Identified and excavated during the Yorktown Shipwreck Archaeological Project, Betsy represents the measures taken by the British to carry on the fight before their ultimate surrender at Yorktown in 1781. In the over 40 years since Betsy's rediscovery, learn how the wreck continues to teach us about the history of the battle, and the ways in which 18th century materials pulled from York River have been preserved.

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Friday, July 26, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162

Due to illness, the instructor has cancelled for this semester. Have you found some of your ancestors, collected information, started a family tree... and want to do more? This class will help you make sense of what you have, expand your research skills, learn to use more advanced tools and techniques, and broaden your knowledge of genealogical resources. The goal is to build on what you have already done and add to the depth and breadth of your family history.

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Due to illness, the instructor has cancelled for this semester. Have you ever wanted to trace your family history, but didn't know how to begin, or became overwhelmed when you did? Then, this class is for you. Learn how to set goals and stay organized; use basic research tools, techniques, and reliable sources; and ways to ensure you have the facts. The goal is to give you skills and resources to begin discovering your ancestors and their true stories.

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Critical thinking is crucial to important events like the 2024 elections, which encourage us to explore not just what to think, but how to think. This course will cover the importance of thinking critically as well as explore the existence of conspiracy theories, the role of science as an authority, the use of logic and avoidance of logical fallacies, the functioning of the brain, and solutions to help correct our thinking.

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth College is offering its summer lecture series via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. This year's theme is America's Role in Preserving Peace and Prosperity. Lecture four is 'DRIVEN OUT: Human Displacement and the Challenge of Forced Migration.' The description was not available at the time of printing, but is in our online registration system.

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Wednesday, July 31, Synchronous Online (15 seats (15%) remaining)

Since the rise of social media and the 2016 election, there has been increasing recognition that facts themselves have become a battleground, amid widespread disinformation (that is, the often viral circulation of falsehoods) and misinformation (the intentional promulgation of untruths) are considered epidemic by many. We will consider how prevalent the problems really are, what practical difference they are making, including in our politics, how the press has been responding (for both better and worse), and how these phenomena in America interact with similar issues elsewhere.

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Wednesday, Aug 7, Synchronous Online (15 seats (12%) remaining)

This session will start with the geopolitical cards dealt to the United States, Russia, and China. While the United States and its partners and allies are attempting to maintain a maritime global order to foster trade, China and Russia are great continental powers increasingly fixated on dominating territory. These differences have precipitated a Second Cold War. We will examine how the democracies won the First Cold War without fighting a hot war.

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Wednesday, Aug 14, Synchronous Online (20 seats (20%) remaining)

Let's talk about planning for the future. How can you be sure you estate plans are carried out properly? Topics will include medical directives, powers of attorney, wills and trusts. Elder Law will also be discussed. Questions are welcome!

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Tuesday, Aug 13, Room 160 (4 seats (17%) remaining)

FIELD TRIP to the VA Museum of History and Culture: Julia Child's insatiable curiosity and tenacious spirit drove her to endlessly try, test, prove and communicate how to make delicious food. Learning to cook empowered Julia and she in turn empowered others, profoundly transforming American cuisine and food culture. Julia Child: A Recipe for Life explores the key ingredients that led to Julia's personal evolution and America's culinary revolution. Offered twice: please register for only one session.

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Friday, Aug 9, Virginia Museum of History and Culture ( No seats currently available )

One email; three perfect strangers; and a story unfolds.... Learn how an email paved the way for sick children in Kaunas, Lithuania, to receive blankets made by women who attend Duck United Methodist Church in Duck, NC.

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Monday, July 29, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156 (3 seats (12%) remaining)

Songwriters are modern-day bards who serve as historians and preservers of the oral tradition of our culture. Songs reflect and influence what humans consider important: ideas, feelings, and stories, often using poetic imagery. What do women songwriters and singers have to tell us? We'll talk about Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlisle, and Nanci Griffith.

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Fridays, Aug 2 and 9, Synchronous Online

Shenandoah National Park stands out as one of Virginia's top tourist attractions. Awe-inspiring vistas and abundant wildlife attract millions of people to explore the park's peaks and hollows. However, the park's modern beauty came at a heavy cost. Virginia evicted thousands of local residents to return the land to 'wilderness.' Join us as we explore the complicated origins of one of Virginia's most beautiful assets.

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Monday, Aug 5, Synchronous Online (18 seats (14%) remaining)