No class 3/16 & 3/23

In the 20th century, European and Ottoman empires declined as the United States rose to global influence. While often voicing opposition to colonialism, the U.S. exerted its own power abroad. In competition with Russian and Chinese expansion, ideas of “American Exceptionalism” promoted democratic ideals overseas, even as racism, fascism, and prejudice persisted at home. This course examines forces such as Manifest Destiny, slavery, immigration exclusion, McCarthyism, the Cold War, and the policies of leaders including Kissinger, Cheney, and Trump.

Presenter: Steve Pollack lectures on culture, history, music and art in area schools, libraries, and community & continuing education groups.

CHOOSE A SESSION: MONDAYS OR THURSDAYS (No class 3/12 & 4/2)

Learn, discuss, and ask questions about the history and structure of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitutional Convention, and common arguments, misconceptions, and key details related to specific Articles and Amendments. By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply their knowledge of the Constitution to current events.

Presenter: Jules Mermelstein is a retired UDT Commissioner, criminal defense attorney, teacher of history, gov't and constitutional law, and ACLU volunteer attorney. He currently serves on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Law Related Education Committee and the Montgomery Bar Association's Government Relations Committee. He loves class discussions and any questions you have.

NO CLASS THU 4/2

Examine the movement of people and goods around the Commonwealth from colonial times to today. We'll cover the progressive use of Indian trails, wider but unimproved roads, rivers and canals, trains of all kinds, and limited access highways.

Presenter: Michael Martorelli is a researcher, writer and speaker focused on many aspects of American History. He has written articles and book reviews for Financial History magazine and essays for several websites. He has given presentations at Del Val's CLR and several local libraries. He earned an MA in History from American Military University.

NO CLASS FRI 4/3

This engaging class explores pivotal moments of the Civil War during the critical years of 1862–1863. Topics include Grant’s campaign at Chattanooga, the war’s diplomatic challenges, the growing role of African Americans in the Union Army, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, and the often-overlooked naval war.

Presenter: James Brown was born in central Pennsylvania and is a West Point grad with a Masters in American History from the University of Pennsylvania. He had 2 great grandfathers who fought in the Civil War and has traced their battle journeys and visited battlefields where they fought.

NO CLASS FRI 3/13 OR 4/3

Discover the most fascinating turning points of the last century—from World War I to the rise of modern China—in this engaging, easy-to-follow class designed for curious lifelong learners. All are welcome; no previous attendance necessary.

Presenter: Joseph Eble is a career Naval officer followed by over 20 years teaching at the college level. He has Masters degrees from Temple University and the Naval War College.

Discover the vibrant musical traditions born in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, once one of the most dynamic jazz centers in America. This lecture/performance explores the Hill’s legacy as a cultural powerhouse through its history, recordings, and live performances. 

Presenter: Walt Beier studied with saxophonist Nathan Davis at the University of Pittsburgh School of Music, and performed with Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, and at the Montreux Jazz Festival.