Online Courses

Courses offered online through the Osher Institute. Includes both partner-provided and Richmond-created classes.

Courses

Bounty of Boatwright

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.

No session is currently available for registration

Building Foundations of Caregiving, Part 1

This class will explore the role of caregivers and changes they may experience, building a support team, and managing caregiver stress. This is the first of a five-part series, but attendance in all is not required.

No session is currently available for registration

Cheers, Virginia!

Celebrate the work of craft brewing, distilling, and fermenting as well as the makers whose arts fill your glass. From homebrewers to local distillers and wineries, alcohol makers have captured the soul and identity of Virginia with their intoxicating offerings. Explore how craft makers have used their talent and enthusiasm to connect with and represent the people, places, and history of the Commonwealth.

Tuesday, March 31, Synchronous Online

Death and Mourning in the 19th Century

Find out how Americans sought to hold on to the ideal of the 'good death' in the midst of a conflict that took the lives of over 600,000 soldiers. Discover how funeral and mourning practices changed as a result of the war.

Monday, April 27, Synchronous Online

Exploring Care and Support Services, Part 5

Ever found yourself asking 'where do I go from here' or 'who do I call about this need?' This class examines how best to prepare for future care decisions and change. During the session we will also talk about the different levels of care available to support you and your needs better. This is the fifth of a five-part series, but attendance in all is not required.

Thursday, April 30, Synchronous Online

Gone Too Soon: Influential Songwriters Who Died Young

Many songwriters who died young left an inspirational impact and legacy to audiences as well as to the songwriters who followed them. The classes will cover a few of those songwriters, their stories, and some of their songs. The list includes Robert Johnson, Hank Williams, Buddy Holly, Kate Wolf, Townes Van Zandt, and many others.

Wednesdays, March 18, 25, April 1, 8, Synchronous Online

Not Another Back-Seat Driver: The Story of Amelia Earhart

As one newspaper reporter stated, 'She couldn't stand a reputation as a back-seat driver, so she flew the Atlantic herself: solo.' Join us as we navigate the journey of Amelia Earhart, record-breaking aviator and first female to fly solo across the United States!

No session is currently available for registration

Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors, Part 4

As communication changes during the journey with dementia, someone may also notice changes in behavior. This class will detail common behavior changes and how they are a form of communication. Tips and strategies will also be shared to better support your loved one during challenging moments. This is the fourth of a five-part series, but attendance in all is not required.

Thursday, April 23, Synchronous Online

Richmond Symphony: Symphony Companion Course 2025-26

Join this deep dive into the 2025-2026 Richmond Symphony Series concerts. Each class in this course will focus on the repertoire of the upcoming Symphony Series concert and feature a special guest with a critical role in the performance. Guests will include Music Director Valentina Peleggi, guest artists, and composers. Through recordings, images, scholarship, biographies, backstage stories, and discussion we will engage more deeply with the music and the artists who bring it to life.

Mondays; Jan 12, 26, Feb 23, Mar 2, April 6, May 11 , Synchronous Online

We Love These But They Did Not Make the Cut: The Outtakes From Five Years of Osher Programs

The first draft of every class we design contains between 12 and 15 artworks picked to fit the program theme. Imagine the heartbreak when some must be cast aside, as we simply cannot cover them all in the time allowed. In this session we will bring back the outcasts to look at, discuss, and enjoy. Join us for this hodgepodge of never-seens and see why, although they were set aside before, they will shine now!

Wednesday, April 8, Synchronous Online