Course Offerings

9/17/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON ONLY

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and the British Monarchy - Part 1 of 3
Princess Elizabeth Met and Wed Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark (later Philip Mountbatten)

Teresa Marano - This session will examine the years of 1934-1960 as Elizabeth and Philip navigated courtship and marriage to become parents of two children before the tragedy of her father’s early death made Elizabeth Queen of Great Britain and its Commonwealth and derailed Philip’s naval career. Philip searched for his role as royal consort developing his own “blueprint” for that role.

9/23/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON & ONLINE
Origins and Problems in American Democracy - Part 1 of 3

Jon Carver - The beginning of this class will explore the roots of democratic thought going back to the ancient Greeks and especially discussing the practices of ancient democratic governments like Athens.We will also include a brief history of the Roman Republic before its changing into an imperial government.

9/24/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON ONLY
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and the British Monarchy - Part 2 of 3
Queen Elizabeth II “Ruled” and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (later Prince Philip) Accompanied

Teresa Marano - This session will examine the years of 1960-1997 as both Elizabeth and Philip struggled to balance their home life of four children with the demands of the monarchy. The growth of their children into adults presented them with grandchildren and with a public awareness of the marital discord and divorces among their children. In private Elizabeth consulted Philip while he advised her, but in public Philip simply accompanied her through tours of Great Britain, the Commonwealth, and the world.

9/25/2025 10 am - 12 pmIN PERSON & ONLINE
Origins and Problems in American Democracy - Part 2 of 3

Jon Carver - The second day of this class will explore the impact of the European Enlightenment on the creation of American Democracy. We will explore the ideas of John Locke and Rousseau and Voltaire, along with their ideas’ impact upon our Founding Fathers such as James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. We will explore the features of the United States Constitution and how its many features reflect the ideas of the Enlightenment.

9/26/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON & ONLINE 
Origins and Problems in American Democracy - Part 3 of 3

Jon Carver - The final day of the class will explore all aspects of America’s democratic principles and practices in today’s world. We will explore the strengths and weaknesses of current United States government policies as well as observe differences between intended purposes of our government structures and how they differ from actual practices being used. The class will finish with a critique of America’s potential problems and possible solutions to those problems.

9/30/2025 1 pm - 3 pm IN PERSON & ONLINE
“Betsy Ross’s Five Pointed Star, A Family View.”

Allan W. Harker - Elizabeth Claypoole’s third husband. She was known as “The widow Betsy Ross in June of 1776.”And in 1870, by statements from her Grand Children, was called the Maker of the First American Flag, 1776. I use my Uncle John Balderston Harker as my source to explain the story and give personal insight to the story. John Claypoole life is just as interesting and will be part of the talk. Also, we will make a five pointed star with one snip of a scissor.

10/1/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON ONLY 
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and the British Monarchy - Part 3 of 3

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Joined Together

Teresa Marano - This session will examine the years of 1997-2022 as Elizabeth and Philip became icons of marriage endurance while becoming great grandparents at home and continuing to support each other and the British nation. The couple celebrated publicly their Diamond wedding anniversary but privately celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary as Philip retired from public life. Elizabeth carried on alone at Prince Philip’s funeral and after his death until her own death on 8 September 2022.

10/3/2025 1 pm - 3 pm IN PERSON & ONLINE 
Pop Goes the Culture: BGSU and the Rise of Popular Culture Studies

Charles A. Coletta - This presentation will provide an overview of the central role BGSU has played in the creation and perpetuation of Popular Culture Studies throughout academia. We shall discuss the legacy of Dr. Ray Browne and his belief that examining "the culture of everyday life" is vital to understanding both the past and our contemporary society. This lecture will highlight some of the key concepts and theories used to contemplate our Pop Culture.

10/6/2025 10 am - 11 am IN PERSON & ONLINE
Climate Change

Robert R. Speers - There is evidence of climate change (warming of the temperature of the atmosphere).Evidence of an increase in the temperature of the atmosphere will be presented, and what is being done to decrease the increase will be presented.

10/8/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON ONLY
Diana and Charles and Camilla: A Whirlwind Upsetting the Monarchy - Part 1 of 3

Prince Charles: “Action Man” and/or British Romeo

Teresa Marano - This course will examine Prince Charles' future as king of Great Britain during the 70’s decade. He learned duty and public commitment from his parents as a child. Then as an adult, his naval career demonstrated that duty and public commitment to his future role as king of Great Britain. While that career took precedence professionally for Charles, the press emphasized his image of “Action Man” and of the carefree bachelor pursuing potential candidates for his perfect royal bride.

10/15/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON ONLY
Diana and Charles and Camilla: A Whirlwind Upsetting the Monarchy - Part 2 of 3

Diana and Charles: The “Perfect” Royal Match

Teresa Marano - This course will examine how Charles and Diana met, married, produced an heir and a spare, and seemed to work together professionally meeting obligations of the monarchy. Although not an “arranged” marriage, the marriage of Charles and Diana was a royal one sanctioned by the monarchy and its dissolution caused alarm among the press and the public about the future of the British monarchy. After their much publicized breakup and divorce, both continued in their individual private and public commitments. Diana’s death brought an end to her physical presence in the world, but her memory has endured.

10/17/2025 11 am - 12 pm IN PERSON & ONLINE
The United States National Parks

Dr. Thomas Dence - I have a large assortment of photographs taken at many of the national parks, and some from equally photogenic natural attractions. I will be able, I hope, to tell you which parks to go to, when to go, how to get there, and what you might wish to do there.

10/22/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON ONLY
Diana and Charles and Camilla: A Whirlwind Upsetting the Monarchy - Part 3 of 3

Charles and Camilla: A New Royal Team

Teresa Marano - This course will examine how the reuniting of Charles and Camilla nearly brought the collapse of the British monarchy. After meeting and dating in the early 70’s, Charles and Camilla parted. Much to the dismay of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, a subsequent reigniting of their affair played out in the British and international press. Their “love story” culminated with marriage in 2005, coronation in 2023, and Camilla's support of Charles through his on-going heath battle. That on-going mutual support has helped to “reimage” the British monarchy.

10/24/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON ONLY
La Chasse-Galerie and other Ghost Canoe Stories

Nestor Rave - The Great Lakes are home to a rich maritime history, including fascinating stories of ghost ships. These tales are deeply embedded in the regional folk culture and often stem from real-life shipwrecks and tragedies. The presentation discusses selected ghost ship stories that are deeply ingrained in maritime culture and associated with the Great Lakes region.

10/28/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON & ONLINE
Amusement Park Enthusiast

Dan Bennett - A look into the experiences of an amusement park enthusiast. This will include personal experiences of visiting amusement parks and getting involved with opportunities to support charities.

10/30/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN-PERSON
Introduction to AI: Everyday Tools for Life After 55

Julie Hamann - Understand what AI is (in plain language), Try out simple, safe AI tools for daily life, Create something fun (poem, letter, or image) with AI, Learn safety tips to recognize scams and protect privacy.

11/3/2025 10 am - 12pm IN PERSON & ONLINE
Alternatives to Nursing Homes

Jennifer Wagner - The term “nursing home” often comes with negative images and stereotypes. There are also a number of options for those who need assistance that can be received at home or in alternative living options such as independent living and assisted living. This program will discuss those options as well as review the role that Medicare and Medicaid play in paying for services.

11/7/2025 10 am - 12 pm IN PERSON & ONLINE
Lakes Shore Electric Railway

Alyson Wilson - From 1900 to 1930, the Lake Shore Electric Railway operated routes from Cleveland to Detroit, via Avon Lake, Lorain, Vermilion, Huron, Sandusky, and Toledo. This program is loaded with photos and videos of trains and stations, past and present, and also includes Milan, Berlin Heights, Bellevue, and Monroeville. This is an encore presentation of Huron Historical Society's "America 250-Ohio" program.

ElderCollege Class Modes

IN PERSON & ONLINE - Two simultaneous sections available. One face to face and one via zoom.
IN PERSON  - Face to face section.
ONLINE - Class meets online via Zoom.
FIELD TRIP  - Class will be held at a designated location.

Please Note: IN PERSON ONLY SECTIONS - WILL NOT BE RECORDED