This year, our Festival features an Osher member/UR alum and several UR professors. This not-to-be-missed half-day festival features Dr Nelson D. Lankford, UR grad and Osher member speaking on his 2025 Civil War book. He'll be followed by UR faculty member Dr Kelly G. Lambert, addressing her book on neurobiology. Then, we'll hear from UR faculty/staff members Dr. Julian M. Hayter, Dr. Thad Williamson, and Dr. Amy L. Howard, discussing their 2024 book on Richmond politics.

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Monday, March 9, JAC, Robins Pavilion 151

Join us for this two-part class on Leon Russell, a gifted musician, songwriter, performer, and producer. This afternoon class will feature the screening of the 1971 documentary 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen.' The documentary captures live concert performances from Joe Cocker with Leon Russell as the musical director for the musicians and singers who are backing Mr. Cocker. Join us for part two the next morning.

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Monday, April 13, TBD - UR Campus

Are you missing the beauty of summer flowers? Or feeling the need for a little touch of spring color? Come join us for a peek at the beautiful botanicals that live within the Galvin Rare Books and Special Collections. In this course, we'll explore some rare botanical collections, highlighted by the newly donated set of 19th Century engraved lilies from the renowned French botanical artist Pierre-Joseph Redouté.

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Wednesday, May 6, Boatwright Library, Room B1-22

Join author and University of Richmond's first lady Tina Hallock as she discusses the inspiration for her debut children's book, 'Along Came the Spiders.' The book highlights the unique Spider mascot and celebrates the University community, all while fueling her love of promoting literacy to young readers. Tina will be joined by the book's illustrator Kaitlin Jones Stasiunas as they each discuss their process and working together on this charming tale.

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Thursday, April 23, TBD - UR Campus

If you are familiar with the library resources but want to go beyond the basics, this session will explore some of the more interesting and unusual digital collections and databases. This is an advanced session that builds on the information introduced in Bounty of Boatwright.

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Every day, starting on 02/19/26 and ending on 02/19/26, Synchronous Online

Learn how to find books, articles, and other resources that are of interest to you. This session provides an overview for beginners or those new to Osher and includes a virtual tour of the library.

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Friday, Jan 16, Synchronous Online

Documentary Screening: Fine artist Dora Fugh Lee was born to a noble family in China. In this Emmy-nominated film produced for PBS and narrated by Rose Nan-Ping Chen, Lee's compelling life and art are explored. She is considered one of the last Chinese literati painters. After the film there will be a panel discussion with the director E. Samantha Cheng, followed by a reception. Then join us for One Man Show and Book Launch: Jesse Appell is an independent creative, entrepreneur and intercultural comedian based in Beijing who uses comedy as a means to bridge cultural divides between China and the West.

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Friday, February 6, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162

Love curling up with a great book, a warm blanket, and a cup of tea? Step into the charming world of cozy mysteries - crime fiction with heart, wit, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. In this session, you'll explore the hallmarks of the genre and learn what makes a mystery irresistibly cozy. You'll leave inspired to track down your next page-turner at your local bookstore or library.

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Wednesday, Jan 21, TBD - UR Campus

Visit the recently opened Lora Robins gallery with Matthew Houle, Curator of Museum Collections, and Martha Wright, Curator for Academic Initiatives. This visit will share insights on the renovation, the re-installation, highlights of the collection and new community-focused initiatives. This is offered twice; please register for only one.

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Thursday, April 30, Lora Robins Gallery

Visit the recently opened Lora Robins gallery with Matthew Houle, Curator of Museum Collections, and Martha Wright, Curator for Academic Initiatives. This visit will share insights on the renovation, the re-installation, highlights of the collection and new community-focused initiatives. This is offered twice; please register for only one.

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Thursday, May 14, Lora Robins Gallery

In this interactive session, participants will handle historical materials, explore how meaning is shaped by interpretation, and collaborate to design a small thematic display that connects the past to the present. Discover how stories emerge from the objects we preserve. Working hands-on with rare books, letters, and archival items, participants will explore, interpret, and assemble small thematic displays, learning how arrangement and context influence our understanding of history.

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Thursday, April 9, Boatwright Library, Room B1-22

Crisis communication isn't just for governments or corporations. Whether you're leading a nonprofit or coordinating volunteers, how you communicate in the heat of the moment shapes outcomes. In this session, you'll learn how organizations prepare messages under pressure and manage misinformation, even when the situation is chaotic. You'll also leave with tools you can apply to your community organizations or volunteer roles.

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Wednesday, May 13, TBD - UR Campus

Join this lecture to understand how and why Virginia is a data center and AI infrastructure hotspot, and what this means for residents of the state. What are the costs and benefits of Virginia's data center expansion? Efforts to educate AI users and prepare impacted communities are key to assure more ethical and greener computer operations for institutions located in the Commonwealth. This is Part 1: Part 2 will be a small, follow-up workshop.

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Tuesday, Jan 27, TBD - UR Campus

Join this small, interactive training session to learn how to engage in education and community advocacy related to making cloud technologies in the Commonwealth greener and more ethical. As the prolific use of AI supercharges data center growth, tech companies are investing heavily in Virginia. We'll unpack the material requirements for cloud computing as the 'winners' and 'losers' of policies and developments are discussed. This is Part 2, a follow-up workshop to the lecture on January 27.

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Tuesday, Feb 3, TBD - UR Campus

Are you new to the University of Richmond campus and unsure where to park and what buildings are often used for Osher classes? Do you want to know where to eat, where the Post Office is located, and where athletic and performing arts events are held? This campus walk is for you! Join Marshall as he helps you navigate this beautiful campus, rated No. 2 for Most Beautiful Campus in the 2024 Princeton Review.

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No session is currently available for registration

Abigail Adams is one of the most fascinating of our Founding Mothers. While her husband, John Adams, was focusing on Independence and grappling with problems associated with the Continental Congress, Abigail was advising him on policy matters, minding the family farm in Braintree, Massachusetts, and managing all financial affairs while raising a family in his absence. Professor Woody Holton will be sharing some rare insights about this brilliant and influential figure of our American Revolution.

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Wednesday, Jan 21, Synchronous Online

Did ancient Greek, Chinese, and aboriginal healers know something about music that we don't? The ancients intuitively understood what 21st-century scientists are now proving: music isn't just an art or entertainment, it is also a potent therapeutic force that can modulate blood pressure, alleviate anxiety, reduce pain, and help stroke patients speak and walk again. We are living at the dawn of humankind's science-driven realization of the power of music.

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Monday, April 6, TBD - UR Campus

Join your Osher Leadership Council and staff for light refreshments and an update on your Osher Institute.

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Tuesday, Jan 13, JAC, Robins Pavilion 151

Learn how to access and fully enjoy the many benefits of being a member of the Osher Institute and the larger UR community. Designed for new members, but offers tips for all.

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Friday, Jan 23, Synchronous Online
Monday, May 4, TBD - UR Campus

UR's Dr. Sonja Bertucci's most recent feature-length documentary, 'The Diamond Couple' (2024), is an intimate meditation on love, aging, and the transmission of memory. The film premiered at the Arizona International Film Festival, where it received the Jury Prize for Inspirational Filmmaking, and continues to screen internationally. Join us for Dr. Bertucci's opening remarks, the film screening, and Q&A.

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No session is currently available for registration

The Song of Songs (also called the Song of Solomon) is one of the Bible's most beautiful poems, a joyous celebration of eroticism and love. But why is this very sexy poem even in the Bible? What do biblical scholars and other interpreters say about this text? And why is there so much fruit?

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Wednedsay, Jan 28, TBD - UR Campus

Through Boatwright Library, Osher students have access to an extensive collection of databases filled with historical primary sources. This course will introduce participants to these valuable resources and explore the rich world of digital historical sources available through the library. While taking the Bounty of Boatwright or Beyond the Bounty Osher courses beforehand may be helpful, no prior research experience is required: just a curiosity and enthusiasm for history!

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Thursday, Jan 29, Synchronous Online

Take a walking tour of the UR campus, named one of the nation's most beautiful campuses in the Princeton Review. Learn about the history of the University, enjoy the beautiful landscaping and architecture, and hear some stories along the way. The walk will be about 2.5 miles in length and will require climbing steps and walking on various surfaces. Walking shoes and water are recommended.

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Thursday, April 2, THCX, Sculpture outside Modlin Center

One of the most intriguing parts of working with original historical materials is exploring people's lives through the handwritten record they left behind. You can't help but get drawn into their stories as you try to piece together the lives of the people who wrote the letters and diaries. In this course, we'll explore some of the manuscript correspondence and diaries available in Boatwright Library's Galvin Rare Book Room.

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Friday, April 24, Boatwright Library, Room B1-22

Ever wonder what that unusual rock or fossil really is? Bring your geological finds for expert identification and learn about their origins, age, and formation. Whether it's a family keepsake, a strange beach stone, or a mysterious mineral, discover the hidden story inside your specimen. Time slots will be assigned prior to class so that Dr. Kitchen can examine each item. All are welcome, and curiosity is encouraged!

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Tuesday, Jan 20, TBD - UR Campus

¡Bienvenidos! We're pleased to offer a series of Spanish classes this spring! These lively and interactive sessions will include basic grammar, pronunciation, and daily life vocabulary. We will include conversation practice, written exercises, and short videos in Spanish. The pace of this initial series is for beginner/refresher levels. Each session builds upon the previous lessons to increase confidence in communication. ¡Nos vemos pronto!

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Tuesdays: Feb 3, 10, 17, TBD - UR Campus