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Featured Courses |
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The Four Pillars of the New RetirementAn extensive study by Edward Jones and Age Wave uncovered four essential "pillars" that can impact your quality of life in retirement. In this workshop, learn about these essentials and other eye-opening insights that can help you get ready for your next chapter. |
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Retirement: Making Your Money LastIn this session we'll discuss ways to help you work toward achieving your retirement goals - what matters most to you. A key focus will be how to provide for your income needs, including your retirement income or the future. We'll also explore how to address important concerns such as inflation, health care expenses, market volatility and unexpected events. |
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Cemetery Preservation WorkshopJoin us for a two-part workshop on Cemetery Preservation. The 1st part will consist of a lecture on understanding cemeteries, the laws protecting them and proper techniques to keep cemeteries preserved. The 2nd part will consist of hands-on training as they teach you proper repair and resetting techniques used to fix grave markers. Presenters: Dawn Cobb, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and John Heider, R.I.P., Ltd. |
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The Radium Girls of OttawaThis course contains no sessionsThe Radium Girls were female factory workers who contracted radiation poisoning from painting watch dials with self-luminous paint. The Radium Dial Company was established in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1922. Learn about the "Radium Girls" sued for damages, and in the wake of their case, industrial safety standards were improved for many decades. (photo: Rutgers University Library/Wikimedia Commons) |
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Great Fires of the USThis course contains no sessionsLearn about some huge, historic fires in US history! You may have heard of the Chicago fire and the San Francisco fire, but what about the Peshtigo and Hinckley fires? These are also major fires in US history with huge impacts, as are Coconut Grove, Our Lady of Angels, and more. Students will learn about these great fires, and we'll discuss what makes them of continuing importance today. |
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Route 66 in IllinoisThis course contains no sessionsGet your kicks on Route 66 during this class that explores the history of the "Mother Road." Route 66 was established in 1926 and covered a total of 2,448 miles stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles. This class looks at the history of the highway with special attention paid to its route through Illinois. |
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Lincoln's ConspiratorsThis course contains no sessionsLess than six hours after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and federal officials began the largest manhunt in United States history. From April 14 to July 7, 1865, Americans watched as Confederate sympathizers, who set out to destabilize the federal government, were brought to justice.This class will discuss the investigation, capture and arrests, the military tribunal, the sentencing, and the subsequent execution of the conspirators. |
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The History of Coca-ColaThis course contains no sessionsAre you thirsty for the history of the world's most famous drink...Coca-Cola? Would you like to know how a formula concocted by a pharmacist for baby colic, baseball and World War II were instrumental in the creation and expansion of the most readily recognized and successful corporation in the world. Join Dick Volker as he uncovers the fascinating history behind the world's most famous drink. Enjoy an afternoon of nostalgia while indulging in a yummy Coca-Cola float with us! |
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Arlington Cemetery: A Tour of Notable BurialsThis course contains no sessionsThis class specifically looks at many notable individuals who are buried in Arlington Cemetery. From learning the history behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the USS Maine to individuals such as Pierre Charles L'Enfant, Matthew Henson, Admiral Robert E. Peary and many others, we explore the legacies of those buried in the national cemetery. |
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Famous Film DuosThis course contains no sessionsDiscover the stories behind some of film's most famous duos and learn what made these "couples "so successful in movie after movie together. This class will cover the work of classic couples like, Ginger Rogers/Fred Astaire, comedy duos like, Stan Laurel/Oliver Hardy and even modern pairings, like the work of Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, just to name a few. |
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All About Alfred HitchcockThis course contains no sessionsLearn all about the "Master of Suspense," Alfred Hitchcock, in this class that explores his more than 40 films. Starting with his first film in the silent era, The Lodger (1927) and ending with his final film five decades later, Family Plot (1976), the class will reflect on Hitchcock's unparalleled 50-year career as one of cinema's most successful and unique filmmakers. |
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Protect Yourself from FraudThis course contains no sessionsLearn how to keep yourself safe from fraud. Countless online, mail, and telephone scams exist in the world today. They are designed to sound innocent and to lure you into schemes that may cost you your money, your credit or your identity. They flourish only because people are uninformed. In this informative class, students will learn what to look for and how to protect themselves from fraud. |
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Geneva's Pioneer CodebreakersThis course contains no sessionsUncover the fascinating story of the incredible pioneers of modern cryptology, William and Elizebeth Friedman. Learn about their groundbreaking work during World War I, Prohibition, and World War II, and their lasting impact on codebreaking. Don't miss this fascinating class! |
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Chicagoland's Great Museums-Large and SmallThis course contains no sessionsLearn about Chicagoland's great cultural, artistic and historic museums; some of them hidden right in your own backyard. Discover little known facts about Chicago's greatest museums, like the Field Museum, and discover some tiny treasures like the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. Even if you are a longtime Chicago area resident, you are guaranteed to learn something new. |
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Walking Tour of ChicagoThis course contains no sessionsDiscover the cultural and architectural wonders hidden right in our own big city - Chicago. Come along on a virtual walking tour of downtown Chicago and learn about the city's most famous architecture. Learn about the downtown's rich history and how Chicago rose from the ashes to become a powerhouse of finance, entertainment and culture. |
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A Christmas Carol: Origins of a Holiday ClassicThis course contains no sessionsCharles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is one of the most popular Christmas stories today. While many people may not have read the original text, most have seen some movie version of it. This class explores how Charles Dickens created the story. We will learn how Dickens's life influenced and shaped the plot and the story's characters from Jacob Marley to Old Fezziwig. We will also discover how successful Dickens's story was in his time as well as ours today. |
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Gettysburg, Eisenhower and Camp ColtThis course contains no sessionsWhen one thinks of the Gettysburg battlefield, one typically thinks July 1-3, 1863. One's mind conjures images of Confederate and Union soldiers. Did you know during World War I the battlefield was transformed into an army tank training camp? At the helm of Camp Colt was a young soldier named Dwight D. Eisenhower. This class explores the events of the Gettysburg battlefield during 1917 and 1918 and how it impacted the town and Eisenhower himself. |
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History of the Macy's Thanksgiving ParadeThis course contains no sessionsToday the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is part of our American culture and Thanksgiving traditions. While not the longest running Thanksgiving parade, it is certainly the most popular. This class explores the reasons for the initial parade; the origins as a Christmas pageant beginning in 1924; the creative minds behind the floats and balloons; and the evolution of the parade through the decades embracing cultural icons along the way. |
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Monument Series: Lincoln's TombThis course contains no sessionsThe final resting place of Abraham Lincoln has a long history. From the time of his assassination in April 1865 until his funeral train returned to Springfield in May 1865, the tomb could not be built that quickly. Lincoln's remains was placed in the temporary receiving vault, then a temporary family vault, and ultimately moved many times until his final interment in 1901 - 36 years since his death. This class explores the design and construction of the tomb; the movements of Lincoln's remains; and the attempt to steal Lincoln's body. |
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Monument Series: Washington MonumentThis course contains no sessionsThe Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. is as iconic as the White House or the U.S. Capitol Building. The monument stands today paying homage to our first president, George Washington. Yet it almost never happened. A monument was discussed before and after his death in 1799, yet it took until 1833 to begin the project. Learn about the design and construction; along with the myriad of obstacles, including lack of Congressional action, fundraising, political turmoil, vandalism, and engineering issues that were overcame to successfully complete the monument. |
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The World of Investments: Building WealthThis course contains no sessionsIn this course, discover the vast world of investing and learn about its inner workings in an engaging and interactive session. Explore common types of investments and accounts to find your best investment options. You will gain an understanding of tax complications and get your specific investment questions answered during the session. |
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Understanding the Basics of Life insuranceThis course contains no sessionsThis course will guide you through the world of life insurance and help you plan for your retirement. You will learn how to identify reliable insurance companies that will be there for you when you need them. We will also discuss the different types of life insurance and help you determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge to become a confident and informed consumer. |
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Understanding Your Auto and Home InsuranceThis course contains no sessionsShopping for insurance can be daunting. In this course, learn how it is essential to shop for insurance annually so you can guarantee you are receiving adequate coverage from a reputable company at a reasonable price. The insurance industry is unpredictable. Discover how being an informed shopper will help you to understand your policy and put you in the driver's seat when obtaining quotes for auto, home, or renter's insurance. |
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Allegheny Arsenal ExplosionThis course contains no sessionsThe Allegheny Arsenal explosion was the worst civilian disaster of the American Civil War. It was nearly forgotten to history because the explosions occurred on September 17, 1862. The exact same day as the battle of Antietam. This class examines civilian disasters including the Allegheny, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. that occurred during the Civil War. |
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Top-Ten DirectorsThis course contains no sessionsDiscover the stories behind Hollywood's most celebrated directors and learn how they made their mark on cinematic history. This class will cover the work of: Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola and Orson Welles. |
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Chicago and the Atomic AgeThis course contains no sessionsThe Atomic Age began at 3:25 p.m. on Dec. 2, 1942 - on a squash court under the west stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago, as an extraordinary team of scientists led by Enrico Fermi oversaw the first man-made, self-controlled nuclear chain reaction. Learn about how this discovery would provide for the development of the atomic bomb and, ultimately, to the Arms Race and the Cold War. |
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American Christmas and New Year's TraditionsThis course contains no sessionsCome and explore the fascinating heritage of American Christmas and New Year Traditions with Barbara J. Barrett, History and Edutainment Speaker. You'll explore the history of Santa Claus, why we exchange gifts and decorate our homes at Christmas; who initiated Christmas Cards and Christmas Seals and various more topics. Lots of fun facts about New Year's too! |
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Chicago's Historic Motor Row District 1905 - 1936 - Automobiles and ArchitectureThis course contains no sessionsJoin Barbara J. Barrett, History Edutainment Speaker as she takes you back in time to learn about one of Chicago's historic landmarks, The Chicago Historic Motor Row District. Hear about the early development of the automobile industry, the architects who designed the elaborate showrooms and more! |