Free Classes & Events

Upcoming Courses

Courses

Commonly featured in tales of terror and hauntingly good stories, spooky creatures and things that go bump in the night have a long history. Come along as we step into some of the unusual and mythical materials of Boatwright's Rare Book Room and explore the spirit of Halloween magic.


Thursday, 10/30, 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.


Tuesday, Oct 7, TBD - UR Campus
This is a participatory study in 19th-Century Russian painting in which viewers will follow the most significant moments in the development of Russian art through selected paintings. The study is not a conventional art history course, but rather is an opportunity for participants to optimally engage and express the experience of aesthetic ecstasy evoked by the paintings. For this reason the class size will be limited.


Wednesday and Thursday, Oct 15 and 16, 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.


Thursday, Oct 23, 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.


Tuesday, Sept 30, Synchronous Online
Join your fellow Osher members as we remember all who have served in our armed forces over the years. Osher member/instructor and Vietnam veteran Steve Anders will be our keynote speaker.


Monday, 11/10, JAC, Robins Pavilion 151
Join Bill Leighty, chief of staff to two former Virginia governors, as he leads a panel discussion on the November 2025 Virginia elections. A panel of seasoned political analysts will examine the key questions of 'What happened?' and 'Why?'. The discussion will also offer insights into Virginia's pivotal role in potentially shaping the broader political landscape for the national 2026 elections.


Wednesday, 11/19, TBD - UR Campus
Boatwright Library is currently undergoing construction, part of which is a newly redesigned floor showcasing the Galvin Rare Book Room, Archives, and Book Arts. This class will introduce participants to the archive and rare book collections, highlighting some special materials and areas of interest that are available for use in new spaces opening in Fall 2025.


Friday 9/12, Synchronous Online
Are you curious how immigration policy is changing (and has changed over time) and how important immigrants are to present-day Virginia? This offering covers three topics: a picture of immigrant communities in Virginia circa 2020, the evolution of immigration and US policy towards immigrants through history, and the evolving picture of policy toward immigrants under the second Trump administration.


Tuesdays, Oct 14 and 21, 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.


Thursday 9/11, THCX, Sculpture outside Modlin Center
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.


Wednesday 9/10, Synchronous Online
Thursday, Oct 16, TBD - UR Campus
Come explore some historical cookbooks from Boatwright's Rare Book Room and see what you can discover.


Tuesday, 12/2, Boatwright Library, Room B1-22
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.


Tuesday 9/16, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162
The UR Computer/Technology Help Desk is available to Osher members, but do you really know what services it provides? Join this session to find out how to take full advantage of this great benefit of Osher membership.


No session is currently available for registration

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Take a walking tour of the UR campus, named the nation's most beautiful campus in the Princeton Review's most recent college guide. 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.


Monday 9/22, THCX, Sculpture outside Modlin Center
Join this journey into the powerful world of volcanoes: how they form, erupt, and threaten. Explore the forces driving magma from deep inside Earth, the dramatic eruptions at Mount St. Helens, Rainier, Yellowstone, and Long Valley, and how modern science works to predict and mitigate volcanic hazards.


Monday, Oct 13, TBD - UR Campus