Featured Courses An Introduction To Voiceovers (Getting Started In Voice Acting) 07/23/26 - 12/20/26 Wow, you have a great voice!" Have you heard that more times than you can count? Or maybe you listen to your favorite audiobooks, commercials, or cartoon characters and think, "I could do that!" This introductory class offers the feeling of working remotely from the start! You'll read a real script and receive coaching to improve your delivery. Your instructor is a professional voice actor. Sign up for a 90-minute, virtual introductory class. A personal class time will be set up for you. *Participants must be 18 years or older. Retirement 101 10/28/26 - 10/28/26 Do you often think "I'll never be able to retire"? Do you believe that you are too "broke" to start putting money away for retirement? Is your plan at work sufficient and are you putting the money away in the "right" places? Have you ever thought that you can't "afford to lose any money in the stock market"? In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of starting and planning for your retirement. Learn the difference between a Roth and a Pre-Tax investment and how they are affected by taxes. Learn the tax brackets and how to minimize your tax bite. However, money is only one aspect of retirement planning. This course blends financial education and life planning to help build your wealth, align your money with your values, and achieve your retirement lifestyle goals. Introduction to Philosophy 10/29/26 - 11/05/26 This introductory course explores the foundations of Western philosophy through the teachings and ideas of three of history's most influential thinkers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Participants will gain a basic understanding of key philosophical concepts, including ethics, knowledge, logic, and the nature of reality, while discussing how these ideas continue to shape modern thought and society. Through engaging conversation and reflection, students will be introduced to the art of critical thinking and philosophical inquiry in an approachable and thought-provoking format. International Wildlife Species and Conservation 11/02/26 - 11/02/26 Explore the global efforts being made to conserve wildlife and protect Earth's biodiversity. Learn about the challenges posed by poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, including the myths and misconceptions that drive demand for animal products from species such as sharks, tigers, rhinos, and elephants.We'll examine the impact of both illegal poaching and legal trophy hunting on wildlife populations and discuss how these practices affect biodiversity around the world. The course will also highlight successful conservation initiatives and practical, holistic approaches that individuals and communities can support to help preserve wildlife and natural habitats for future generations. Beyond Fiber: The Science of Cellular Gut Renewal 11/06/26 - 11/06/26 Discover why the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is often considered the foundation of overall health. As research continues to reveal the powerful connection between gut health and other body systems, it is becoming clear that the health of the gut plays a significant role in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Explore topics such as the role of gut bacteria in inflammation, the Gut-Brain Axis, and how digestive health can influence mood, thinking, and overall wellness. Learn practical strategies involving nutrition, exercise, and self-care that can support a healthy GI tract and help you achieve optimal health. Celebrating Thanksgiving During the Civil War 11/06/26 - 11/06/26 Thanksgiving stands as one of the most American of holidays honoring the harvest feasts of the earliest arrivals during the colonial days. Yet, Thanksgiving as an American holiday was influenced and created out of efforts during the American Civil War. This class examines the first thanksgiving harvest feasts, its origins in the Civil War, Lincoln's efforts to federalize the holiday, and how politicians still struggling economically with the Great Depression altered Thanksgiving forever. Design with Canva for Business or Social 11/09/26 - 11/09/26 Canva is a brilliant and easy way to create your own beautiful designs and graphics without any graphic design experience. Whether you have a business or social need, there is no one better to learn from than Carla Gentle, Professional and Certified Writer and Marketer with Marketing the Write Way, who uses Canva regularly for her own business needs. From presentations, social media, and newsletters, to logos, flyers, or just an image to use as you please, Canva has taken the graphics world by storm. In this class, learn the basic skills required to create and manage your own graphic design projects using powerful, built-in Canva tools, and more. The Chicago Blizzard of 1967 11/13/26 - 11/13/26 Do you remember where you were when Chicago was buried under 23 inches of snow? Relive one of the city's most memorable storms as we walk through the timeline of events, stunning photos of towering snow drifts, and stories of how the city came to a standstill. We'll discuss the storm's impact on daily life, the heroic cleanup efforts, and the lasting memories it created. Bring your own stories and enjoy a trip down memory lane as we share experiences from this remarkable day in Chicago's history. Creating Your Retirement Paycheck 11/17/26 - 11/17/26 You've spent years investing so you can retire on your terms, but as retirement nears, the purpose of your portfolio will begin to change. It no longer has to get you to retirement; it has to get you through retirement. And as your regular paychecks stop, you'll need a strategy to help provide for your income needs throughout retirement. AI Basics: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding and Using Artificial Intelligence 11/20/26 - 11/20/26 Explore AI (Artificial Intelligence) fundamentals in this 90-minute beginner-friendly course. Learn what AI is, its history, myths, and ethics, then dive into a hands-on ChatGPT session. No prior experience needed - just curiosity! Understand AI's role in daily life and how to engage with it safely and effectively. Christmas Carols: A History of Holiday Music 12/04/26 - 12/04/26 Christmas is a time of listening to and singing our favorite Christmas carols and songs. Why do we call Christmas songs "carols?" We don't have birthday carols or Halloween carols. We use the word carols in association only with Christmas. This class will examine the history behind many of your favorite Christmas carols. We will learn about the song then listen to it while we enjoy a few Christmas cookies. Come spend the day with us celebrating the wonderful music of Christmas. Understanding Your Auto and Home Insurance 12/05/26 - 12/05/26 Shopping 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. Extreme Weather: Floods, Drought, Heat Waves, Cold Waves and Blizzards Click the register link to see available sessions When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it affects everyone. We will explore various events that occur throughout the year, how they develop, and how to survive them. Giant Mammals of the Ice Age in Illinois Click the register link to see available sessions Massive glaciers covered most of Illinois during the Ice Ages. Buried in glacial age sediments are the remains of over 200 species of mammals, many of which are now extinct. Most impressive are the giant forms that roamed the landscape. We will investigate many of these long disappeared animals and see how paleontologists have reconstructed what they looked like and how they lived. We will also explore the evidence that suggests what might have caused their extinction. Book is included with the course Ice Age Giant Mammals of the Midwest. Mystery Shopping - Get Paid to Shop Click the register link to see available sessions Do you like to shop? You can get paid to shop at almost every local store in your area, plus there are many online shopping assignments you can do from home. Let Gina Henry show you how to avoid scam companies, find the top 100 mystery shopping companies, and earn income along with free hotel stays, free gas, free groceries, and more. The World of Investments: Building Wealth Click the register link to see available sessions In 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. Basic Residential Electricity for Homeowners Click the register link to see available sessions This introductory course is designed for homeowners who want to gain a foundational understanding of residential electrical systems. Participants will learn the basics of electrical safety, how to identify and use common hand tools, and how to install and troubleshoot switches, outlets, and simple circuits. Through hands-on practice and guided instruction, students will build confidence in performing minor electrical tasks around the home. No prior experience is necessary-just a willingness to learn and a focus on safety. A Cultural Journey: Chicago and Beyond Click the register link to see available sessions Explore Chicago's rich ethnic history through colorful photographs and fascinating stories of neighborhoods shaped by generations of immigrants. Discover the history, architecture, traditions, and everyday life of communities including Andersonville, Bronzeville, Chinatown, Greektown, Humboldt Park, Little Italy, Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, and more.Historic images of Chicago, New York City, and South Florida offer a glimpse into vintage architecture, fashion, and life from the early 1900s. Learn what defines an ethnic neighborhood and gain a deeper appreciation for Chicago's diverse cultural heritage. Perfect for anyone who enjoys local history, nostalgia, and the stories that make our communities unique. Death in the Civil War Click the register link to see available sessions The Civil War resulted in more deaths than all other American wars combined. Death touched the lives of almost every American during the Civil War. Attitudes towards death before the war greatly varied to deaths during the war. American's notion of a good death where one died at home surrounded by family vanished. Men died on the battlefield, in field hospitals, and in prisons. Families constructed new rituals for far away deaths. The war also brought about great advancements in the funeral industry including embalming. This class examines the effects that death had on Americans during the Civil War. Decoration Day Click the register link to see available sessions Today's Memorial Day was originally designated Decoration Day with its roots reaching back to the Civil War era. This class examines how the hundreds of thousands of deaths during the Civil War brought rise to the notion of remembrance and memorialization of fallen soldiers. We will also discuss how southern women associations sprang up across the South in their own attempts to bring home their lost husbands, fathers, and sons; the rise of the Confederate Memorial Day, and how Decoration Day evolved into our modern Memorial Day. Fall Prevention and Education Click the register link to see available sessions Falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic injury, particularly for adults looking to stay active and independent. Join Riverside Trauma Coordinator Erik McMillin for an informative presentation focused on preventing falls and staying safe. Learn practical tips and simple strategies to reduce your risk, as well as what to do if you experience a fall. Investing after 55+ Click the register link to see available sessions Make your money work smarter for the years ahead! As you enter the later stages of life, your investment strategy should evolve with you. Explore how changing tax laws, retirement income needs, risk tolerance, and market conditions can impact your portfolio. Learn practical strategies to manage risk, protect your wealth, and make confident adjustments aligned with your financial goals. Lincoln's New Salem Click the register link to see available sessions Abraham Lincoln lived in New Salem, outside of Petersburg, for 6 years between 1831 and 1837. New Salem was a commercial village where its merchants and artisans bartered and sold goods and services to farmers in the area. New Salem was where Lincoln read about the law, owned the general store, was the postmaster, and befriended the villagers. This class explores the village, its residents, and Abraham Lincoln's time there during his formative years. The Creation of the Washington Monument Click the register link to see available sessions The 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. The Rural Cemetery Movement Click the register link to see available sessions Rewind to early 19th century America and find yourself in the time of the Industrial Revolution, where throngs of workers were lured to overly-congested cities and when urban burial grounds became increasingly problematic. Uncover the issues caused by urban cemeteries, including severe overcrowding and the spread of disease. Discover how the influence of Romanticism drastically transformed American society's mindset toward burying the dead and learn how they would come to embrace cemeteries as cultural institutions with a move toward the more rural cemetery tradition we know today. Elizabeth Packard and the Cult of True Womanhood Click the register link to see available sessions Elizabeth Packard was imprisoned for three years in the Jacksonville Insane Asylum for Challenging antebellum gender roles. This class examines womanhood in the 19th century and the ways in which Elizabeth reshaped true womanhood. Make Money as a Freelance Writer Click the register link to see available sessions If you've got a way with words and love to write, freelance writing has emerged as a significant force in the gig economy, offering flexibility, independence and a way to make money online and offline, for supplemental income or a full-time career. You'll learn the top 10 areas of freelance writing, as well as how to create writing samples and pitches/queries, develop your freelance writing "brand," and find reliable job boards and avoid content mills. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee, and include links to more than 1,000 ways to get paid as a freelance writer. Using Amazon's Kindle Direct to Self-Publish Your Book for Free Click the register link to see available sessions Whether you're looking to publish a paperback novel or short ebook now or in the future, this detailed tutorial will teach you step-by-step how to create an Amazon KDP account, format your manuscript and upload it to the platform, easily create a book cover from available templates, determine pricing and royalties, develop a sales pitch for your Amazon page, and write an Amazon author bio. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Video Vignettes: Exploring the Midwest's French Heritage Corridor - Luncheon Click the register link to see available sessions Discover the fascinating French roots woven throughout the Midwest! Through engaging video introductions, visit historic French settlements, forts, museums, and cultural sites across the French Heritage Corridor-from Minnesota and Illinois to Indiana, Missouri, and Michigan. Along the way, explore places such as Starved Rock, Ste. Genevieve, Mackinac Island, and Fort St. Joseph. We'll also revisit ideas from the 2026 LLI course about celebrating, preserving, and sharing our own community's French heritage. Writing Short Stories Click the register link to see available sessions Discover your writing voice and learn to bring your short stories (1,000-30,000 words) to life. Explore the essentials of storytelling, including plot development, compelling characters, action, dialogue, and story structure. You'll also learn how to strengthen your work through editing and proofreading, along with options for publishing your finished story. Birds of a Feather Click the register link to see available sessions Discover the fascinating history of birds, from their dinosaur ancestors to the diverse species we know today! Explore how birds have adapted to ecosystems around the world, learn about conservation efforts to protect threatened species, and gain a new appreciation for the feathered friends found right here in Kankakee County. This engaging presentation welcomes bird enthusiasts of all ages! The Kankakee River: 2 1/2 Miles of Then and Now Click the register link to see available sessions Take a tour along the Kankakee River, from the Washington Avenue bridge east to the I-57 bridge. Along the way, you'll encounter buildings still standing yet repurposed, the ghosts of formerly important businesses, and the personalities who influenced economic development in Kankakee. Travel Gadgets That Work Click the register link to see available sessions Heading out on vacation? What should you pack for a road trip or an overseas flight? Thousands of travel gadgets hit the market every year, but which ones are worth bringing along? We'll explore travel products that have proven useful and what makes them successful. Bring your own favorite travel essentials, too, and join the conversation as we share tips and ideas! Visiting Southern England Click the register link to see available sessions Have you ever wondered what there is to see in England outside of London? Take a look at some of the sights of Southern England, including stately homes, castles, and cathedrals. Come explore the rich history and opulence these remarkable destinations offer visitors. Beyond Imagination: Hitler's War Against the Soviet Union, 1941-1945 Click the register link to see available sessions Discover the dramatic story of the Eastern Front in World War II, where millions of soldiers faced off in some of history's deadliest battles. From the desperate defense of Moscow and the brutal struggle for Stalingrad to the massive tank battles at Kursk and the fall of Berlin, explore the events that changed the course of the war. Through historical photographs, maps, firsthand accounts, and compelling statistics, uncover the human cost of this devastating conflict and why the Eastern Front was pivotal to Nazi Germany's defeat.

Featured Courses

An Introduction To Voiceovers (Getting Started In Voice Acting) 07/23/26 - 12/20/26 Wow, you have a great voice!" Have you heard that more times than you can count? Or maybe you listen to your favorite audiobooks, commercials, or cartoon characters and think, "I could do that!" This introductory class offers the feeling of working remotely from the start! You'll read a real script and receive coaching to improve your delivery. Your instructor is a professional voice actor. Sign up for a 90-minute, virtual introductory class. A personal class time will be set up for you. *Participants must be 18 years or older.

Retirement 101 10/28/26 - 10/28/26 Do you often think "I'll never be able to retire"? Do you believe that you are too "broke" to start putting money away for retirement? Is your plan at work sufficient and are you putting the money away in the "right" places? Have you ever thought that you can't "afford to lose any money in the stock market"? In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of starting and planning for your retirement. Learn the difference between a Roth and a Pre-Tax investment and how they are affected by taxes. Learn the tax brackets and how to minimize your tax bite. However, money is only one aspect of retirement planning. This course blends financial education and life planning to help build your wealth, align your money with your values, and achieve your retirement lifestyle goals.

Introduction to Philosophy 10/29/26 - 11/05/26 This introductory course explores the foundations of Western philosophy through the teachings and ideas of three of history's most influential thinkers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Participants will gain a basic understanding of key philosophical concepts, including ethics, knowledge, logic, and the nature of reality, while discussing how these ideas continue to shape modern thought and society. Through engaging conversation and reflection, students will be introduced to the art of critical thinking and philosophical inquiry in an approachable and thought-provoking format.

International Wildlife Species and Conservation 11/02/26 - 11/02/26 Explore the global efforts being made to conserve wildlife and protect Earth's biodiversity. Learn about the challenges posed by poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, including the myths and misconceptions that drive demand for animal products from species such as sharks, tigers, rhinos, and elephants.We'll examine the impact of both illegal poaching and legal trophy hunting on wildlife populations and discuss how these practices affect biodiversity around the world. The course will also highlight successful conservation initiatives and practical, holistic approaches that individuals and communities can support to help preserve wildlife and natural habitats for future generations.

Beyond Fiber: The Science of Cellular Gut Renewal 11/06/26 - 11/06/26 Discover why the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is often considered the foundation of overall health. As research continues to reveal the powerful connection between gut health and other body systems, it is becoming clear that the health of the gut plays a significant role in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Explore topics such as the role of gut bacteria in inflammation, the Gut-Brain Axis, and how digestive health can influence mood, thinking, and overall wellness. Learn practical strategies involving nutrition, exercise, and self-care that can support a healthy GI tract and help you achieve optimal health.

Celebrating Thanksgiving During the Civil War 11/06/26 - 11/06/26 Thanksgiving stands as one of the most American of holidays honoring the harvest feasts of the earliest arrivals during the colonial days. Yet, Thanksgiving as an American holiday was influenced and created out of efforts during the American Civil War. This class examines the first thanksgiving harvest feasts, its origins in the Civil War, Lincoln's efforts to federalize the holiday, and how politicians still struggling economically with the Great Depression altered Thanksgiving forever.

Design with Canva for Business or Social 11/09/26 - 11/09/26 Canva is a brilliant and easy way to create your own beautiful designs and graphics without any graphic design experience. Whether you have a business or social need, there is no one better to learn from than Carla Gentle, Professional and Certified Writer and Marketer with Marketing the Write Way, who uses Canva regularly for her own business needs. From presentations, social media, and newsletters, to logos, flyers, or just an image to use as you please, Canva has taken the graphics world by storm. In this class, learn the basic skills required to create and manage your own graphic design projects using powerful, built-in Canva tools, and more.

The Chicago Blizzard of 1967 11/13/26 - 11/13/26 Do you remember where you were when Chicago was buried under 23 inches of snow? Relive one of the city's most memorable storms as we walk through the timeline of events, stunning photos of towering snow drifts, and stories of how the city came to a standstill. We'll discuss the storm's impact on daily life, the heroic cleanup efforts, and the lasting memories it created. Bring your own stories and enjoy a trip down memory lane as we share experiences from this remarkable day in Chicago's history.

Creating Your Retirement Paycheck 11/17/26 - 11/17/26 You've spent years investing so you can retire on your terms, but as retirement nears, the purpose of your portfolio will begin to change. It no longer has to get you to retirement; it has to get you through retirement. And as your regular paychecks stop, you'll need a strategy to help provide for your income needs throughout retirement.

AI Basics: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding and Using Artificial Intelligence 11/20/26 - 11/20/26 Explore AI (Artificial Intelligence) fundamentals in this 90-minute beginner-friendly course. Learn what AI is, its history, myths, and ethics, then dive into a hands-on ChatGPT session. No prior experience needed - just curiosity! Understand AI's role in daily life and how to engage with it safely and effectively.

Christmas Carols: A History of Holiday Music 12/04/26 - 12/04/26 Christmas is a time of listening to and singing our favorite Christmas carols and songs. Why do we call Christmas songs "carols?" We don't have birthday carols or Halloween carols. We use the word carols in association only with Christmas. This class will examine the history behind many of your favorite Christmas carols. We will learn about the song then listen to it while we enjoy a few Christmas cookies. Come spend the day with us celebrating the wonderful music of Christmas.

Understanding Your Auto and Home Insurance 12/05/26 - 12/05/26 Shopping 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.

Extreme Weather: Floods, Drought, Heat Waves, Cold Waves and Blizzards Click the register link to see available sessions When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it affects everyone. We will explore various events that occur throughout the year, how they develop, and how to survive them.

Giant Mammals of the Ice Age in Illinois Click the register link to see available sessions Massive glaciers covered most of Illinois during the Ice Ages. Buried in glacial age sediments are the remains of over 200 species of mammals, many of which are now extinct. Most impressive are the giant forms that roamed the landscape. We will investigate many of these long disappeared animals and see how paleontologists have reconstructed what they looked like and how they lived. We will also explore the evidence that suggests what might have caused their extinction. Book is included with the course Ice Age Giant Mammals of the Midwest.

Mystery Shopping - Get Paid to Shop Click the register link to see available sessions Do you like to shop? You can get paid to shop at almost every local store in your area, plus there are many online shopping assignments you can do from home. Let Gina Henry show you how to avoid scam companies, find the top 100 mystery shopping companies, and earn income along with free hotel stays, free gas, free groceries, and more.

The World of Investments: Building Wealth Click the register link to see available sessions In 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.

Basic Residential Electricity for Homeowners Click the register link to see available sessions This introductory course is designed for homeowners who want to gain a foundational understanding of residential electrical systems. Participants will learn the basics of electrical safety, how to identify and use common hand tools, and how to install and troubleshoot switches, outlets, and simple circuits. Through hands-on practice and guided instruction, students will build confidence in performing minor electrical tasks around the home. No prior experience is necessary-just a willingness to learn and a focus on safety.

A Cultural Journey: Chicago and Beyond Click the register link to see available sessions Explore Chicago's rich ethnic history through colorful photographs and fascinating stories of neighborhoods shaped by generations of immigrants. Discover the history, architecture, traditions, and everyday life of communities including Andersonville, Bronzeville, Chinatown, Greektown, Humboldt Park, Little Italy, Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, and more.Historic images of Chicago, New York City, and South Florida offer a glimpse into vintage architecture, fashion, and life from the early 1900s. Learn what defines an ethnic neighborhood and gain a deeper appreciation for Chicago's diverse cultural heritage. Perfect for anyone who enjoys local history, nostalgia, and the stories that make our communities unique.

Death in the Civil War Click the register link to see available sessions The Civil War resulted in more deaths than all other American wars combined. Death touched the lives of almost every American during the Civil War. Attitudes towards death before the war greatly varied to deaths during the war. American's notion of a good death where one died at home surrounded by family vanished. Men died on the battlefield, in field hospitals, and in prisons. Families constructed new rituals for far away deaths. The war also brought about great advancements in the funeral industry including embalming. This class examines the effects that death had on Americans during the Civil War.

Decoration Day Click the register link to see available sessions Today's Memorial Day was originally designated Decoration Day with its roots reaching back to the Civil War era. This class examines how the hundreds of thousands of deaths during the Civil War brought rise to the notion of remembrance and memorialization of fallen soldiers. We will also discuss how southern women associations sprang up across the South in their own attempts to bring home their lost husbands, fathers, and sons; the rise of the Confederate Memorial Day, and how Decoration Day evolved into our modern Memorial Day.

Fall Prevention and Education Click the register link to see available sessions Falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic injury, particularly for adults looking to stay active and independent. Join Riverside Trauma Coordinator Erik McMillin for an informative presentation focused on preventing falls and staying safe. Learn practical tips and simple strategies to reduce your risk, as well as what to do if you experience a fall.

Investing after 55+ Click the register link to see available sessions Make your money work smarter for the years ahead! As you enter the later stages of life, your investment strategy should evolve with you. Explore how changing tax laws, retirement income needs, risk tolerance, and market conditions can impact your portfolio. Learn practical strategies to manage risk, protect your wealth, and make confident adjustments aligned with your financial goals.

Lincoln's New Salem Click the register link to see available sessions Abraham Lincoln lived in New Salem, outside of Petersburg, for 6 years between 1831 and 1837. New Salem was a commercial village where its merchants and artisans bartered and sold goods and services to farmers in the area. New Salem was where Lincoln read about the law, owned the general store, was the postmaster, and befriended the villagers. This class explores the village, its residents, and Abraham Lincoln's time there during his formative years.

The Creation of the Washington Monument Click the register link to see available sessions The 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.

The Rural Cemetery Movement Click the register link to see available sessions Rewind to early 19th century America and find yourself in the time of the Industrial Revolution, where throngs of workers were lured to overly-congested cities and when urban burial grounds became increasingly problematic. Uncover the issues caused by urban cemeteries, including severe overcrowding and the spread of disease. Discover how the influence of Romanticism drastically transformed American society's mindset toward burying the dead and learn how they would come to embrace cemeteries as cultural institutions with a move toward the more rural cemetery tradition we know today.

Elizabeth Packard and the Cult of True Womanhood Click the register link to see available sessions Elizabeth Packard was imprisoned for three years in the Jacksonville Insane Asylum for Challenging antebellum gender roles. This class examines womanhood in the 19th century and the ways in which Elizabeth reshaped true womanhood.

Make Money as a Freelance Writer Click the register link to see available sessions If you've got a way with words and love to write, freelance writing has emerged as a significant force in the gig economy, offering flexibility, independence and a way to make money online and offline, for supplemental income or a full-time career. You'll learn the top 10 areas of freelance writing, as well as how to create writing samples and pitches/queries, develop your freelance writing "brand," and find reliable job boards and avoid content mills. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee, and include links to more than 1,000 ways to get paid as a freelance writer.

Using Amazon's Kindle Direct to Self-Publish Your Book for Free Click the register link to see available sessions Whether you're looking to publish a paperback novel or short ebook now or in the future, this detailed tutorial will teach you step-by-step how to create an Amazon KDP account, format your manuscript and upload it to the platform, easily create a book cover from available templates, determine pricing and royalties, develop a sales pitch for your Amazon page, and write an Amazon author bio. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education.

Video Vignettes: Exploring the Midwest's French Heritage Corridor - Luncheon Click the register link to see available sessions Discover the fascinating French roots woven throughout the Midwest! Through engaging video introductions, visit historic French settlements, forts, museums, and cultural sites across the French Heritage Corridor-from Minnesota and Illinois to Indiana, Missouri, and Michigan. Along the way, explore places such as Starved Rock, Ste. Genevieve, Mackinac Island, and Fort St. Joseph. We'll also revisit ideas from the 2026 LLI course about celebrating, preserving, and sharing our own community's French heritage.

Writing Short Stories Click the register link to see available sessions Discover your writing voice and learn to bring your short stories (1,000-30,000 words) to life. Explore the essentials of storytelling, including plot development, compelling characters, action, dialogue, and story structure. You'll also learn how to strengthen your work through editing and proofreading, along with options for publishing your finished story.

Birds of a Feather Click the register link to see available sessions Discover the fascinating history of birds, from their dinosaur ancestors to the diverse species we know today! Explore how birds have adapted to ecosystems around the world, learn about conservation efforts to protect threatened species, and gain a new appreciation for the feathered friends found right here in Kankakee County. This engaging presentation welcomes bird enthusiasts of all ages!

The Kankakee River: 2 1/2 Miles of Then and Now Click the register link to see available sessions Take a tour along the Kankakee River, from the Washington Avenue bridge east to the I-57 bridge. Along the way, you'll encounter buildings still standing yet repurposed, the ghosts of formerly important businesses, and the personalities who influenced economic development in Kankakee.

Travel Gadgets That Work Click the register link to see available sessions Heading out on vacation? What should you pack for a road trip or an overseas flight? Thousands of travel gadgets hit the market every year, but which ones are worth bringing along? We'll explore travel products that have proven useful and what makes them successful. Bring your own favorite travel essentials, too, and join the conversation as we share tips and ideas!

Visiting Southern England Click the register link to see available sessions Have you ever wondered what there is to see in England outside of London? Take a look at some of the sights of Southern England, including stately homes, castles, and cathedrals. Come explore the rich history and opulence these remarkable destinations offer visitors.

Beyond Imagination: Hitler's War Against the Soviet Union, 1941-1945 Click the register link to see available sessions Discover the dramatic story of the Eastern Front in World War II, where millions of soldiers faced off in some of history's deadliest battles. From the desperate defense of Moscow and the brutal struggle for Stalingrad to the massive tank battles at Kursk and the fall of Berlin, explore the events that changed the course of the war. Through historical photographs, maps, firsthand accounts, and compelling statistics, uncover the human cost of this devastating conflict and why the Eastern Front was pivotal to Nazi Germany's defeat.