The amazing story of how the Philippines became one of only two countries in the world that was willing to take in thousands of German refugees (mostly Jewish) out of Germany during the Holocaust. Led by Colonel Dwight Eisenhower, the (then) new president of the Philippines and 5 brothers from Cincinnati who hatched a plan to bring people from Germany to Manila before the outbreak of World War II.

In addition, a close look at the Book of the Homeless, a compendium of fund-raising contributions by artists and authors published by Edith Wharton to aid refugees and victims of WWI. A commentary on her life, the ravages of war, insensitivity to refugees and its relevance to our world today.

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

From the development of the Interstate Highway System and the nation’s Electric Grid to the iconic architecture of Classic Railroad Stations and Major League Baseball Stadiums, both old and new, you'll uncover the stories behind the structures that shape our lives.

Instructor: Michael Martorelli has written more than a dozen articles for Financial History magazine and contributed three essays to the Essential Civil  War Curriculum (ECWC). He has also written for several websites and given presentations at DelVal University's CLR and several local libraries. He earned an MA in History from American Military University.

Discover how women have shaped American history through preservation, using it as a powerful tool for patriotism and civic identity since the early 1800s. This course explores how their efforts not only safeguarded historic sites but also highlighted women’s contributions to nation-building. Uncover the stories behind these preservation pioneers and their lasting impact on American culture.

Instructor: Cynthia Little, Ph.D. is a historian who has been involved with women's history and feminist causes since the 1970's. She co-founded Feminist Tours of Philadelphia in 1973, the first women's history tours in US and was one of the founders of National Women's History Month. She has a doctorate in history from Temple University. 

This course will examine the legacy of the Irish people in America, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Each week will focus on the lasting contributions of the Irish to the American landscape, including sports, politics, military, music, language, urbanization and more. Sláinte!

Instructor: Lindsay Voter is an educator and urban planner of Irish descent. You can usually find her in the children’s section of the library with her three little ones! 

Please join us for an afternoon steeped in Philadelphia baseball history. Learn about the progression of the Delaware Valley’s relationship with America’s pastime, beginning not too long after the Civil War and continuing through the 1970s. We will discuss the American League’s Philadelphia Athletics, Philadelphia's material presence in the Negro Leagues, and the formation and growth of the Philadelphia Phillies franchise. This experience is for baseball novices and experts alike! 

Presenter: Jeff Thomas has immersed himself in baseball since the age of seven. He is a student of the game and its rich history. Jeff has been a Phillies season ticket holder for 45+ years and has been attending games since 1964. Play Ball!! 

This 2-week hands-on workshop is designed for beginners interested in genealogy. Learn how to navigate Ancestry.com, search historical records, and create/build your family tree. Instructors will guide you through best practices. Participants will have dedicated time to explore Ancestry with assistance from instructors. The library will provide laptops to use.

Choose a 2-week session:

Session 1 - 6/6 & 6/13

Session 2 - 6/20 & 6/27

Instructors: 

Arlene Johnston is a retired IT consultant who taught/trained users on various types of software for many, many years. She is relatively new to genealogy.

Christine Aller is a retired software engineer and has over 40 years of experience in genealogy.

Central High School of Philadelphia was founded in 1836 as “the crowning glory” of Philadelphia Pennsylvania’s public school system, “the worthy apex to a noble pyramid”, and the first “high” school in the state. Enjoy the glorious history of the second oldest continuously operating public high school in the United States. The school opened on October 26, 1838, What followed is truly history!

Presenter: Jeff Thomas is a proud, active  member of the 233rd graduating class of Central High School. He has stayed in touch with Dear Old High for over 50 years. Jeff now serves as Central's Associate Archivist. 

In 2023 I visited the sites of Ancient Mexico: Teotihuacán, Uxmal, Palenque and Chichén Itzá, to name a few. I saw magnificent pyramids, palaces, ball courts and numerous beautiful artifacts. Astounding! Yet these civilizations, technologically advanced and militarily powerful as they were, suddenly vanished. How and why, and what lessons do they have for us today? It will be an amazing journey. 

Presenter: Ranjan Mukherjee Ph.D., has worked in the US pharmaceutical industry. After retiring he is living his dream as a writer, traveler, photographer and speaker. He gives educational and entertaining talks on his travels and experiences in different countries; Nepal, China, India, Canada and Mexico.