Courses

(HIS239) NIGHT WITCHES: WOMEN NIGHT FLYERS OF WWII

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until May 31, 2026.

This presentation highlights the bravery and resilience of the Soviet Union's all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known as the ''Night Witches,'' and their fight against both enemy forces and gender discrimination during WWII.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS240) THE COMING OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1760-1776

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until May31, 2026.

This class explores the complex causes and escalating tensions that led to the American colonies' break from Britain, culminating in the Declaration of Independence.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS241) THE DAY THAT GOD CRIED: A COMMEMORATION OF THE WEEPING TIME

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until May 31, 2026.

This course uses powerful spoken word and storytelling to recount the tragic 1859 Savannah slave sale, exploring its historical context and honoring the souls sold that sad day.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS237) HEROES AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES IN AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until May 31, 2026.

Discover inspiring stories from across America's national parks that highlight human resilience and potential in this two-session course.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS123) VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE JIMMY CARTER LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

This virtual tour offers an inside look at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, featuring presidential archives, family history, special exhibits, and a replica of the Oval Office.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS238) HOW JOHN ERICSSON SAVED THE UNION

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until May 31, 2026.

This course explores the pivotal 1862 naval battle at Hampton Roads, where a Confederate ironclad devastated the U.S. Navy, prompting a Union response led by John Ericsson and his revolutionary warship, the Monitor.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS218) DAY TRIP TO NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE

OLLI members will enjoy exclusive VIP access to the Mighty 8th Museum, featuring a live Norden Bombsight demonstration by Dr. Tim Moore and a guided tour highlighting the heroic legacy of the Eighth Air Force.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS219) IN THEIR OWN WORDS - A HISTORY OF THE 1ST SC VOLUNTEERS OF AFRICAN DESCENT

Discover the story of the first Black Union regiment, the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, through voices like Susie King Taylor and Col. Higginson.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS220) DOUGLASS DAY 2025! COMMUNITY TRANSCRIBE-A-THON

Join USCB for a transcribe-a-thon honoring Frederick Douglass by helping digitize vital African American historical documents-no experience needed, training provided.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS221) THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 1898: CONTEXT, CAUSES, COMBAT AND CONSEQUENCES

Learn how the Spanish-American War shaped U.S. global power-held at historic Fort Fremont.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS222) THE HISTORY OF THE CITADEL

Named the South's top public university for 15 years, The Citadel's graduates have shaped policy across generations-this complex history will be reviewed.

Friday, February 27, 2026, Bluffton campus
Friday, February 27, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS223) CIVIL WAR DIARIES - FEMALE NURSES, SPIES, AND SOLDIERS

Through Civil War diaries, learn how women's service as nurses, spies, and soldiers during the war reshaped their societal roles.

Monday, March 2, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS224) THE HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICAN BASEBALL PLAYERS IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES

Discover the legacy and impact of Latin American players in Major League Baseball and their cultural ties to the sport.

March 3-5, 2026, Beaufort campus

(HIS225) WATERGATE: THE POLITICAL SCANDAL THAT BROUGHT DOWN A PRESIDENT

Watergate still shapes American politics. This course explores its impact and lasting relevance.

Thursday, April 2, 2026, Beaufort campus
Thursday, April 2, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS226) WRITTEN IN THE BRICKS: THE STORY OF FORT PULASKI

Attendees will tour Fort Pulaski National Monument with a park ranger to explore its history, including the impact of rifled cannons, slavery, and soldier graffiti, followed by optional independent exploration and art activity.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Ft. Pulaski National Monument

(HIS227) THE ORIGINS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION

Economists and Historians are still debating the causes of the Great Depression. It is a complex topic, but well worth looking at.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus

(HIS228) FIRESTORM OVER DARMSTADT

Date change from the printed guide: New date is May 7, 2026. Learn about the 1944 RAF bombing of Darmstadt, one of WWII's major firestorms, and its lasting impact on Germany and England.

Thursday, May 7, 2026, Beaufort campus

(HIS229) THOMAS JEFFERSON: A DESCENDANT'S VIEW

David Miller, a descendant of Thomas Jefferson, explores Jefferson's views on religion and his relationship with Sally Hemings in light of historical and DNA evidence.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS230) THE SEVEN YEARS' WAR - BEGINNING OF AMERICAN HISTORY

The Seven Years' War answered a fundamental question: "Shall France remain a North American power or not?" Its outcome marked the beginning of American history. This presentation will explore Francis Parkman's thesis and, through his lens, examine the war's broader significance.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Beaufort campus
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS234) THE BUILD UP TO THE SEVEN YEARS' WAR

This course will examine the role of the American colonies as extensions of European conflicts during the 16th century.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Beaufort campus
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Live on Zoom