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Featured Courses |
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More Weird and Wonderful IllinoisThis course contains no sessionsContinue your exploration of the many weird and wonderful people and places that make Illinois great. Learn about the Alley of Death, Chicago's fabulous Tiffany Dome and the Garden of the Gods. And discover the extraordinary stories behind places like the Old Slave House, Mermet Springs, and Collinsville's Seven Gates to Hell. |
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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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The Life and Legacy of LincolnLincoln is the most popular president today. This course will examine Lincoln's legacy, how Lincoln has been remembered over time, and his impact on American culture. |
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Midwest Gangsters of the Depression EraLearn the fascinating stories behind infamous names like John Dillinger, "Baby Face" Nelson and Ma Barker during this look back at crime during the depression era. Discover how the exploits of criminals in the U.S. Midwest gripped the American people and the press. |
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Allegheny Arsenal ExplosionThe 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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Vietnam and Cambodia Travel AdventureGet ready to embark on a journey through Vietnam and Cambodia with David Atkinson! Join us as he shares his amazing trip with Overseas Adventure Travel in 2019. He'll be showcasing stunning pictures and stories of their adventures in various cities and villages in Vietnam, as well as their visit to the breathtaking Ankor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. It's an unforgettable experience that will take you back in time and show you just how much these countries have changed in the past 50 years. |
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Cryptozoology: The Truth About "Real" MonstersCryptozoology is the search for and study of animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated, such as Big Foot or the Loch Ness monster. During this class students will learn about the myths and "truth" behind many legendary creatures including the Yeti, the Chupacabra, Lake Champlain's "Champ," and the Jersey Devil. |
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Movie Music Memories 1 Luncheon"Movie Music Memories" is a lunch event that brings together the best music and dance performances from the silver screen. This collection of historic film slips spans half a century, from 1915 to 1966, and features some of the greatest performers of all time. Narrator John LeGear will take you on a journey through the decades with carefully crafted clips from films that are sure to reawaken some of the happiest times of your life. A buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m. The presentation will begin at noon. |
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Lincoln's AssassinationJust days after the end of the Civil War, the nation mourned the loss of Abraham Lincoln. This class will examine the events that led up to that fateful night, the conspirators involved, Ford's Theatre, and the ensuing manhunt. We will also discuss the reaction of Lincoln's death in both North and South as well as accusations that Jefferson Davis had a role in the plot. |
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Organizing Your VacationAre you planning a vacation for this summer? Let Beth Randall, Professional Organizer walk you through the process of deciding on a vacation destination, keeping track of all the details, packing, travel tips for car travel (with kids), and plane travel, so that you can relax and enjoy it! |
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All About Alfred HitchcockLearn 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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Lincoln's ConspiratorsLess 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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Illinois Storm ChasersReady or not, here comes the storm! Join Nick Bartholomew, a veteran storm chaser who has traveled all across the country chasing down mother nature's worst weather as he dives into the basics of severe weather. Topics include: storm chasing, local climatology, past tornadic events, severe weather safety and preparedness and a time for your questions. |
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Arlington Cemetery: A Tour of Notable BurialsThis 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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The History of Coca-ColaAre 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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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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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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NEW! Beginner's Guide to Using ChatGPT (AI) for WritersThis course contains no sessionsChatGPT (AI) is here to stay and is the future for writers and content creators. Don't be left behind! No prior AI experience required. Do you want to learn how to incorporate the power of cutting-edge technology to gain ideas and inspiration, write web content, articles, and even novels or scripts? Join LeeAnne Krusemark and start building your expertise in the world of ChatGPT now! |
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Chicago's Riverview Amusement ParkThis course contains no sessionsLearn about the origins and history of Riverview Park, a Chicago area amusement park which operated from 1904 to 1967. Join Jay Sternickle for this fun trip down memory lane. |