January

The Events of January
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

Stephen Foster
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

1847 – The California Gold Rush
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

NASA – the 1960s
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

Nikola Tesla
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

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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

Theodore Roosevelt
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

Benjamin Franklin
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

Washington & Lafayette
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

The Events of February
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

Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth

He came from a working family in Baltimore. He had a rugged youth so that he was left in a Baltimore orphanage to be raised. … Continued

History of Valentine’s Day
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

George Washington
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

Norman Rockwell
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

Abraham Lincoln
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

Vincent Van Gogh
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

The Events of March
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

Dwight D. Eisenhower
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

Harriet Tubman
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

Michelangelo
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

The Irish in America
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

James Madison
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

Clara Barton – The American Nurse
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

The Events of April
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

Shakespeare and His Contemporaries
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

Corrie ten Boom
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

Thomas Jefferson
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

Roosevelt & Churchill
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

William Shakespeare
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

The Golden Age of Baseball
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

John Wayne
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

The Events of May
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

Leonardo Da Vinci
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

Harry Truman
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

Memorial Day & Flag Day
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

John F. Kennedy
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

The Events of June
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

Dwight D. Eisenhower
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

Generals of World War II
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

Memorial Day & Flag Day
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

Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum
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

The Events of July
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

Madame Marie Curie
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

John Adams
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

NASA – the 1960s
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

Thomas Jefferson
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

The Hidden Figures of Our Space Race
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

The Beginnings of our Space Program
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

Grant & Lee
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

The Events of August
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

Pompeii
Pompeii

Destruction and impact. It was a vacation town on the west coast of Italy during the Roman Empire. On August 24, 79 A.D. Mount Vesuvius … Continued

The 19th Amendment
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

Harry Truman
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

Generals of World War II
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

The Events of September
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

Marshall & MacArthur
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

Jewish History & Traditions
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

Harry Truman
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

Generals of World War II
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

James Madison
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

Edith Cavell
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

The Events of October
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

Jewish History & Traditions
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

Discovering America
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

Mary Shelley and Frankenstein
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

The Golden Age of Baseball
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

Salem Witch Trials
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

The Events of November
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

Thanksgiving Through the Years
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

Norman Rockwell
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

The Rosetta Stone & King Tut
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

World War I through Armistice Day
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

Eleanor Roosevelt
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

Mark Twain
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

Abraham Lincoln
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

Hannukah & Christmas
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

The Events of December
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

The Art of Christmas
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

Rudyard Kipling
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

History of the Christmas Theme
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

The Wright Brothers
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

Generals of World War II
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

Roosevelt & Churchill
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