to the attention of the whole world. This presentation covers the senior military commanders serving the … Continued
Roosevelt & Churchill
posted in: 20th Century America, American History, April Topics, Britain, December Topics, The World at War, US Presidents |
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During the early events of World War II, the two leaders of the most powerful English speaking nations began to communicate and make plans and change the course of history. The President and the Prime Minister met and began to … Continued
Woodrow Wilson
Our 28th President was named Woodrow Wilson. He was a long time college professor. His world was academic and theoretical. His doctoral thesis became a textbook on government. He went from college professor to college president to governor of New … Continued
Theodore Roosevelt
He was President #26. By that time, America had gotten used to what a President could and should be. Then, along came a man who changed all the perceptions of what we had. He was a man born to wealth … Continued
World War I Through Armistice Day
Starting with the 1912 election, what was being set up that created the atmosphere for World War I? How could one assassination trigger a world conflict? What drew the United States into a war halfway around the world? Who and … Continued
What Were The Causes of World War I?
To understand the causes of the war, we have to go back into Germany at the time of Bismarck. Who was he and what did he do? What was going on in Russia and why did Lenin and Stalin come … Continued
History of the English Bible
How did we get the modern English Bible? During this presentation, we cover the stories of John Wycliffe and his ultimate sacrifice; William Tyndale, his lifetime of effort, and what it cost him; Martin Luther and his rejection of a … Continued
The House of Tudor
Henry VII through Elizabeth I. The name of that line of kings and queens in English history inspires curiosity and wonder. Would anyone trade a kingdom for a horse? Could any man ever have six wives? What was the “Divine … Continued
The Story of Ulysses
From Homer to Virgil to Dante to Tennyson. The mention of his name conjures images of greatness. We hear of him from Homer and his feats of military might. Virgil becomes a guide of choice for Dante on his discovery … Continued
William Shakespeare
Could someone who died over 400 years ago still have such an impact? What do we know about him? Come and see and tour Stratford and retrace his steps to London and the Globe Theatre. Come and experience what he … Continued
Jane Austen
For someone who lived a very recluse life, Jane Austen created characters that have dominated literary discussions for 200 years. What was her world all about? Who was she and how did her life impact her art? Come and see … Continued
Lewis Carroll
How could a genius math professor create a story that would transform children’s literature? Come and take a tour of the school where he taught. You can even see how the Harry Potter world was impacted. Hear about the impact … Continued
Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Do you know of the story of two magnificent writers and how their falling in love redefined how we feel about that concept? As a man, would you like to be called Mr. Elizabeth Barrett Browning? Could she have become … Continued
The Golden Age of Baseball
Did the game really begin with Abner Doubleday? How did this game become the attraction of the world? Who was Cy Young or Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig? What was the Black Sox Scandal? How did Jackie Robinson crash the … Continued
Memorial Day & Flag Day
posted in: 20th Century America, American History, Holidays, June Topics, May Topics, The World at War |
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Throughout American history, we have had many wars and supported, to varying degrees, our soldiers and their valiant efforts. How did Decoration Day morph into Memorial Day? Who was BJ Cigrand and what did he do? When we stop to … Continued
Eleanor Roosevelt
For someone who was born in what would appear to be the lap of luxury, why did she struggle badly with self-image throughout much of her life? Being orphaned by the age of 10, being rejected by a difficult mother-in-law, … Continued
John F. Kennedy
“As is true with all of us, our stories did not begin with our birth. They began with our parents and our grandparents and our ancestry.” Come to find out about the personal side of the life of John F. … Continued
The Irish in America
As a country, we have dealt with immigration issues for all of our history. This is the story of the Irish immigration. The potato blight of the 1840s drove thousands here. Who were they? What have they become? Come and … Continued
Mark Twain
The truly American voice. He was born in obscurity, but proud of his connection to Halley’s Comet. His ultimate goal was to become a river boat captain on the Mississippi River, but the Civil War changed all that. He served … Continued
Grant & Lee
Opposing forces, powerful men. Ulysses S. Grant came from common stock. Robert E. Lee was the star wherever he was at. Grant came through West Point with few possibilities for a future. Lee was very successful and it was known … Continued
Abraham Lincoln
posted in: 19th Century America, American History, February Topics, November Topics, US Presidents |
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From the most humble of beginnings, Abraham Lincoln rose to the pinnacle of achievement; not only in politics but also in the hearts of Americans. Elected at a time when the country was literally ripping in two, it was the … Continued
Benjamin Franklin
More than the kite. Most know of the story of the kite. It is a great story and scientifically put Franklin at the lead of his generation. But, he was also an author, an inventor, an engineer, a skilled diplomat … Continued
Salem Witch Trials
In the fall of 1692, in Salem, Massachusetts, trials begin that were unlike anything anyone had ever seen. Trials were held and witchcraft was charged against citizens of that town. The witnesses and the proof were provided by teenage girls. … Continued
James Madison
posted in: American History, Founding of the United States, March Topics, September Topics, US Presidents |
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James Madison was physically the smallest President we have had. He was 5’4″ tall, weighed about 110 lbs. and often suffered from poor health. However, when you wanted to talk about government and what could be and should be, he … Continued