History, Political Science & Law

Upcoming Courses

Courses

Learn about Patrick Henry's 'Red Hill' located in Charlotte County, VA. With more than 3,000 artifacts and documents relating to Patrick Henry, his family, and the enslaved and free Black inhabitants, Red Hill also includes numerous historic buildings and two cemeteries, one of which includes Patrick Henry's grave.


Thursday 5/15, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156 ( No seats currently available )
Let's talk about planning for the future. How can you ensure that your preferences and directives for your financial assets are carried out correctly? We'll discuss the legal options available to assist in making the best decisions. Elder Law will also be discussed. Questions are welcome!


Tuesday, 5/13, Special Programs Building, Room 160
This walking tour explores the gardens, outbuildings and other estate features that made Maymont a showplace without equal in Gilded Age Richmond. Guests will learn about the design of the Italian garden, the arboretum comprised of rare specimen trees imported in the 1890s, and the uses of the various outbuildings.


Thursday, 5/8, Maymont Gardens (4 seats (8%) remaining)
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.


No session is currently available for registration

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This is a guided tour of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture's exhibition: Give Me Liberty. The exhibit will inspire a deep appreciation for the continental and global forces as well as the individual actions by both iconic and ordinary people that brought about a model of democratic government that would change the world.


Friday, 5/02, Virginia Museum of History and Culture ( No seats currently available )
The Southern Italian port city of Naples is home to a rich and complex history stretching back to its foundation in the 8th century BCE. Across the centuries, Naples evolved into a vibrant cultural, political, and economic center. In 1861, the newly unified Italian nation-state initiated an era of modernization that persists to the present day. We will examine la storia e tradizioni of bella Napoli: a city famously pieno di contradizione ('full of contradictions').


Fridays; 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/02, 5/09, 5/16 , Synchronous Online
Bonsai is a centuries-old practice of training trees in containers to resemble those in nature. We will explore the key components of bonsai: horticulture, design, and technical skills. You will learn how to maintain a healthy tree, develop your own design style, and apply essential techniques. Whether you are new to bonsai, have experience, or are simply curious, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of this fascinating art form.


Mondays; 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, Synchronous Online
Let's explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. Included will be the role of influential designers, the creation of iconic vehicles like the Mustang and Corvette, and the appeal of concept cars which highlight the innovation of their eras. We'll touch on how global car cultures, from America's muscle cars to Japan's futuristic designs, reflect the identities and values of their societies.


Wednesdays; 4/09, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/07, 5/14 *NOTE: Time revised from printed catalog, Synchronous Online
Over a half-century after the Stonewall Uprising, the vibrant and complex history of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and movements in the US remains a focal point of rich discussion and political relevance. We will immerse ourselves in the intricate history of LGBTQ+ Americans, examining their political organizations, cultural contributions, and the profound ways they have helped shape the nation to gain a renewed appreciation for the ongoing struggle towards justice, inclusion, and freedom in the US.


Tuesdays; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, Synchronous Online
Let's discuss recent events in Russia and the post-Soviet space, many of which stem from enduring ethnic tensions. The Russian Federation is home to 180 nationalities, many of which have long been in conflict. Let's examine how the Russian state under the Tsars, Soviets, and President Vladimir Putin has sought to impose uniformity, often diminishing ethnic groups. Through a historical lens, we will explore the struggles of these groups, from peaceful movements to violent resistance.


Thursdays; 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8 , Synchronous Online (1 seats (7%) remaining)
Women and other marginalized groups traditionally received less ink in history books than the 'great men' of history who were mainly white males. This course looks at nine women whose achievements are not commonly known. Included are a scientist, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a pioneering pilot, a suffragist, a candidate for the US presidency, an activist for women's and African-American's rights, a British anthropologist, and a pioneering politician from the Western US.


Mondays; Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, Synchronous Online ( No seats currently available )
Join us as we explore Richmond's origin stories in The Valentine Museum's Court End Neighborhood. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Richmond, Court End grew into an affluent area in close proximity to the newly-established Virginia State Capitol during the early 19th Century. On this walking tour, you'll discover stories of early Richmonders and surviving architectural gems nestled in the ever-evolving center of the city. This is a 90-minute walking tour, with some standing required. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill the slot.


No session is currently available for registration

In this course we will analyze the structure and wording of the Constitution through some of its more curious features. Using historical and modern-day examples we will see how the various provisions of the Constitution fit together. We will examine fundamental constitutional themes and look at the challenges in interpreting this document. It you are looking for a deeper understanding of this fascinating document, then this is the course for you.


No session is currently available for registration

Charles Cowlam's career as a convict, spy, detective, congressional candidate, adventurer, and con artist spanned the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Gilded Age. His life touched many of the most prominent figures of the era, including Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, and Ulysses S. Grant. One contemporary newspaper reported that Cowlam 'has as many aliases as there are letters in the alphabet.' He was a chameleon in a world of strangers.


DATE and TIME CHANGE: Monday, May 12, GOTW, Auditorium Room A001 (7 seats (10%) remaining)
This course will provide a deep dive into the history of the Israeli-Arab conflict with a focus on the last 125 years. What are the origins of the conflict? Who were the key players involved? What are the primary and persistent sources of contention? How have periodic wars influenced peace prospects? What are some of the blueprints proposed to establish a more permanent peace?


No session is currently available for registration

In the past, there were some very accomplished individuals who, famous in their day, are now almost entirely forgotten because they ran for President and lost. This course will look at nine of these men, from the early Republic to our own time, to learn what they had to offer as we examine the road not taken.


Mondays; 4/28, 5/5 & 5/12, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156 (4 seats (11%) remaining)
In March of 1775, the Second Virginia Convention was held here at what was then called Henrico Parish Church. Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Peyton Randolph and other prominent Virginians were delegates to the convention. Here, Patrick Henry embodied the spirit of the Revolution on March 23, 1775, with his words, "Give me liberty, or give me death!' Because of the event costs, fees for this class are non-refundable.


Friday 5/16, Historic St. John's Church ( No seats currently available )
FIELD TRIP Join this on-site tour for a walk through the museum, along with a comprehensive overview of the history of the Holocaust incorporating the stories of survivors who made Richmond their home.


Wednesday, 5/07, VA Holocaust Museum ( No seats currently available )