Courses

(HIS321) TEA AND TORTURE

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

Boston was not the only Tea Partier, nor was it the first. Charleston, Philadelphia, Annapolis and Edenton NC were also contenders. Various forms of torture exacted by the British on the American rebels are examined.

Monday, June 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS320) THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION A WORLD WAR NO ONE KNOWS

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

Discover how America was only one relatively compact and insignificant theater of war in what was in reality a World War for England, fought on four fronts with dozens of countries involved, and that American independence was won only due to military aid from two main European powers and the distractions provided by four other major nations.

Monday, June 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS11826, HIS11826Z) WRITTEN IN THE BRICKS: THE STORY OF FORT PULASKI

Explore the history of Fort Polaski, including the impact of rifled cannons, slavery, and soldier graffiti, with a park ranger.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS11926) BILL OF RIGHTS AS A FRAMEWORK OF LIBERTY

These classes (4) will provide a historically grounded explanation that captures the political, philosophical and practical reasons the Bill of Rights became necessary and became the Guardian of Liberty.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS12026, HIS12026Z) SUSIE KING TAYLOR'S CIVIL WAR

Explore the life of Susie King Taylor, a Civil War nurse and teacher who joined the Union Army at a young age. Using her memoir and other accounts, it highlights the experiences of Black women during the Civil War and Reconstruction in the South.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS12126) CIVIL WAR SIDEBAR: FASCINATING POTPOURRI

This presentation examines overlooked people, events, and stories that deepen our appreciation of the American Civil War beyond its well-known milestones.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS12226) THROUGH THE LENS: A CULTURAL HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY

This class examines how iconic photographs have documented and shaped American history from the Civil War to the present while teaching basic techniques for interpreting visual storytelling.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS12326) FOLLOWING THE DRUM-WOMEN IN THE CONTINENTAL ARMY

The Continental Army during the Revolutionary War conjures up images of officers in powdered wigs on horseback. What is not envisioned is the women who were officially part of the army and marched along behind them.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS12426Z) UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES THE FOUNDERS FAILED TO PREDICT

Explore how the Constitutional Framers' deliberate compromises and unforeseen challenges shaped the early United States, from foreign policy and the Louisiana Purchase to the War of 1812, Benedict Arnold's betrayal, and the landmark decision in Marbury v. Madison. Through discussion and debate, participants will examine the motivations of the Founders, question their decisions, and consider how these pivotal events continue to influence America today.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS12526) 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 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS12626/HIS12726/HIS12826) THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1800

Drawing on his lineage as Thomas Jefferson's descendant, David Miller examines the pivotal Election of 1800 and its challenge to the peaceful transfer of power.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS12926) 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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS13026) THE SEVEN YEARS' WAR: Build-up through the War

Examine the role of the American colonies as extensions of European conflicts during the 16th century. The first class focuses on the contest for a continent involving three European powers - England, France, and Spain. The second concentrates on the Seven Years' (or French and Indian) War, which, some historians have maintained, marks the beginning of American (or, more accurately, at least in retrospect) United States History.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS13126) WATERGATE: THE POLITICAL SCANDAL THAT BROUGHT DOWN A PRESIDENT

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

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS13226) 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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS14026) 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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS322) ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION - 3 PART SERIES

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

The American Revolution had many causes, which originated during the colonial period and took many forms. This course, which may be the first in a (long) series, will examine the development of colonial politics, the impact of colonial wars, and the effects of the Great Awakening in creating a nascent sense of American distinctiveness that led finally to the Revolution.

Monday, June 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library