Lectures

History’s Mysteries: Myths & Legends

By Herb Kaufman

September 16, 2 p.m.

(Bradford Movie Theater)

Was there really a Lady Godiva? How many Salem witches were burned at the stake? Did Robin Hood save King Richard? When did King Arthur live? Through the years, personalities and stories such as these have become the “things of legend” with many resulting in books and movies that help to convince the public these were actual people and that the events truly happened. We’ll focus on these legends of mysterious, misrepresented and often wholly created incidents and events.

Local Landmarks: Eastern State Penitentiary

By Jodi Wendl September 13, 2 p.m. (Ashcroft Movie Theater)

Once hailed as a breakthrough in criminal justice, Eastern State Penitentiary has a fascinating history, dating back to the 19th century. We’ll delve into the history of the institution, its impact on Philadelphia and the criminal justice system. We’ll also enjoy a glimpse into a few of its most infamous inmates, including Al Capone. Jodi is a lifelong learning lecturer who calls Norristown home.

HHHHH The 6 Most & Least Successful Commanders in Chief By Dr. Greg Ferro

October 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., noon lunch break (Bradford Movie Theater)

Like it or not, our nation’s commander in chief has final responsibility for actions taken by the U.S. Military. So, what has distinguished the most successful presidents as commanders –McKinley, Wilson, FDR, Truman and Eisenhower – from the less successful set of Madison, McKinley, Wilson, JFK and Nixon? Was it solely the strength of their opponents and their ability to limit losses? We’ll explore these and related questions in examining the criteria used to judge the military prowess of our president – providing perspective on our current scenario.

Les Misérables: Masterpiece of Brawn & Rapture By Karl Middleman

October 24, 2 p.m. (Bradford Movie Theater)

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, “Les Mis” tells an enthralling story of sacrifice and redemption. 130 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages have seen the show. We’ll peek behind the curtain of the world’s most popular musical. In the process, we’ll examine French realism in painting and literature as well as sample selections from the film with its unforgettable portrayals by Jackman, Crowe and Hathaway. Experience the power of the revolution. As both a conductor and educator, Karl Middleman is a maestro at mixing scholarship and showmanship. He teaches at Temple and at the Chautauqua Institute.

A Mütter on the Road Presentation: Civil War Medicine

by Marcy Engleman October 25, 2 p.m. (Bradford Movie Theater)

The role and practice of medicine in the Civil War had a dramatic impact on modern medicine. Together, we’ll explore these inventions and developments, including ambulances and the birth of specialty medicine. Marcy Engleman is the Mütter Museum Educator.

Security in Our Electronic World By Lee Berg

October 29, 1 – 3 p.m. (Bradford Movie Theater)

Chances are good your personal information may have been compromised during the 2017 Equifax data breach. Unbeknown to many, this is true even if you never used a computer to apply for credit. In fact, statistics show many never checked to see if their data was part of the compromise. We’ll review how to find out if you were impacted and what to do if so. Related to this topic, we’ll also cover computer security, telephone/computer scams, Ransomware, and more. Arm yourself with the latest intel.

History’s Mysteries: The Colonial Era

By Herb Kaufman November 12, 2 p.m. (Bradford Movie Theater)

Did Molly Pitcher really fire a cannon? Did George Washington honestly have wooden teeth? Where did Paul Revere actually ride? What really happened on the Fourth of July? Fueled by the entertainment value and online convenience, legends and lore have become a significant part of our American history, particularly when it comes to the colonial era. We’ll identify these mysterious and misrepresented events – revealing the truth they never taught you in high school.

14 Interesting Appointments to the Supreme Court (1930-2019)

By Dr. Greg Ferro December 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., noon lunch break (Ashcroft Movie Theater)

Talk about an intriguing group! Appointments include the first woman, the first Italian and a nominee who was forced to quit the KKK (before the Senate gave him the job for life). We’ll examine the impact that these and other appointments had on our country. Our discussion will serve as a reminder that the Supreme Court – not the President and Congress – decided Roe vs. Wade, Bush vs. Gore, and Citizens United.