January
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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 … Continued
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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. … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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NASA – the 1960s
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
February
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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. … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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” … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Abraham Lincoln
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. … Continued
March
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Dwight D. Eisenhower
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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James Madison
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, … Continued
April
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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? … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Thomas Jefferson
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 … Continued
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Roosevelt & Churchill
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
May
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Harry Truman
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 … Continued
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Memorial Day & Flag Day
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
June
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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 … Continued
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Dwight D. Eisenhower
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Memorial Day & Flag Day
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 … Continued
July
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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NASA – the 1960s
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 … Continued
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Thomas Jefferson
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 … Continued
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The Hidden Figures of Our Space Race
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 … Continued
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The Beginnings of Our Space Program
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
August
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Harry Truman
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
September
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Harry Truman
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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James Madison
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, … Continued
October
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Discovering America
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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
November
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Abraham Lincoln
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. … Continued
December
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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. … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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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 … Continued
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Roosevelt & Churchill
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 … Continued
