Explore the ideas that shaped American democracy through key founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This series also examines debates about government in The Federalist Papers and Brutus No. 1. Discussions will connect these founding ideas to later struggles for justice, including Letter from Birmingham City Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Presenter: Jules Mermelstein is a retired UDT Commissioner, criminal defense attorney, teacher of history, government and constitutional law, and ACLU volunteer attorney. He is currently serving as a Vice-Chair of the Montgomery Bar Association's Government Relations Committee. He welcomes thoughtful discussion and encourages you to bring your questions.

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.

This course is a continuation of the Spring 2026 course. Newcomers and previous attendees welcome.

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

Examine women’s roles in shaping civic culture from 1876–1976 through major civic celebrations. The course highlights how exhibitions and programs showcasing women’s contributions to nation-building inspired the growth of women-led educational, political, and social service organizations.

Presenter: Dr. Cynthia Little has researched and spoken about women’s history in Philadelphia since 1972. She co-founded Feminist Tours of Philadelphia and helped found Women’s History Month. She holds a doctorate in history from Temple University and has worked as a public historian in archives and museums.

This course examines how cabinet members and advisors shaped the presidencies of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Donald Trump. Participants will explore the qualities of effective cabinets and their impact on the nation’s economy, national security, and constitutional democracy.

Presenter: David Starfield is a retired attorney and recipient of the following awards: “Life Fellow” by the ABA’s American Bar Foundation; Super Lawyer by Philadelphia Magazine; “Instructor of the Year” by a banking trade organization; and SBA's “Financial Services Champion of the Year.” He currently enjoys lecturing about current events and American history.

This course explores the enduring tension between philosophical ideals and the practical realities that shape society. Through lively discussion, this class invites you to question why philosophy dares to propose—and why reality so often disposes of those ideals. Previous attendance at philosophy classes is a benefit, but newcomers are welcome.

Presenter: Michael Heinsdorf, BA (Muhlenberg College, University of Goettingen) MDiv, STM, MA, is an ordained clergyman, former German instructor at Northeast High School and adjunct at LaSalle University. His focus is on a contemporary religious paradigm for our time.

NO CLASS 6/11 

Alfred Thayer Mahan has been called "the most important American strategist of the nineteenth century" regarding his influential theories of sea power, American imperialism, and early twentieth‑century geopolitics. The course examines how Mahan’s ideas shaped U.S. naval strategy, foreign policy, and global power competition, as well as their enduring influence and critiques.

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

NO CLASS 6/18

This course explores four fascinating topics of the American Revolution: George Washington at Valley Forge, the Battle of Brandywine, the Marquis de Lafayette, and General “Mad Anthony” Wayne.  Gain a deeper understanding of the period and its historical context through these events and figures.

Presenter: David Hudiak is a retired attorney with over forty years of teaching experience.  He is a faculty member of Widener University's Osher Lifelong Learning Program, where he lectures in the areas American History and Government.  He holds a B. A. in Political Science from Haverford College and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

Unpack the stories behind how state boundaries were drawn, exploring the mix of politics, geography, compromise, and chance that shaped today’s map. Learn why some borders follow natural features while others don’t, and uncover surprising decisions and historical moments that influenced where lines were finally drawn.

Presenter: Michael Martorelli spent more than 50 years in the investment industry and holds an M.A. in History. Over the past decade, he has researched, written, and spoken on a range of historical topics.