History
Benjamin Franklin: First American
Keith Preston, M.A.T.,
Upper School social sciences teacher
Inventor, abolitionist, writer, humorist, and “founding father” Benjamin Franklin lived a long and storied life. This course will be filled with fabulous anecdotes and little-known contributions of the creator of Poor Richard’s Almanac. But who is the real man behind the curtain? Come laugh, smile, ponder, and admire the man known throughout the world as an American original.
9:05 – 9:55am, two-week course
Hollywood Does History
Richard Eisenauer,
Middle School social studies teacher
In film, what does “based on a true story” really mean? How factual are the story lines to many of the films that we have accepted as being true? Come explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of history according to Hollywood. All too often a film will change the facts for purposes of the story but still provide valuable illustrations of historical events. Oral presentations together with clips from both classic films and recent releases will attempt to explain the many reasons for the decisions of filmmakers.
10:10 – 11:00am, two-week course
The Great Race
Howard Bay, M.A.,
Upper School social sciences teacher
As Americans brace for the upcoming presidential elections, let’s travel back in time to relive some of the most controversial campaigns in our nation’s history. Why did it take 36 ballots to break the tie so that Thomas Jefferson could become president? What Republican president did not even appear on the ballot in over 25 percent of the states? How many candidates have won the popular vote but not the presidency? From corrupt bargains to hanging chads, the surprising stories of how we nominate, rally around, and elect our chief executive make for grand theater. Can this November’s race be as riveting as the eleven that make up our list? Come and find out.
11:15am – 12:05pm, two-week course
Understanding the Civil War
Keith Preston, M.A.T.,
Upper School social sciences teacher
Few subjects have inspired as many books, films, and debates as the American Civil War. Its impact is felt today in our culture and politics as well as our perception of some our most famous historical characters. Participants will find that this is not the usual repetition of battles and generals but a more in-depth look at the people, attitudes, and historical legacy of the most far-reaching era in United States history. This course will prove fascinating to the novice and Civil War buff alike.
2:15 – 3:05pm, two-week course
Will Rogers: He Was America
Henry Hamlin, professional photographer
During the 1930s, Will Rogers was an unparalleled American figure: a humorist whose homespun style and shrewd judgments of the foibles of man made his newspaper column and radio program beloved by millions. We will follow the life story of this gum-chewing cowboyphilosopher who called the shots as he saw them and seldom missed a chance to poke fun at hypocrisy, smugness, and greed whenever he found them. We will view portions of his most popular films — ones that helped make Rogers a beloved hero.
3:20 – 4:10pm, one-week course,
offered each week
The People and Times
of Mary Baker Eddy
Howard Bay, M.A.,
Upper School social sciences teacher
Mary Baker Eddy kept a keen eye on the national and world scenes. To gain a broader perspective of our Leader, let’s examine key moments in her life in the context of the political and cultural events of the day. Let’s learn about some of the key people of our Leader’s time. The juxtaposition of timelines will stimulate our thinking about the world Mrs. Eddy lived in and her response to it.
3:20 – 4:10pm, two-week course
